Whale Trainer Dies in Shamu Stadium at SeaWorld Orlando
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An orca (killer whale) in the wild. Orcas have been kept in captivity in aquariums and theme parks in recent decades, a controversial practice likely to become more controversial following the Wednesday death of a trainer at SeaWorld Orlando.
Shamu Stadium at SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida, where one of the trained killer whales killed a female trainer Wednesday afternoon prior to a public show. The "Believe" show is performed several times a week in front of large crowds at the theme park and involves several different trained killer whales and several human trainers. (photo: Kathy Riordan)
UPDATE: CBS News is now reporting that SeaWorld officials have confirmed that trainer Dawn Brancheau had to be removed from the killer whale's jaws after the incident. Other park employees apparently had to coax the animal onto a platform and pry open his mouth to release her from his grip. Preliminary autopsy reports indicate that Brancheau died from multiple trauma and drowning.
A family has come forward with a six-minute video they shot Wednesday at the Dine with Shamu experience at SeaWorld, just seconds before trainer Dawn Brancheau was dragged underwater by the orca. It gives context to the setting and circumstances of the incident, and can be viewed here:
Tourist's Camera Rolls Seconds Before Whale Attack - WESH-TV Orlando
SeaWorld held a press conference Friday to discuss the death of Dawn Brancheau. I have posted on that press conference here: SeaWorld: "No Animal Is Ever Punished"
ORLANDO, Florida--A 40-year-old female trainer, Dawn Brancheau, died Wednesday afternoon at SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida, in an incident involving one of the trained killer whales in the theme park.
There are conflicting reports regarding the incident. Local television initially reported that one of the trainers was grabbed by the killer whale at the beginning of a show and was violently shaken just prior to 2 p.m. Eastern time. However, a press conference held by Jim Solomon of the Orange County Sheriff's Department at SeaWorld at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time suggested that the female trainer had slipped into the tank, and stressed that there was not at this time evidence of foul play. Eyewitnesses reported that the incident happened shortly after the noon show had finished, as tourists were still hanging around talking to the trainers about the animals. Some tourists were apparently enjoying the Dining with Shamu attraction at the time of the incident.
Dan Brown, President of SeaWorld Orlando, spoke briefly with reporters and read a prepared statement expressing sorrow over the death of the SeaWorld employee. He indicated this was the first such incident involving a trainer in the history of the parks and that a full investigation would take place. Few certain details seem to be known at this time.
An eyewitness who was attending the show at Shamu Stadium today reported on a phone call to CNN that the female trainer was showing the audience how the whale liked his belly rubbed and was interacting with him at the side of the tank, then he took off, came back, picked her up around the waist, and started shaking her violently. Her shoe apparently flew off and came to the water's surface.
A Brazilian couple watching from the underwater viewing area reported that the orca had a woman in his mouth and that her face was bloody. Eyewitnesses report that he grabbed her by her upper body, possibly her upper arm, and was thrashing her around in the water.
A family who was participating in the Dining with Shamu attraction said Brancheau had been interacting with Tillikum throughout, and contrary to SeaWorld's account of the events, they say Brancheau was already in the pool with animal when he grabbed her by the ponytail and dragged her underwater.
Eyewitnesses also report the animals were behaving strangely before the incident, and that they were not cooperating with the trainers.
Shamu Stadium was evacuated as soon as the incident took place. The woman was dead at the time Orange County rescue teams arrived. Sources say Brancheau was the most experienced of the killer whale trainers at the park.
A local television station, Local 6, reported that the name of the whale involved in the incident is Tillikum, a 30-year-old 12,000 pound male orca who has been at the park since 1992. There are eight killer whales currently at the theme park involved in the 'Believe' show at Shamu Stadium. Tillikum was not involved in the show.
