Orca-Suited PETA Protesters Mount San Diego Airport Baggage Claim

Relentless animal rights activists attempted to make waves at San Diego airport’s baggag
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Michelle Moons
San Diego, CA

Relentless animal rights activists attempted to make waves at San Diego airport’s baggage claim with two orca-suited protesters on Thursday, but few passers-by seemed to notice their antics as law enforcement officers pulled them off the conveyer.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) tweeted out a photo and video of the stunt:

Additional tweets on the incident were compiled on Twitchy.

PETA has targeted airport travels in San Diego before. In May of 2014 PETA and ACLU succeeded in forcing the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority to display an ad featuring actress Kathy Najimy and the words, “Welcome to San Diego. If you love animals like I do, please avoid SeaWorld. Kathy Najimy for PETA.”

A statement from SeaWorld regarding the ad read, “PETA is an extremist organization and this ad demonstrates that, once again, they are more interested in publicity stunts than helping animals. The truth is that our animals at SeaWorld are healthy and happy.”

Crude “Jackass” star Steve-O of MTV defaced a San Diego freeway sign in May 2014. Steve-O posted a shot to his Instagram with the words, “bring on the publicity.”

SeaWorld faced harsh criticism and financial troubles after the 2013 movie Blackfish portrayed the park’s treatment of Orcas in an extremely negative light. After declining park attendance the company announced plans for large habitat expansion and a change in company leadership.

In early June SeaWorld announced a resurgence in attendance; ran a new $10 million ad campaign touting animal rescue and care efforts; and pledged funding for Orca research and conservation.

Follow Michelle Moons on Twitter @MichelleDiana

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