Thread: Killer Whale Incident

I made it out to Seaworld to see exactly what the show would be like today. The entire show had a very somber mood, in fact, it felt like a funeral. There were a lot of standing ovations for the trainers that did perform today. No trainers were in the water with the whales at the same time. Some of the trainers even gave me the vibes that they were scared of the whales as they would keep a good distance from them. Tillikum did not perform today. At the end where he comes out and splashes, five whales came out to do his part. They were all in sync and I thought it was a cute addition, but it just didn't feel the same.

I feel like it was too soon for Seaworld to go on with the Believe show because I felt like the show was empty and meaningless.. Normally I cry during Believe because of the connection I feel within myself to nature.. But this was just different. I commend Seaworld for doing this because we all know that Dawn would want the show to continue. It's just not the same. Believe isn't even a 30 minute show right now.. They barley made 20 minutes.

Pictures can be found here.

I just really hope it's not too long before they get things sorted out and go back to their normal routine.

^It is going to take a while :( I would of cry anyways... not so much because of what u said about being connected to nature, but because it feels like a funeral...

The worst part about it was they had two rows of platinum seating right behind Dawn's friends and family.. So during the whole show, I was crying because they were all crying. ='( It really just didn't feel the same because of the somber mood.

I know it's going to take a while, but I wish it wouldn't. I liked Believe the way it was, but if Seaworld feels they need to re-evaluate how they interact with their animals, then by all means. Safety is important.

^Dawn's family was there???

They were. I wasn't sure if her parents were there or not, but they had like four rows of her family. I had to ask where platinum seating was because I couldn't find it, and they showed be where it was. The guy didn't even want me walking on the side of the steps closest to her family. He stated "That's Dawn's family." And he walked us halfway up the steps on the opposite side they were sitting and then walked me halfway down the side they were sitting on so I could get to my seat.

I was like "REALLY? I would hope someone walking by them wouldn't offend them.. Someone has to walk past them at some point in their life"

I hate to double post, but I found an interesting tid-bit today on Twitter.

During their investigations at Seaworld, they've discovered trainers are not allowed to swim with Tillikum, but are allowed to interact with him and lay down with him on the shallow ledges in the pool as along as they maintain a safe distance from him. It sounds to me like Dawn was too close for comfort, giving him the ability to chomp down on her hair and drag her under.

More information.

Today PETA flew a plane with a banner over SW that read, "SeaWorld: Let Whales and Dolphins Out of Prison." Here is SW's response:

We’re left to wonder how many animals in need could’ve been helped with the thousands of dollars spent on PETA’s latest exercise in theatrics. This publicity stunt proved once again that PETA is an extremist organization far more interested in photo opportunities than helping animals. It served no purpose other than to again compound the sadness and grief being experienced by those SeaWorld employees closest to Dawn Brancheau.

It should also be noted that while PETA was flying around our park today, SeaWorld animal care specialists and veterinarians were rescuing a manatee in the Desoto Canal near Satellite Beach, Florida. Right now our animal care teams are treating more than 50 rescued wild animals, including representatives of three endangered or threatened species, and preparing those animals for return to the wild. In just the past nine weeks SeaWorld parks have rescued and treated nearly 1,000 animals and most have already been returned to the ocean.

SeaWorld rejects every charge made by PETA. Our parks will continue to do what they have always done: bring marine animals to our guests in ways that are enriching, inspiring, educational and entertaining

Honestly, who cares what PETA thinks or does.

I just saw on the news that security footage of the attack has surfaced. It is being used in the investigation. Dawn's family is fighting to make sure It does not get released anywhere else...

I hate PETA. As much as I want to respect the family, i would like to see the video... =/

SeaWorld is absolutely right in saying that PETA is an extremist organization. PETA has actually been investigated by the FBI as a terrorist group.

As for the video, I really hope it does not get out. Please do not support the spread of this video. Let the family grieve in peace.

Originally Posted by Sam06pr

I would like to see the video... =/

Why?

The video is the property of SeaWorld and does not have a right to be released by anyone other than them. I feel it would be improper to release it and only use it with the investigation as well as well as updating the safety procedures involved with the marine life at the parks.

I agree with Figment. Only Seaworld and the police should see the video. I don't care if you're a tourist and you made a crappy home video of it. Don't post it online. The Brancheau Family has basically asked the video not be leaked. If people keep talking about it all over the news and the media, how are they supposed to start the healing process? Let them grieve in piece people and lay off the video. I pity anyone who has the intention to spread the video. Let the family be.