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PETA isn't known for compromise, which is unfortunate since shutting SeaWorld down won't happen but minor changes could bring about better treatment for the animals that are there.
PETA has purchased newly issued shares of SeaWorld Entertainment Inc., the theme park company often targeted for protests by the animal rights group.
PETA spokesman David Perle said Tuesday his group purchased 80 shares for more than $2,200 in last week’s initial public offering of SeaWorld stock.
PETA officials say being shareholders will allow them to attend shareholder meetings and introduce resolutions.
The animal rights group says it wants SeaWorld to stop breeding and buying new animals at its parks in Florida, California and Texas. It also wants SeaWorld to release its whales and dolphins.
SeaWorld spokesman Fred Jacobs says the company anticipated PETA’s purchase. He says SeaWorld will try to do for PETA what it does for any other shareholder: create investor value.
Copyright (2013) Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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Photo credit: Demonstrators from PETA protest against a killer whale's injury outside SeaWorld in San Diego. Mike Blake / Reuters