Awards Season is approaching and both sides of the Blackfish conversation are certainly preparing for the public's renewed enthusiasm regarding the film. While some might expect that scientists and social scientists remain neutral on such a delicate issue, as an anthrozoologist, I see great benefits for society in the conversations ignited by the film.
The Blackfish story offers us lessons in the importance of researching the facts and the power of marketing and story-telling. The greatest success of this film is igniting a timely conservation about the implications of keeping animals in captivity and the extent to which human influence, whether positive or negative, can impact the future of human-animal coexistence.
Watch and share the film. Discover the reactions by students and professionals on both sides of the debate. Even those of us who struggle to "choose a side" might find strength in knowledge and confidence in curiosity.
