Captain Picard Posted February 24, 2010 Share Posted February 24, 2010 http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20100224/BREAKINGNEWS/100224016/1086/rss07 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bkroz Posted February 24, 2010 Share Posted February 24, 2010 This is truly awful, especially because this happened to someone who dedicated their education and life towards caring for and sharing this animal. It's very painful to see this happen to anyone. I guess if we can learn one thing, it's this: No matter how much an animal is personified and given a name and a backstory and a character, it is still an animal, and a wild one at that. People who keep wolves or alligators as pets will learn this in time - instincts are more powerful than all the training in the world. And you have to wonder how long it will be until we see Tweets from "Shamu," who is well-known for his / her jokes and comical images... My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in the SeaWorld family, and the family and friends of this trainer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Creed Bratton Posted February 24, 2010 Share Posted February 24, 2010 I just have to say, I have a close friend who's daughter is one of the area supervisors and sometimes trains where this accident happened. Called my friend to make sure that her daughter wasn't hurt. and she told me that her daughter said this was just an accident and the whale did not grab the trainer nor thrash the trainer around like reports state. She didn't go into much more detail as she was obviously shaken up. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family/friends of the trainer and to SeaWorld Staff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted February 24, 2010 Share Posted February 24, 2010 This is very sad. My heart goes out to the family and to the staff at Seaworld. When I heard this at work today, my heart sank... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coaster_junky Posted February 24, 2010 Share Posted February 24, 2010 this is terrible news. i was just listening to the story on local 12 and they said that this killer whale actually had caused two other deaths in the past. one in canada and one in the tank it's in now. why on earth would they keep a whale that interacts daily in a "hands on experience" even though it's killed in the past. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 More info: http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_tv_tvblog/2010/02/seaworld-trainer-killed-and-tv-speculates-at-length.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coney Islander Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 ^^ At least one of the deaths was not that whale's fault. Someone dived into the Okra's tank after the park's closing, and died of hypothermia. This is truly a sad story. Good hope to everyone involved. Think about the people watching the show... It would be horrible to be put through such a thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coaster_junky Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 really, i heard that the whale actually pulled the person into the tank after closing, or at least that's what local 12 said tonight about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shark6495 Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/ap_on_re_us/us_seaworld_death ^^^Just another view^^^. With the guy who dove/fell/was drug into the tank after hours, no one knows for sure. The coroner said he died of hypothermia but was found with scratches on his body. Since there was no video of that guy no one knows for sure. This is just a sad story but these are wild animals. Personal pets turn on owners so why are we surprised animals who have not been domesticated (wolves, bears, alligators, horses, whales) turn on their owners. Sad day thoughts and prayers to the sea world family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delirium_Guy Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 really, i heard that the whale actually pulled the person into the tank after closing, or at least that's what local 12 said tonight about it. No, the death in 1999 was the result of someone who snuck past security into the park and decided it'd be fun to jump in the tank....said person was also intoxicated. He died of hypothermia, though Tilly did think he was a toy and apparently tossed him around. I am at a loss for words, really. I've had the pleasure of speaking with Dawn several times, would see her almost daily in the lounge. Its difficult to even think about. When word spread to DC this afternoon, much like SW, you could feel the grief, shock and sadness that swept over the team members. My heart goes out to Dawn's family and also to the rest of my SW family during this time. I have a very close friend who had the unfortunate position to respond to the call to Shamu Stadium this afternoon. I haven't been able to speak to him much this evening, but I do know that he is incredibly distraught over what he had to witness. I feel terrible for the rest of the trainers at Shamu Stadium, they are a very close knit group. Certainly the darkest day in the history of any of the SeaWorld Park and Entertainment properties. Oh, despite what the Yahoo article states, the Park did NOT close this afternoon. Essentially that half of the park was blocked which included the arcade/games area, Shamu Stadium and Happy Harbor. - Todd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shark6495 Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 http://www.channel3000.com/news/22660616/detail.html A SeaWorld official is confirming that a whale that killed a trainer at the park pulled the woman into the water. Chuck Tompkins, head of animal training at all SeaWorld parks, said Trainer Dawn Brancheau was rubbing the whale named Tilikum after a noontime show Wednesday when the whale grabbed her and pulled her in. The sheriff's office earlier said that Brancheau had slipped or fallen in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coaster_junky Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 ^^well, lets see, when you go to watch a show at shamu stadium, you never think "oh, well today is a day that people are risking their lives so we can have enjoyment in ours" you think "wow, lets go see some magnificent creatures and how well they can respond to human conduct in a way that is spectacular." (at least that's what i think when i think of shamu.) and why are you "lol-ing"? someone died. ^that's sad, does this mean the end could be near for tilikum? (not end like death, but end like released into the wild) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bravo4460 Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 im sorrryy for what i said! