News: Marine World plans to import orca By Aaron

Aug. 5th, 2004 -- Six Flags Marine World is seeking to a second orca to the park. Marine World already has Shouka, a female orca, who is one of the primary attractions at the park. Now Joe Meck, the park's general manager, is trying to import Kshamenk, a sixteen year-old orca from a park in Argentina. He says that the purpose of acquiring Kshamenk would be for research and breeding, although entertainment could be another role. However, the plan has angered many animal rights groups, who charge that Kshamenk was illegally captured. According to the Humane Society, the owner of Mundo Marino used boats to force Kshamenk and three other whales ashore. Other animal rights groups report that Kshamenk is acting distressed as a result of his captivity. Meck announced he will seek a permit to import the whale from the federal government, but is unsure if and when he will acquire the necessary permits from the Argentinean government. Visit The Vicaville Reporter for more information on this story.

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