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Jump in the Crossfire by using #Crossfire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Jump in the Crossfire by using #Crossfire
on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

October 24th, 2013
11:02 PM ET

Should SeaWorld free the killer whales?

Experts for and against keeping killer whales in captivity debate the ethics behind the issue on CNN's Crossfire.

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Filed under: Animals • Grey Stafford • Newt Gingrich • Tim Zimmermann • Van Jones
'Blackfish' in the Crossfire: Keep killer whales in captivity?
October 24th, 2013
01:26 PM ET

'Blackfish' in the Crossfire: Keep killer whales in captivity?

Is it okay for killer whales, or orcas, to be held in captivity for public appreciation and education or do they belong only in the wild?

In the Crossfire: Tim Zimmermann, Associate Producer of "Blackfish," who believes killer whales should not be kept in captivity, and Director of Conservation for Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium Grey Stafford, who emphasizes the preservation and educational benefits of zoos.

They join hosts Van Jones and Newt Gingrich at 6:30 pm ET to make their case.

zimmermann stafford

We want you to weigh in. Would you take your children to SeaWorld?

Vote by tweeting your response using #Crossfire or comment on our Facebook post. View results below or through our Poptip results page if you are on a mobile device.

Don't forget to tweet along with the show using #Crossfire.


CNN Films presents "Blackfish," which traces the history of killer whales in captivity, particularly the 2010 killing of Sea World trainer Dawn Brancheau by a 12,000-pound orca.

Tune in for the premiere  of "Blackfish" on CNN tonight at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

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Filed under: Animals • Fireback • In the Crossfire