SeaWorld Orca Trainer Killed

[Intentional Drifter]

It is a sad, sad thing when someone is killed in such a fashion. SeaWorld Orlando: 1 dead at SeaWorld Orlando Shamu attraction - latimes.com

I am left to wonder what message we will be left with after this tragedy is investigated. As those of us who have encountered orcas and other whales in the wild come to quickly realize -- these are majestic animals, to be sure, but they are also incredibly huge, strong, and yes, they have a will of their own.

Personally, I will not patronize "attractions" like SeaWorld, although I also realize that for many, it may be the closest they will ever come to experiencing the ocean world that those of us who cruise on it love with all our hearts. But, this is a high price to pay; not only for the trainer and her family, but for the captured creatures.

I really wonder what the orca was thinking, because I'm pretty darn sure that Tilikum was definitely thinking something. An accident, simply a case of what would be playful for an orca being fatal for a human? Intentional, focused anger, "I've had it with you and now I'm going to show you who really rules in the water"?

I wonder.

ID

[David M]

Who knows what they are thinking, but if they really do have a reasonable degree of intelligence, their lives would be no different than putting a human in a tiny jail cell and then told to go do tricks if you want to eat. That type of environment would make any intelligent creature at least partially mentally ill and probably angry at their captors.

Wouldn't you at least be a little pissed if a bunch of monkeys captured you and put you in front of hundreds of other monkeys as the star of their show?

I do have sympathy for the woman who died. But its the same sympathy I would have for a logger who dies cutting down the rain forest.

If people want to go see orcas, then go see them in the wild or turn on Animal Planet. These intelligent mammals do not belong in tiny concrete jails. What surprises me is this does not happen more often.

[Liam Wald]

Thank you DavidM! You are 100% correct.

[Intentional Drifter]

I'm surprised it doesn't happen more, too. After all, orcas are the top of the oceanic food chain. They've been known to play with great whites, before killing them.

On a happier note, though: New Calf Spotted With L Pod » Kitsap Sun

ID

[Stillraining]

This particular whale is said to be responsible for two other fatalities as well...Time to "Free Willie" I'd Say...and I agree with the sentiment if ya want to watch a whale show, get on a boat.

[ConradG]

My sympathies to the family of the trainer lost and the person "Tilly" got before her, but I agree, it isn't right to be keeping these, or other animals in captivity under such conditions to make a buck. Perhaps this will help to shed some light on the practice although I won't hold my breath waiting. So long as there is money to be made it will probably continue. You are right not to patronize such establishments.

[delmarrey]

I'm not endorsing captured whales but we have learned a lot about these creatures while in captivity. Like chimps when they reach a certain age they probably become more aggressive and should be released or relocated. A change of environment will even pep up my dog.

But the loss of one life in such a long while is nothing compared to the deaths with horses, dogs, elephants, camels, limas and other livestock.

We as humans have domain over the animals and should recognize when something is going wrong, especially with such large creatures. Maybe someone did but for the $$$ refused to deal with it.

[Anzo]

Congress will no doubt have hearings, debate and act on proposals to ban Killer Whales immediately.

[Christian Van H]

Hence the name "Killer", duh. I cant stand to see something that magnificent in a tank.

[ConradG]

And the sea worlds will send their money to loby congress and disinform the public and all will continue so they can make a buck....

[Jim D]

Originally Posted by Anzo

Congress will no doubt have hearings, debate and act on proposals to ban Killer Whales immediately.

Before an outright ban, there should be taxation on them; and then they'll need health care.

[ConradG]

That's exactly it, there are many tax dollars to be gained in the game as well.

[FloridaWriter]

Orcas are the smartest animal in the sea, so there was probably intention behind such an ironic accident. I can't blame the whale any more than you could blame a caged lion for attaching a trainer. Seaworld is the largest taker of orcas. Perhaps this incident will encourage InBev to divest itself of captured wild animals.

[FloridaWriter]

Originally Posted by Intentional Drifter

I'm surprised it doesn't happen more, too. After all, orcas are the top of the oceanic food chain. They've been known to play with great whites, before killing them.

On a happier note, though: New Calf Spotted With L Pod » Kitsap Sun

ID

That is tremendous news! I know Ken Balcomb must feel like a new dad!

[scook1]

What a tragic story, I read about it today and was surprised to hear how common a tale this is.
Spencer