Originally Posted By sjhym33 The sad news today in Orlando is that a killer whale has killed a female trainer this afternoon at SeaWorld. Reports are sketchy with some saying the whale grabbed the trainer off a platform but the park is saying she fell into the water and the whale dragged her underwater and she drowned. There were reports that the whales were acting up during the 12:30 show and the show was halted and the guests were asked to leave the stadium. The trainer died while the whales were being seperated. Here is the current Orlando Sentinel report: <a href="http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-seaworld-orlando-shamu-injury-20100224,0,942688.story" target="_blank">http://www.orlandosentinel.com...88.story</a>
Originally Posted By FerretAfros A tragic story. It always amazes me how they are able to train such powerful animals so well. My condolences go out to the trainer's family and friends.
Originally Posted By LPFan22 Stuff like this always gets me upset. I'm afraid to turn on the news now.
Originally Posted By Ursu La La I found it interesting that the whale in question was already involved in other incidents and was used just as a stud. I hope she suffered no pain.
Originally Posted By LPFan22 I pray she didn't suffer either. It's unfortunate that they continued to use this whale in shows.
Originally Posted By Stacers76 Very sad indeed. I agree too that it's amazing how they train these animals, but at the same time I still have that "they're still wild animals" voice in my head. Amazing, tragic....sad day for SeaWorld.
Originally Posted By Ursu La La But did they? The article isn't clear. All I read is that they were separating the whales due to some of them acting up. Maybe they were moving them around and then she fell in (or heaven forbid, got in some other way.) Regardless, I'm sure more info will come out now that it is being investigated.
Originally Posted By Sara Tonin Drowning always seems so frightening to me. I just hope she lost consiousness quickly.
Originally Posted By KittyPrincess1206 This is sad, but the whale still is "wild" He still has instincts, I don't blame the whale. I hope they don't hurt the whale.
Originally Posted By KittyPrincess1206 Yep LpFan22, these Seaworld employees must recognize the dangers of working with and handling a multi ton animal.
Originally Posted By Ursu La La I wonder if they will ever publish the findings of the interviews of the other trainers in the area at the time? Are there rules for posting OSHA's results? I am just curious if she just fell in.
Originally Posted By KittyPrincess1206 That would be interesting if they did Ursu La La, I'm curiouse too
Originally Posted By trekkeruss I remember seeing a documentary or perhaps I should say exposé about whales and other marine life in captivity. Since seeing it, I have reservations about parks like Sea World. Really, what is the point of shows with whales, dolphins, etc. doing tricks, other than for our enjoyment? What happens if and when a dolphin kills a guest at Discovery Cove? We anthropomorphize these animals too much and don't treat them as wild animals should be treated.
Originally Posted By Sara Tonin The 'idea' is that if people see animals up close they will care about what happens to them in the wild. Because humans can't carry the concept of mine canaries to the logical conclusion.
Originally Posted By KittyPrincess1206 ^^^ Yep, it's called an aquarium, or a zoo. I'm happy with all that!