There are some reports that this particular whale, Tillikum, or 'Tilly,' has been involved in the deaths of other humans in the past. MSNBC is reporting that it was involved with two female killer whales in the death of a female trainer in Canada in 1991, and afterward was shipped to SeaWorld Orlando, who bought the animal to use as a stud. Another incident was reported in 1999 when a man apparently stayed in the theme park after it closed and was found dead in Tillikum's tank the next morning.
Tillikum ("friend" in Chinook), captured in Iceland in 1983, is said to be one of the largest orcas currently in captivity, possibly the largest. He was apparently kept in a separate holding tank where he was at the time of the incident. Because of his history, trainers were not allowed to swim in the tank with him.
The park was not closed following the incident. However, the 'Believe' killer whale show has been suspended until further notice pending investigation of the attack. Park visitors were given an announcement over the loudspeakers leading up to Shamu Stadium late Wednesday afternoon that the 5:30 p.m. 'Believe' show had been cancelled.
The SeaWorld park in San Diego has also suspended its 'Believe' show until further notice. Both parks plan to be open on Thursday, February 25th, to visitors.
The show, which opened in 2006, features large screens around the stadium with cameras above and below water, music and choreography. Trainers at certain points during the show swim alongside the animals, ride on their backs and are balanced on or tossed from the whale's nose. A traditional feature of the show has included involving a young person who is attending the show by having them get up close and personal with one of the animals alongside a trainer near the show's conclusion.
The show is one of SeaWorld's most popular attractions.
The identity of the trainer was not initially publicly released, but was officially confirmed Wednesday evening. Brancheau was a senior trainer with sixteen years of experience at the park. Her sister, Diane Gross of Indiana, told the Associated Press Wednesday night that Brancheau would not want any harm to come to the whale who had taken her life, and loved them "like children." SeaWorld has not yet decided what will happen to Tillikum, the orca involved.
SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau, 40, shown here in a 2005 file photo from the Orlando Sentinel. Brancheau has been identified as the trainer killed at the park Wednesday in an incident involving one of the killer whales. (photo: Orlando Sentinel)
(This is a moving story first posted as a breaking news story and will be updated as information is available.)
On the Web:
Killer whale (orca) - Wikipedia
1 killed in whale attack at SeaWorld's Shamu Stadium - Orlando Sentinel
Victoria-trained whale involved in second death (July 7, 1999) - The Province
Two hours to recover body (February 21, 1991) - The Province
Video of press conference about trainer death at SeaWorld - Orlando Sentinel
Whale Kills Female Trainer at SeaWorld's Shamu Stadium (video) - WFTV Orlando
Shamu Stars in 'Believe' - The most ambitious killer whale show in the park's history - SeaWorld
SeaWorld trainer has a whale of a job (January 9, 2006) - Orlando Sentinel (article about Dawn Brancheau)
Interview with Dawn Brancheau in 2000 (video) - WESH-TV Orlando
Video of Dawn Brancheau at SeaWorld in 2006 (courtesy Samuel Foit, Tampa, Florida)
Below is the message from SeaWorld's President and CEO, Jim Atchison, as posted on the SeaWorld Parks official website Wednesday afternoon. It is followed by the statement released by Dawn Brancheau's family Thursday, as posted on the SeaWorld website:
February 24, 2010
It is with great sadness that I report that one of our most experienced animal trainers drowned in an incident with one of our killer whales this afternoon, February 24, 2010 at our SeaWorld Orlando park.
We have initiated an investigation to determine, to the extent possible, what occurred. There are no other details to share at this point, but we will make our findings known in due course.
I must emphasize that this is an extraordinarily difficult time for the SeaWorld parks, and our team members.
Nothing is more important than the safety of our employees, guests and the animals entrusted to our care. All of our standard operating procedures will come under review as part of the investigation.
We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the trainer and will do everything possible to assist them in this difficult time.
We appreciate everyone’s understanding and will share more information as it becomes known and available.