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cory Butcher Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 When you play with fire, you eventually get burnt. This is true in all risky ventures. My heart goes out to the trainer and her family. This is an extremely sad incident and is just another reminder that life and its living creatures are anything but predictable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 Trainer Decided As A Child To Work With Whales: ...At SeaWorld, the trainer met her husband, Scott Brancheau, who was a water skier but has since left the business. The couple married about 13 years ago, lived near St. Cloud and had no children.Brancheau's bubbly personality and happy nature attracted so many friends that she sent 250 annual Christmas cards, her mother said. "If you were her friend, you were her friend for life," Loverde said. "She was very loving, very giving — a good girl, close to her God, close to her family, close to friends." Her siblings surprised Brancheau and gathered in Orlando for the 2007 opening of the "Believe" show at SeaWorld, which featured interaction between the whales and their trainers, Loverde said. Shortly before the show opened, Brancheau told the Sentinel that her relationship with the giant mammals was key to her job. "This is at a time when people's sense of entertainment is at a high level," she said. "We're making the biggest change we've ever made." Loverde saw her daughter for the last time last weekend when they went to church together in St. Cloud. They spent the weekend just enjoying each other's company.... http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-dawn-brancheau-profile-seaworld-orland20100224,0,4347984.story Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shark6495 Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 heard through my sources (former tv people) that there may be video released of the incident. Not sure how I feel about that one.... EDIT: they are still current tv people, I knew them from my previous life as a former tv person Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marlfox_21 Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/ap_on_re_us/us_seaworld_death ^^^Just another view^^^. With the guy who dove/fell/was drug into the tank after hours, no one knows for sure. The coroner said he died of hypothermia but was found with scratches on his body. Since there was no video of that guy no one knows for sure. This is just a sad story but these are wild animals. Personal pets turn on owners so why are we surprised animals who have not been domesticated (wolves, bears, alligators, horses, whales) turn on their owners. Sad day thoughts and prayers to the sea........................... Allow me to tell you more. The man hid until the park was closed. Then he chose to enter the tank with the Orca's. What the man did not expect was for the water to be freezing and yes, he died of hypothermia. When the keepers came in the next day, it was THE SAME WHALE that knew something was wrong, and brought the man to the surface for the keepers to see that he was there. I believe I mentioned this in another forum topic years ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhantomTheater Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 Former SW Ohio trainer talks about death. As someone who had a season pass to SWO from 95-00, I am shocked and saddened by this incident. I had many good times at Shamu Stadium in ohio. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shark6495 Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 marlfox i understand what you are saying but unless you were there or there was some video no one knows for 100 % phantom of that story I think this is the scariest quote Nemec snapped his fingers and added, "I was always aware that just like that everything can change." It could happen anywhere (life being ended) but its just a scary thought and these people do it all the time. But if you love something it never seems as dangerous Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
windshawne Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 http://news.yahoo.co..._seaworld_death ^^^Just another view^^^. With the guy who dove/fell/was drug into the tank after hours, no one knows for sure. The coroner said he died of hypothermia but was found with scratches on his body. Since there was no video of that guy no one knows for sure. This is just a sad story but these are wild animals. Personal pets turn on owners so why are we surprised animals who have not been domesticated (wolves, bears, alligators, horses, whales) turn on their owners. Sad day thoughts and prayers to the sea........................... Allow me to tell you more. The man hid until the park was closed. Then he chose to enter the tank with the Orca's. What the man did not expect was for the water to be freezing and yes, he died of hypothermia. When the keepers came in the next day, it was THE SAME WHALE that knew something was wrong, and brought the man to the surface for the keepers to see that he was there. I believe I mentioned this in another forum topic years ago. I had a wolf hybrid a few years ago, and let me tell ya they are very intelligent animals and would do things that were out of the ability of a normal dog. We had ground rules, such as leaving him alone while eating because of the natural instinct of fighting over food. I had him at the vet once, and he was grumpy and nipping at me, yet a child came up smacked him on the nose, and he kissed her. The child giggled and walked away. It's as if he knew this little child didn't know any better