Bella Thorne is stepping into the director’s shoes for a powerful new campaign that highlights the plight of animals in captivity, even taking on the role of an orca whale.
The 27-year-old former Disney star has collaborated once again with PETA to discourage visits to marine parks, particularly targeting SeaWorld.
“Partnering with PETA has given me a voice to raise awareness about important issues, and I’m passionate about advocating for causes I believe in,” she shared.
In one gripping black-and-white video, Thorne immerses herself underwater, embodying a captive orca. She expresses, “So desperate to escape, I chew metal bars and ram into concrete walls… I’m a prisoner.” Her raw portrayal seeks to illuminate the emotional struggle of these animals confined for entertainment.
The scrutiny on SeaWorld intensified following the 2013 documentary Blackfish, which exposed the harsh realities of whale captivity, leading to ongoing protests against the company’s practices.
Since then, SeaWorld has ceased its orca breeding program and stopped live orca shows at its San Diego location. Currently, it has five orcas left across its parks.
However, advocates like PETA argue that these whales still suffer in small, shallow pools, leading to harmful behaviors and risking their safety and that of their trainers.
While SeaWorld claims its educational shows provide insight into animal conservation, Thorne counters that the reality of keeping orcas and dolphins in captivity is heartbreaking, as they’re intelligent, social creatures meant to roam free.
“The exploitation of these beings for profit is inhumane,” Thorne stated. “Learning about their suffering motivated me to use my platform to expose the truth. It’s essential to inform the public to enact real change.”
In her video, she also addresses unethical practices at SeaWorld, including forced breeding and the trauma experienced by animals like Shamu, whose mother was killed during her capture.
“The key message is that animals are not here for our entertainment. They deserve the right to live freely in their natural habitats,” she emphasized.
Thorne concluded with a call to action, encouraging people to reconsider their support for places like SeaWorld, which she believes perpetuate animal abuse. “Your voice and daily choices matter,” she said.
“I hope viewers will engage with my videos and take action by visiting PETA’s site to urge SeaWorld to stop breeding these animals and provide them with the retirement they deserve. Together, let’s advocate for a better world for all living creatures.”