Jim Atchison
Statement from the family of Dawn Brancheau
The family of Dawn Brancheau has asked SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment to send this message on their behalf requesting respect for their space and privacy at this difficult time.
You have all heard what an amazing trainer Dawn Brancheau was and it is true - she was the best. It came naturally to her. Being a trainer was a life-long dream that she achieved. She loved her job, and she loved her animals.
For her husband, family and friends, Dawn was so much more. She was a compassionate and loving person who lived life to the fullest. She touched so many lives. Those who knew and loved her have suffered a tremendous loss, one so unexpected that it is extremely difficult to even process or comprehend at this time. Our family sincerely appreciates everyone’s prayers and compassionate thoughts for Dawn, her husband and family.
While we understand that this tragic event is capturing headlines across the country, at this time, our family needs space and privacy to absorb our loss. We sincerely hope that the media will honor and respect this request.
Funeral and memorial arrangements are pending.
Thank you.
Underwater video footage of 'Tillikum,' the 12,000 pound killer whale apparently involved in the death of a female trainer at SeaWorld Orlando Wednesday, as shot by a tourist in the park in 2007.
A 'Believe' video produced by SeaWorld, featuring Dawn Brancheau, the trainer who lost her life in Wednesday's incident at the park. Brancheau was one of the most experienced and recognizable trainers at SeaWorld Orlando.
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Comments
The thing is people insist on treating wild creatures like fire-side pets and they act surprised when the animal does what comes natural to them. A preditor is a preditor no matter how cute a movie you make about them.
Also who knows what happens to animal minds as they age? Maybe Tillikum is getting the orcinus orca version of Alzheimer's. How old is old for a whale?
In the wild, orcas travel more than 70 miles a day. They are highly intelligent, social animals who live in tightly bonded matriarchal groups their whole lives long. They are also the top predator in the sea, capable of taking animals as large as blue whales.
But they don’t attack people - even when their calves were being taken from them to be put in aquariums, as happened here during the 60s/70s.
Whatever is going on with Tillikum is an aberration that Sea World has created. Here’s to a future where we appreciate whales and dolphins in the wild, where they belong.
The only documented incidences of aggression towards humans have occurred at theme parks such as Sea World. Wild orcas will often swim and play with humans in the wild, and there has never been one incident of injury or death to a human. They do not consider us a food source, and believe me they know very well the difference between man and seal.
It's about time that these types of shows die a natural death. Years ago we (as humans) were ignorant about these magnificent creatures and how cruel it is to keep them in captivity. Now we know better and there is no excuse. You want to see orcas? Come out to my backyard and see them where they belong, living the way nature intended.
But I feel even sadder for the whale. If we had to put it in human terms, it would be being held captive in the space of a room or two, and having to do flips for our dinners, every day of our lives. I have mixed feelings about zoos. But performing animals? I can't stand them. I feel for the orcas, the lions, the elephants, and the seals who live miserable lives for our entertainment.
Its simpe; she died because she was stupit.
So another one up for the darwin award this year.
Water creatures open their mouths to brake to a stop. If she was in the way and very possibly not visible to the whale she may have been accidentally scooped up and (head shake) spit out. Not intentional but when you get rammed by a six ton truck and thrown out of the way it isn't always the trucks fault.
A lot of people have been injured and killed by horses and cows when they got between them and the stall. Just a loving hug and you're squished.
What on earth gives us the idea that we're entitled to capture creatures in the wild and train them to do tricks for tourists? Sadly it's hubris that killed the trainer more so than the whale.
do
not
exist
for
our
amusement...
Sea World, like every zoo, is a jail. In some jails there is kindness, breeding programs, education, of course. But in the big picture? We enslave them, exploit them, make them toys for our curiosity.
I pity the trainer and am sorry for her family. But the crime we commit against whales, elephants, giraffes...it is an unspeakable failure to be what we humans should.
Stewards. We are supposed to be stewards, or we are lost.
