If you’re thinking Southwest Airlines decided to end its 25-year partnership with SeaWorld because of growing backlash against the animal-rights-offending parks, you’re wrong. At least that’s .
In the statement, SeaWorld says that the two “have enjoyed their long relationship, and wish each other continued success.” This comes just a year after Southwest designed a new penguin-themed plane to celebrate a quarter century of blissful partnership.
But it also comes a year after the release of Blackfish, which has led others to and probably played a part in the company’s聽11 percent decrease in earnings from last year. that a Change.org calling for the Southwest-SeaWorld breakup also racked up 30,000 signatures during the past year. Still, Southwest says that the decision was , as the company aims to introduce international offerings over the coming years.
The only regrettable thing about this breakup is that Southwest will be repainting its聽, designed to look like airborne whales and other marine creatures. Those were pretty great.