Summary
In 2011, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) filed a complaint for declaratory and injunctive relief against Sea World in the US District Court Southern District of California on behalf of five orca whales, Tilikum, Katina, Corky, Kasatka and Ulises, living in captivity at Sea World. The five orcas were the Plaintiffs in the lawsuit. PETA claimed Sea World’s holding of wild-captured orcas violated the 13th amendment of the US constitution, which prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude. PETA alleged that their confinement suppresses the “Plaintiffs’ cultural traditions and deprives them of the ability to make conscious choices and of the environmental enrichment required to stimulate Plaintiffs mentally and physically for their well-being.” (2). However, the court ruled that PETA had no standing because the 13th amendment only applies to humans.
Suggested Citation:
Kauffman, Craig, Catherine Haas, Alex Putzer, Shrishtee Bajpai, Kelsey Leonard, Elizabeth Macpherson, Pamela Martin, Alessandro Pelizzon & Linda Sheehan. Eco Jurisprudence Monitor. V2. 2025. Distributed by the Eco Jurisprudence Monitor.https://ecojurisprudence.org/initiatives/tilikum-v-sea-world-parks-and-entertainment/.
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