Krysten Ritter Tells SeaWorld: Free the Orcas!

Jessica Jones actor Krysten Ritter has proved that she’s a real-life superhero for animals by starring in a new PETA US campaign urging SeaWorld to free the orcas imprisoned in its tiny tanks.

In a new print ad shot by famous underwater photographer Michael Muller, the beautiful actor – made famous by her role in Breaking Bad – floats inside a tank in a black-and-white bikini, mirroring the reality of SeaWorld’s long-suffering captive orcas.

Orcas imprisoned at SeaWorld swim endlessly in circles, break their teeth by gnawing on metal tank bars, and are often given the drug diazepam to manage stress-induced, aggressive psychotic behaviour. In this behind-the-scenes interview from her photo shoot, Ritter says:

“Orcas are meant to swim for 100 miles a day. They would have to swim back and forth 3,100 times in their tank to make up for that exercise.”

She also explains that orcas have complex communication systems and typically spend their entire lives in close-knit family groups – but at SeaWorld, families are torn apart and orcas are housed with incompatible tankmates. She adds:

“They are paired with other orcas who maybe don’t even speak their same language. It would be like you and I trapped in a bathtub and you spoke French and I spoke English. There [would be] no way for us to communicate.”

Ritter has previously starred in several campaigns for PETA US, and now she joins a long list of celebrities – including Jason Biggs, Lily Tomlin, Joan Jett, Tommy Lee, Bob Barker, Joanna Krupa, and Laura Vandervoort – who have teamed up with PETA US to speak out against abusement parks that keep intelligent marine mammals in captivity.

SeaWorld must retire all orcas to seaside sanctuaries without delay.

For more information, please visit PETA US’ website SeaWorldOfHurt.com.