SeaWorld US has announced that it will stop breeding orcas as of right now, saying that "times have changed"!

It's a great day for animals and for people power! Thanks to the tireless campaigning of animal protection groups around the world, continued public pressure and dropping attendance rates, SeaWorld US has announced that this generation of captive orcas will be its last.

Since the Blackfish documentary showed the world the sad story of Tilikum, a male orca at SeaWorld US, there has been a noticeable change in the public's perception of orcas in captivity. Orcas like Tilikum are highly intelligent and have needs that simply cannot be met in captivity. In the wild they form strong familial bonds and can travel hundreds of kilometres in a single day. A life in a tank, performing for visitors is no life at all -- and thankfully no more orcas will be born into this at SeaWorld US!

This incredible news shows what can be achieved when people make a choice based on their values. Caring individuals demanded more for orcas, and SeaWorld US has responded. There is no doubt that orcas suffer in captivity but they aren't the only ones. Whilst we don't have any captive orcas here in Australia, a tank is not a natural environment for a dolphin, seal, shark or penguin either. Find out what you need to know about marine parks and aquariums before planning your next trip.

Here's to a day when all orcas get to be like this:

Munchkin have stopped making their popular orca bath toy. Why? "Because a bathtub isn't big enough for an orca."

YESSS Munchkin. Watch this heart-warming ad they made which shows the relationship children should have with animals ...

If, like the kid in this video, you know that the only place for an orca is in the ocean, join over a thousand others on Unleashed who've pledged to never visit a place that keeps orcas or other marine animals in captivity.

Wondering what's wrong with marine parks and aquariums? Here's 5 reasons animals don't belong in tanks.

SeaWorld trainer Barbie is out of a job. Mattel has decided they will no longer produce the SeaWorld trainer Barbie range. Growing public awareness that a tank is no place to keep an orca has seen a drop in SeaWorld's popularity and this news would suggest that Barbie has decided she too no longer wants to be associated with SeaWorld cruelty. You go Babs.

Sadly however, this means Barbie is out of a job! So I've taken it upon myself to come up with some opportunities for Barbie to consider where she can make a positive difference for animals :)

Marine biologist Barbie

Because working with FREE whales is heaps cooler.

Animal shelter-hand Barbie

Local shelters are always in need of an extra hand. And the countless cats and dogs that find themselves there are always in need of a little extra love.

Vegan cupcake chef Barbie

Delicious and cruelty-free. Foster kitty sous chef optional ;)

Minister for Animal Welfare Barbie

A professional voice for animals topped with stylish business bob.

Animal sanctuary volunteer Barbie

Probs wouldn't wear that dress to pick up elephant poo but that's Barbie I suppose.

Wherever Barbie's future takes her, I hope she finds happiness in a career that doesn't involve exploiting animals. If any of Barbie's animal-friendly jobs appealed to you, perhaps a career in animal protection is up your alley :) You might like to check out EthicalJobs.com to discover the range of opportunities available. (We post job opportunities here at Animals Australia on there too.) Alternatively, volunteering is always a good way to get started in animal protection so try seekvolunteer or get in touch with animal groups or shelters in your area.

P.S. Want to know more about why SeaWorld is no place for a marine animal? Click here.

I'll admit, sometimes it's hard to tell if a shark is happy or sad. (Well, except for Bruce.) But I can tell you, that a tank is not nearly as much fun as the ocean for any marine animal. Here's 5 reasons to avoid marine parks and aquariums:

1. Because sad seals sucks.

2. Because if we love them we should leave them alone.

[Read enough? Make the pledge to never attend a marine park or aquarium now.]

3. Because it's just not natural.

4. Because orcas don't deserve to have their babies taken away from them.

5. Because by simply not attending a marine park or aquarium you can help end this cruelty!

These places only exist to "entertain" us. So if we don't go, they can't continue to exist. What's more, it's way cooler to interact with marine animals in their natural habitat. Check out these lucky tourists hanging out with a mother and baby whale :)

Do you know another reason not to attend a marine park or aquarium? Pop it in the comments below.