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US case Tilikum v. Sea World Parks and Entertainment

United States of America
California
Rejected in 2012
Case
Animal Rights, Rights Of Nature
Wild-captured orcas
Animal
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)
NGO

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.

To see the original legal document(s) for this initiative, click the links below:

Tilikum v. Sea World Parks and Entertainment [PDF]

To see other supplementary information related to this initiative, click the links below:

Summary of Case
PETA Summary
CNN - PETA lawsuit alleges SeaWorld enslaves killer whales

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