Tom Daley causes outrage for starring in SeaWorld advert

Olympian Tom Daley has caused outrage after appearing in an advert for controversial theme park SeaWorld.

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by Ellie Hooper |
Published on

In a clip from the advertisement, Tom is transformed into a shark using body paint - in a bid to raise awareness for how important the animals are to the ocean’s ecosystem.

But despite Daley obviously having animals in mind by getting on board with the project, SeaWorld have a controversial history when it comes to the ocean’s creatures.

Documentary Black Fish documented the treatment of killer whales at SeaWorld, and the deaths of several trainers including Dawn Brancheau
Documentary Black Fish documented the treatment of killer whales at SeaWorld, and the deaths of several trainers including Dawn Brancheau

The documentary Black Fish, made in 2013, was what first brought the unethical treatment of killer whales at the parks to mainstream attention - with the fish being captured from the ocean while babies and then kept in horrendous conditions.

"SeaWorld confines social and self-aware animals to tiny pools with chemically treated water where they are forced to perform silly tricks. If the company were a true conservation organisation, it would have already released these animals to appropriate sanctuaries.

Tom Daley wanted to raise awareness for the importance of sharks

“We commend Tom's desire to save sharks and will be in touch with him to urge him to support conservation efforts that actually help protect fish instead of corporations that exploit animals for profit.

“SeaWorld is currently embroiled in "Seagate" after its corporate espionage campaign – with agents sent to spy on animal-protection advocates and egg them on to commit violent, illegal acts – was exposed."

Tom Daley has yet to comment on the backlash.

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