Channel Seven’s breakfast show Sunrise has been slammed on social media by multiple fans over its decision to film at Sea World this week.
Although not connected to America’s SeaWorld, the Gold Coast park has garnered similar allegations of animal cruelty for its live shows and captivity practices.
Sunrise was heavily criticised on Facebook Tuesday, after sharing a post from the resort, with some fans even pledging to stop watching the program.
‘Won’t be watching anymore’: Channel Seven’s breakfast show Sunrise has been slammed on social media by multiple fans, over its decision to film at Sea World this week
Their post featured a video clip of hosts Sam Armytage, David Koch, Natalie Barr and Mark Beretta seated by the water, with dolphins swimming in the background.
‘Tomorrow we’re continuing our birthday celebrations at Sea World and you’re invited to join us at the world famous park for FREE! See you there,’ they wrote.
The most liked comment came from a Facebook page called Sea World SHUT DOWN, which didn’t hold back in slamming the program.
‘Sea World are sick, disgusting, evil animal abusers using captive dolphins to make money. ‘You should be ashamed of yourselves going to this aquaprison,’ they wrote.
The post: Their post featured a video clip of hosts Sam Armytage, David Koch, Natalie Barr and Mark Beretta seated by the water, with dolphins swimming in the background
‘Dolphins belong in the ocean travelling far and wide, happy in their family pods not stuck in a swimming pool 24/7 having to beg for dead fish but only getting it if they do tricks. #SHAME.’
Another noted: ‘Great way to support captivity of dolphins and orcas, the inhuman way they’re captured, tortured Wont be watching sunrise anymore!!’
‘Seriously supporting animal exploitation channel 7 and sunrise! Say no to animal cruelty don’t buy a ticket!’ said another.
‘Sea World are disgusting’: The most liked comment came from a Facebook page called Sea World SHUT DOWN, which didn’t hold back in slamming the program
Brutal! ‘You should be ashamed of yourselves going to this aquaprison’ one viewer wrote
One viewer directed their criticism at the attendees as opposed to the network, beginning their comment: ‘wake up Australia.’
‘You have the most incredible sea life surrounding your beautiful coasts yet have a Sea World with captive sea creatures.’
‘Let those who want to view these incredible creatures out in freedom of the seas where they belong. This is just so wrong and so tragic.’
Boycot: Another noted: ‘Great way to support captivity of dolphins and orcas, the inhuman way they’re captured, tortured Wont be watching sunrise anymore!!’
Not happy! This Facebook user insisted they’d no longer be watching the show
On the other hand, several viewers rushed to support Channel Seven, defending the show and Sea World in their replies.
‘Just enjoy being close to the animals. They dont look unhappy,’ one wrote.
Another quipped: ‘Ohh the tree huggers are here already (laughing emojis).’
Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Sea World and Sunrise for comment.
Defense: On the other hand, several viewers rushed to support Channel Seven, defending the show and Sea World in their replies
‘They don’t look unhappy’: ‘Just enjoy being close to the animals. They dont look unhappy,’ one wrote
In reply, A Sea World representative shared a link to a site they said contains ‘their position’ on the criticism.
‘We have a strong reputation for caring for marine animals, along with an exemplary record of animal care, research and rescue accomplishments,’ the site reads.
‘On average Bottlenose Dolphins can live to 23 – 30 years of age in the wild dependent on their environmental threats, but at Sea World we have had some Dolphins live to be beyond 50 years of age.’
Response: In Sea World’s reply they shared: ‘We have a strong reputation for caring for marine animals, along with an exemplary record of animal care, research and rescue accomplishments,’