As a child I delighted in the shows at Sea World in San Diego and Orlando and other thrill filled spectacles in Honolulu and Austalia. They surely sparked my love for sea going mammalians, and my desire to pursue marine science studies, but I hadn't bought my first pack of tampons before I realized what was really going on. $$$ for the marine worlds of the world and a pretty shitty life for these super intelligent creatures, who, nice and interested in us as they were often snapped or died long before their time of nervous bleeding ulcers.
While Sea World and circuses are definitely no-nos, I have mixed feelings about other forms of animals habitats. As a vegetarian in a paved universe, I wonder where I would find a cow or goat if they weren't farmed. If we took all the land from native Americans, why would we set aside reservations for animals. They would go the way of the dodo. And without animal preserves in Africa, they would all turn into umbrella stands and piano keys.
Dawn's death is sad. Tillikum's captivity is criminal. And I have no answers for how to recreate the world for the peaceful coexistence of all life. Especially when there is money to be made.
I'm coming to believe -- as I think more and more people will too -- that animal captivity is not animal preservation. I just watched the documentary, "The Cove," which has put me a step further down this new thinking (http://www.thecovemovie.com).
Given how much we can capture on film and then show on super-sized screens and in 3-D (not to mention whatever new technology will be down the line to "put us in the scene"), what real value is there in seeing an animal pace back & forth in an area that's way too small for him?
Focus needs to be put on restoring animals to their habitats that have been encroached on or completely overridden by the human population (which means addressing human overpopulation). Balance needs to be restored, and it won't be achieved by building another Sea World or aquarium.
BTW....Even before the incident, Tillikum was being kept in a "holding cell," which is where he was when the incident occurred. He's still there now. One piece of video news coverage shows him peering up from
Do the trainers, some of whom get to know individual animals well enough to consider them their "children" (a news quote from Dawn Brancheau's sister) really believe that these magnificent creatures live fulfilling (or even OK) lives in an environment that's practically designed to drive them crazy?
It is an un-natural environment for them and they become severely depressed.
I am very sad for the woman who lost her life. But Sea World is responsible for this tragedy, and the "trainers" who work with these animals everyday.
Sea World is not a refuge!
Sea World is my least favorite "amusement park". Badly designed, unfocused... no personality or soul. Bad decisions and designs piled one on top of the other.
A live show with killer whales? Are you insane? How do they move animals like this? Some kind of special truck? Whalemobile?
Cause of death: killer whale. I have a bizarre fascination on untimely and unlikely deaths such as this one... people who were left behind on a snorkeling excursion boat, things like that... the famous underground explorer who died attempting to reach a thousand feet below water... dead astronauts... skydiving accidents... Christ, sit on your couch at home and stay out of danger, die of heart disease @ 80 like everybody else... sheesh... killer whale show...
The information learned from orcas regarding diet, intelligence, breeding, and behavior has been invaluable for preserving the species in the wild and educating the public. They have not been taken from the wild for years - these current animals are the offspring of previous Shamus. They have known human contact and provision their whole lives now - to release them to the wild would be the same as taking someone who has only lived in Manhattan their whole life and dropping them off in the Rocky Mountains.
That's not the case for all captive animals - there are many re-release programs around the world. But the Sea World orcas are not in this category; they are ambassador animals for their relatives in the wild.
What people don't realize is that there is no more "back to the wild" for most animals - that kind of safe and beautiful place where animals roam is a myth, and to put them in the wild is to release them to a world of increasing human encroachment through poaching, habitat loss, and the illegal pet trade.
Full-contact trainers know the risks of the job, but just like Steve Irwin, if you choose to live your life close to animals - or race cars or heavy machinery or other people for that matter - accidents will happen. The animals at our Zoo department are cared for and enriched as VIPs and consistently display positive body language that they enjoy their work and relationships with us, but they are still wild - each one a loaded gun - and that is a fact we remind each other of daily. These animals, like the orcas at Sea World, are ambassador animals for their relatives in the wild, that people might take their A-ha! moment of seeing a porcupine or cheetah or macaw up close and realize, I care and I want to help. Jack always says that the day the animals are not cared for to the highest standard is the day he's done with the business, and I would be right behind him.
