SeaWorld Says Charges Against Employee Concerning, Puts Him On Leave

(RTTNews) - Responding to news about one of his employees, SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. (SEAS), a theme park and entertainment company, said the allegations were very concerning, and the company has initiated an investigation into the matter.

Animal-rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals or PETA Tuesday revealed an employee of SeaWorld who has been posing for years as an animal-rights activist for PETA.

According to PETA officials, activist Thomas Jones is actually Paul McComb, a human resources employee at SeaWorld San Diego. Jones had been posing as an activist since 2012 to infiltrate groups working against the company. He also partook in protests against the company over its use of captive killer whales and incited other activists to illegal actions.

In a statement, SeaWorld CEO Joel Manby said, "The allegations made yesterday against a SeaWorld employee are very concerning. These allegations, if true, are not consistent with the values of the SeaWorld organization and will not be tolerated."

The investigation will be led by independent outside counsel, Ron Olson of Munger, Tolles & Olson, whose firm will have full access to the company's organization and people.

Additionally, the company has placed the employee in question on paid administrative leave pending the findings of the investigation.

SeaWorld has been struggling against the protest of its captive killer whale. The criticism on the company started with the critical 2013 documentary '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.

SEAS closed down 1.5 percent on Wednesday at $18.33, and slipped 2.1 percent in extended trade.