How McDonald’s Is Supporting SeaWorld And Inhumane Orca Captivity

Just days after animal advocates applauded fast food chain Taco Bell for ending its partnership with SeaWorld and the San Diego International Airport for displaying an anti-SeaWorld ad, McDonald's has become the latest company under scrutiny for its corporate dealings with the marine park.

The restaurant chain, which has 35,000 stores around the world and rakes in about $27.5 billion a year, has been offering coupons to SeaWorld San Diego that allow customers to save $15 on a single-day admission to the park and a second visit for free. The Coupons are available at participating San Diego County McDonald's restaurants between May 7 and June 17. You can see the deal offering at this website.

While the partnership is part of an effort to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities, advocates say that -- at least until SeaWorld ends its captive orca breeding program -- corporations shouldn't pair with the company, which has come under fire recently for its disturbing animal welfare practices.

McDonald's joins the likes of Southwest Airlines, which runs travel packages to the park, and Costco, which also sells ticket coupons -- both of which have been slammed by animal advocates for their partnerships, especially in the wake of the CNN documentary "Blackfish."

McDonald's did not return repeated calls and email requests for comment.

SeaWorld and marine parks profit off keeping orcas and other marine animals in captivity -- despite evidence that captivity not only induces unnatural behaviors in whales, but also endangers trainers. Join us in calling on McDonald's to cut ties with the company until they empty their orca tanks.