SeaWorld Says It Will End Killer Whale Breeding Program

MIAMI (CBSNewYork) -- A sea of changes is coming to SeaWorld. The company said it will immediately stop breeding killer whales.

"So this will be the last generation of orcas at SeaWorld," SeaWorld CEO and President Joel Manby said.

Those orcas will live out their lives at the theme parks, "but it will take years for them to pass on," Manby said.

Until then, SeaWorld will replace its controversial shows with new exhibits that showcase killer whales' natural behavior in the wild, CBS2's Cindy Hsu reported.

The new program will first start at SeaWorld's San Diego park next year. The sites in San Antonio, and then, Orlando will follow in 2019.

SeaWorld faced intense backlash for its treatment of orcas after the release of the 2013 documentary "Blackfish." Its attendance and stock price have plunged as lawmakers and agencies pushed to ban orca captivity and breeding.

"It is wonderful to see them, but it's a hard balance because the whales probably don't enjoy that so much," SeaWorld visitor Peggy Kohler said.

SeaWorld is now partnering with its long-time critic, The Humane Society, to help educate guests about animal welfare and conservation.

"It's about where society is shifting," Manby said.

"We're excited about the idea that SeaWorld is going to do more rescue and rehabilitation. And together we're going to be advocates to fight commercial sealing, commercial whaling," U.S. Humane Society CEO Wayne Pacelle said.

SeaWorld said it will spend $50 million over five years to become the largest rescue organization in the world. The company said it has not captured an orca from the wild in nearly 40 years.