SeaWorld killer whale ban elicits heated debate

State lawmakers are considering a bill that would ban SeaWorld from using killer whales in any of its California shows and dismantle the San Diego theme park's captive breeding program.

The bill will be heard in an Assembly committee Tuesday, as activists from both sides testify on the intensely lobbied legislation.

The idea for AB2140 by Santa Monica Democrat Richard Bloom was sparked by the 2013 documentary "Blackfish," which questions whether killer whales - also known as orcas - should be kept in captivity and highlights the injuries and deaths to trainers who have worked with the animals.

The bill would also ban the import or export of orcas in the state and requires the 10 orcas currently at SeaWorld's San Diego site to be on display in larger "sea pens" if available.

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