'Blackfish' Documentary Debate: New Movie About Killer Whales, SeaWorld Sparks Questions, Wins Big in Ratings, Where to Watch

A new documentary titled, "Blackfish" is sparking debate over whether parents should be taking their kids to animal parks. The movie tells the story of the tragic killing of SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau by a 12,000-pound orca called Tilikum in 2010. Brancheau's death led the film's director, Gabriela Cowperthwaite, to look into the safety and humaneness of keeping killer whales in captivity. The documentary was showcased on CNN on Thursday night and will once again be showcased on TV Saturday, October 26 at 7pm ET and Sunday, October 27 at 9pm ET. The documentary has been getting rave reviews, but has also sparked a passionate debate over whether or not people should be supporting the captivity of animals by going to animal parks.

As CNN notes, Cowperthwaite herself would take her kids to SeaWorld in San Diego before 2010's incident. However, after seeing "Blackfish" you may stop bringing your kids to SeaWorld and similar animal parks. In the film, interviews are conducted with former SeaWorld employees and trainers, including a number who wouldn't take their own children to the park.

One former SeaWorld trainer in particular was especially adamant about not bringing his kids to SeaWorld. "I am not at all interested in having my daughter who is 3-and-a-half grow up thinking that it's normalized to have these intelligent, highly evolved animals in concrete pools," said John Jett. "I don't want her to think that's how we treat the kin that we find ourselves around on this planet. I think it's atrocious."

For anyone even remotely interested in the subject, the documentary is worth checking out. The movie will once again be showcased this weekend on CNN. There is good reason for CNN to re-air the documentary as Hollywood Reporter reports that the Thursday night airing was a ratings winner. CNN's airing of "Blackfish" in the 9 to 11pm slot on Thursday night reportedly put the network on top of Fox News and MSNBC.

You can watch the trailer for "Blackfish" below.