Rumors swirl around Haichang Ocean Park, whispers of lipstick on belugas and bulimic orcas. But let’s dive deeper than the tabloids. Haichang Ocean Park, opened in 2018, boasts a conch-shaped amphitheater. Four orcas, captured from Russian waters, perform there daily. These magnificent creatures, capable of swimming 100 miles a day in the wild, now find themselves in a concrete world. One orca, known as Cookie, has given birth twice in captivity. Sadly, her first calf died shortly after birth. The second calf, though alive, was rejected by Cookie and is being raised by hand. This lack of maternal instinct highlights the harsh realities of captivity. Cookie, taken from her family too young, never learned the essential skills of motherhood from her pod. She lives with other young orcas, equally deprived of their natural social structures. The park advertises its shows as educational and claims they fund conservation. However, critics argue these performances mislead the public and inflict stress on the animals. One scientist observed an orca swallowing a rope and vomiting, a disturbing sign of distress. Haichang Ocean Park is part of a larger boom in China’s marine park industry. Over 1,000 whales and dolphins live in over 80 facilities across the country. This growing industry fuels a concerning demand for wild-caught orcas. This impacts not only the captured whales but also the families left behind. The future of these orcas, and the health of wild populations, hangs in the balance. The question remains: does entertainment justify the cost to these intelligent and social creatures?
Jishan Hill
High above the bustling city Jishan Hill stands proud. Its name echoes through time a testament to the renowned writer