“Finding Dory” the sequel to the popular 2003 hit “Finding Nemo” has been rewritten to support the release of captive marine animals.

Originally set to end with the aquatic cast all moving into a marine-based theme park, the writers and producers of “Finding Dory” have now altered the film’s ending, and the recent documentary “Blackfish” may have something to do with it, reports the Los Angeles Times, “[with] questions about the health of whales in captivity, the studio decided to make substantial changes to the “Dory” script.”

“Blackfish” is a powerful documentary that tells the story of a SeaWorld trainer killed by Tilikum, the largest orca whale in captivity. Several of his former SeaWorld trainers are featured in the film and share candid first-hand experiences of what it’s like keeping captive marine animals in such unnatural environments, and why it’s likely that Tilikum turned on his trainer.

According to the Times, after viewing “Blackfish,” both Pixar’s chief creative officer and “Finding Dory” director met with “Blackfish” director, Gabriela Cowperthwaite and ultimately reworked the film’s ending, giving the characters a choice as to whether or not they want to stay at the marine park. “They told Gabriela they didn’t want to look back on this film in 50 years and have it be their ‘Song of the South,'” a reference to the 1946 Disney musical that was widely viewed to be racist.”

Another factor may be the actress playing Dory, talk show host and comedienne Ellen DeGeneres, who has been an outspoken advocate for animal rights. While she hasn’t confirmed whether or not she voiced any concern over the original film ending and its message about captive marine animals, it’s likely she’s more inclined to see the characters swim out to sea rather than around and around in a salinated bath tub.

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Keep in touch with Jill on Twitter @jillettinger

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Prod someone’s memory about Disney’s Finding Nemo, and you’ll find a fond thought or two for the chilled-out, backstroke-swimming dude called Crush the Sea Turtle. Just as Nemo turned clown-fish into ocean celebrities (with worrying consequences), sea turtles are now established as the languid, eccentric grandfathers of the sea, all thanks to those clever folk at Pixar.

But here’s the grim reality. All sea turtles are either threatened or endangered. Not cool.

The good news is there’s a Cousteau on the case – Fabien, grandson of world-famous ecologist and ocean pioneer Jacques (who would have been 100 this year). He’s working with biologist Dr. Wallace J. Nichols to fill the oceans with sea turtles – a billion of them. Sound absurd? Not when you consider that adult turtles each lay clutches of up to 250 eggs in just an hour-long sitting.

If you aspire to be one of the lucky ones hiding behind the shoreline of one of the special beaches of the world where turtles lay their young (e.g. Key Biscayne, Florida), the Billion Baby Turtle Project will work to protect the experience and the creatures behind it – and it all starts in El Salvador. From there, a worldwide network of government bodies, volunteers, non-profits and former egg collectors will work to shore up (as it were) the nesting grounds of turtles for generations to come.

Images: nosha, Marcio Cabral de Moura

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