I was the kid who loved Sea World.  I had Sea World Barbie and read every book I could get my hands on about sea life.

I grew up believing I would be a marine biologist, until one fateful year when I took … Chemistry.  Today, I have to admit I’m very happy that math kept me from realizing my childhood dream of being a dolphin/whale trainer at Sea World. Sometimes what we want to be as children is not in line with who we want to be as adults.

Now, I love my new suede boots.  I am pretty much the opposite of a vegetarian. And as much as I love my dog, she is my pet and even my friend, but, sorry Mom, she is NOT my sister.  I don’t think anyone would say I wasn’t an animal lover, but I am certainly not an animal rights activist.

Still, the death this week of Bubbles, Sea World’s oldest pilot whale, reminded me how glad I am that the park will be ending its breeding program and live shows.

Sea World has been in turmoil for years now because of multiple attacks on trainers that have caused injuries and even deaths — the subject of a damaging 2013 documentary, Blackfish. This has been a PR nightmare, to say the least, and one that no amount of spin could overcome. Add in the shifting public view of organizations that put animals on display, and the end seemed inevitable. (Sea World isn’t the only one; Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus has retired its elephants – and is under public pressure to do the same for all its animal acts.)

Public pressure to make changes will always be a factor for any company. And the internet has obviously tremendously increased that pressure. The fact is, the internet has not only brought increased knowledge about and sensitivity to the natural world; it has also brought greater awareness of the plight of those whales and elephants. It is no longer considered acceptable entertainment to keep animals captive and train them to do amusing or amazing tricks; it is now viewed as exploitation.

Sea World was faced with denials of permits for its breeding programs and shows and really had no choice but to give them up. So, what’s next for the park? With its soon-to-be opened Mako coaster, the tallest, fastest, and longest coaster in Orlando, Sea World could possibly become a more traditional theme park. But Surrounding the Mako coaster are digital platforms that educate guests about sharks and how they live in the wild.  And world-renowned marine artist and conservationist Dr. Guy Harvey has provided a massive mural in the Mako realm, along with videos of his shark expeditions. So the park seems to be trying to stay true to its educational mission.

 But what about the whales — some as young as 1 year, with their entire lives ahead of them — Sea World already has in captivity, with no possibility of being released into the wild? I’m no Dr. Dolittle, but I can’t imagine that life in a cement pool is much better than a life of performing.  And judging by social media commentary on Bubbles’s life and death, I’m not the only one.

Maybe Sea World should put at least some of its resources to use improving the lives and habitats of those sad captured whales. That would go a long way toward recouping its reputation.