California bans SeaWorld’s killer whale shows and breeding program

California has banned SeaWorld’s killer whale breeding program and entertainment shows under a new measure signed by Governor Jerry Brown on Tuesday.

The decision follows the park’s promise earlier this year to end its controversial orca shows.

Under the new measure, a bill titled SB839, corporations, and individuals are prohibited from breeding killer whales in captivity. Those who break the new law can be fined up to $100,000.

The bill’s author, Democratic Assemblyman Richard Bloom from Santa Monica, made an exception for educational institutions who intend on researching and rehabilitating the marine mammals. Mr Bloom celebrated Governor Brown’s decision on Twitter late Tuesday night.

“Very pleased to announce that my law protecting #orca from captive breeding in California was signed by @JerryBrownGov today,” he wrote.

The company still holds 24 orcas in captivity at parks in California, Texas, and Florida. In a statement, SeaWorld said that the new law is in line with the company's views. They also pointed out that they are legally permitted to capture new whales with the intentions of returning them into the wild. 

"The bill does allow for SeaWorld to rescue and rehabilitate stranded orcas, with the goal of returning them to the wild, as is the case with all animals we rescue." the company said on its website. "And, if the federal government determines that the orca is not releasable, that animal could stay in SeaWorld’s care.