Barbie Shuns SeaWorld

(RTTNews) - Toy maker Mattel, Inc. (MAT), has announced it will not extend its licensing deal with SeaWorld Entertainment Inc. (SEAS), and end the production of all SeaWorld-related merchandise including SeaWorld Trainer Barbie dolls.

"We're not making the dolls anymore," a Mattel spokesman said to the New York Post. Mattel had launched the SeaWorld-related Barbie doll in 2012. Mattel's decision must have been based on the ongoing concerns over SeaWorld's treatment of orcas, although it did not clarify the reason.

According to the toy giant, it has decided not to extend its deal with SeaWorld and stop producing any of its merchandise amidst uproar from environmentalists, including PETA, who have alleged that SeaWorld orcas are being mistreated.

The criticism on SeaWorld started with the 2013 documentary film "Blackfish," which was about Tilikum, a captive killer whale who was involved in the deaths of three individuals. The documentary also noted the lower life spans of captive killer whales and their increased aggression during the captivity.

The film severely affected the aquatic amusement park's attendance and revenues. For the fourth quarter 2014, attendance dropped to 4.4 million visitors from 4.5 million a year earlier.

Meanwhile, SeaWorld last month launched a new marketing campaign to deal with declining attendance and revenues, which highlights its care of killer whales and contributions to protect whales both in human care and in the wild.