Our job is to facilitate the animal world meeting the human world in positive ways that will benefit both. When you see the spark in someone's eye that they understand - they get it now - and they want to help - and then they DO - you know that this one animal, this one baby leopard or armadillo or toucan just made a connection that no lecture or slide show or PERSON could ever make. I am so blessed to see this in my job every day. And I will stand firm in my heart-held belief that the benefits of up-close conservation education far outweigh the risks.
While my heart goes out to the dead trainer's family, I hope her death serves as a deterrent to others who form unnatural attachments to Orcas, who are, after all, killer whales. I mean, really -- getting in the water with them? Takes a certain level of detachment from consensus reality and wishful thinking.
But for god's sake, an animal like this shouldn't be kept in a tiny "holding pen" either. It's unbelievably cruel.
Humans created this problem. They'd better come up with some decent and humane way to solve it.
The park is now reporting that trainer Dawn Brancheau had to be pulled from Tillikum's jaws after the incident. I will update the story above accordingly.
Those captures only stopped because Washington State sued NOAA to stop granting the permits for them. As recently as the 1980s, Sea World tried to capture orcas from the coast of Alaska - and was only stopped when the Gov. of Alaska stepped in.
Most of the orcas in aquaria today (including Tillikum) were captured from Iceland, where Sea World went when the Washington door was closed. Much as they would like it to be, their captive breeding program is not a success - and is an aberration to how orcas mate and raise their young in the wild.
The only educational thing a compassionate, informed public should learn from seeing whales and dolphins in aquariums that they don't belong there.
I think the comment by the sister is very sad, about the trainer not wanting any harm to come to the animal. Anyone who studies the creatures would know what they're capable of and still she chose to interact with them, and her family's reaction is one of protection for the animal she loved, not anger.
Tourist's Camera Rolls Seconds Before Whale Attack - WESH-TV Orlando
The footage right before the end of the video clearly shows Brancheau in the water with Tillikum, which according to news reports was counter to park procedure for that particular orca.
Although the whale wasn't "performing" as such, he was certainly being prodded to do "tricks".
Again, if the animal has to be held in captivity, isn't it enough for people to just see it? Why does it have to be subjected to that treatment?
Keeping killer whales (a reasonably intelligent species) in captivity is the same as giving someone a life sentence in prison. If you want to compare this experience to the human condition, try this:
It is similar to someone taking YOU and making you live out your life in a bathtub, doing cute little tricks for food, and being forced to live in your own watered-down feces and urine.
Maybe the whale is trying to tell us something. Like 'this is baloney and I'm tired of it...'
Now they'll probably kill the whale. Or, since it probably can no longer live in the wild, they'll just have to pay to keep it a prisoner for the remainder of its pathetic life.
We have no right to imprison these animals and force them to do cute little tricks for us as entertainment. You want to see a killer whale do tricks? Take a whale cruise and your camera.
I have absolutely NO sympathy for the 'trainer', who in reality was helping perpetrate a commercial cruelty to these animals. You roll the dice...you takes your chances. Score one for the poor whales, and zero for the trainer.
I say we outlaw this garbage and bulldoze all these 'tanks' to the friggin' ground. Zoos are one thing, and these animal entertainment palaces are something else altogether.
'SeaWorld has announced it will hold a press conference Friday to discuss the death of Dawn Brancheau...'
This is called 'damage control.' Without it, business will drop off significantly.
On the flip side, it's 2010 and we are still keeping these whales in captivity? We need to consider changing the story we tell ourselves about how these whales like to be in captivity.......Most people who can empathisize with animals can sense that something is not right here. The sagging dorsal fin speaks volumes to me.....how about you?