so he showed restraint-and that was one of the surprising incidents I witnessed over the years. At the age of 9 he became unpredictable with what I believed was dementia, since I could roll over in bed and he would snap and growl at me-it became apparent he was a liability so I had him put down. He also had some sort of skin disease that last year and would whine sometimes for no reason. Point of all this-animals are animals and you can never tell what they are going to do. I have heard two different stories of hybrids dragging babies to safety and turning around and biting adults. Go figure-I still wonder what makes them tick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shark6495 Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 http://news.yahoo.co..._seaworld_death ^^^Just another view^^^. With the guy who dove/fell/was drug into the tank after hours, no one knows for sure. The coroner said he died of hypothermia but was found with scratches on his body. Since there was no video of that guy no one knows for sure. This is just a sad story but these are wild animals. Personal pets turn on owners so why are we surprised animals who have not been domesticated (wolves, bears, alligators, horses, whales) turn on their owners. Sad day thoughts and prayers to the sea........................... Allow me to tell you more. The man hid until the park was closed. Then he chose to enter the tank with the Orca's. What the man did not expect was for the water to be freezing and yes, he died of hypothermia. When the keepers came in the next day, it was THE SAME WHALE that knew something was wrong, and brought the man to the surface for the keepers to see that he was there. I believe I mentioned this in another forum topic years ago. I had a wolf hybrid a few years ago, and let me tell ya they are very intelligent animals and would do things that were out of the ability of a normal dog. We had ground rules, such as leaving him alone while eating because of the natural instinct of fighting over food. I had him at the vet once, and he was grumpy and nipping at me, yet a child came up smacked him on the nose, and he kissed her. The child giggled and walked away. It's as if he knew this little child didn't know any better so he showed restraint-and that was one of the surprising incidents I witnessed over the years. At the age of 9 he became unpredictable with what I believed was dementia, since I could roll over in bed and he would snap and growl at me-it became apparent he was a liability so I had him put down. He also had some sort of skin disease that last year and would whine sometimes for no reason. Point of all this-animals are animals and you can never tell what they are going to do. I have heard two different stories of hybrids dragging babies to safety and turning around and biting adults. Go figure-I still wonder what makes them tick. Years of evolution. But winshawne you seen first hand the "battle" of nature versus nurture first hand. But again these things are animals (domesticated or wild) and they do not behave like humans, no matter how hard we want them to. Just a sad day, and sorry you have to put your wolf hybrid down. My family owned a wolf/Sheppard/husky mix. Beautiful dog but it was so old it was just grumpy....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 In reality, humans are also animals and some of them turn on others unexpectedly, too. How many times have the neighbors of the murderer been interviewed and said "But he was such a nice man, he bought cookies for my daughter! We never thought anything like this would happen!" And yet we live with neighbors, employers, friends, spouses, etc. We take precautions, we do the best we can, but we take risks every day. Some of us even ride roller coasters! But seriously, we also drive cars, marry, have children, work in the workplace, go out in public, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shark6495 Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 very true terp. But people are just as surprised when their neighbor kills someone as they are when there dog bites someone or a killer whale, which thanks to the many articles I have learned is actually a big dolphin, kills people..... Has PETA jumped on this as a reason to let the animals free yet? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 It indeed has. They would have wanted me to quote the articles where they have been cited. I have not. They can easily be found by using Google to search for: PETA Shamu Seaworld. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
windshawne Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 In reality, humans are also animals and some of them turn on others unexpectedly, too. How many times have the neighbors of the murderer been interviewed and said "But he was such a nice man, he bought cookies for my daughter! We never thought anything like this would happen!" And yet we live with neighbors, employers, friends, spouses, etc. We take precautions, we do the best we can, but we take risks every day. Some of us even ride roller coasters! But seriously, we also drive cars, marry, have children, work in the workplace, go out in public, etc. I'll take my chances with an animal any day-I think people are much more unpredictable. An animal doesn't premeditate like people do-heck, people I am in contact with every day are just as unpredictable and maybe more so. Yes, we are animals too with the ability to attack when threatened-thats a whole new can of worms thats up for debate-sometimes I wonder how many "animals" are in jail doing what nature hard wired into our brains.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marlfox_21 Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 marlfox i understand what you are saying but unless you were there or there was some video no one knows for 100 % phantom of that story I think this is the scariest quote Nemec snapped his fingers and added, "I was always aware that just like that everything can change." It could happen anywhere (life being ended) but its just a scary thought and these people do it all the time. But if you love something it never seems as dangerous For those of you who believe that you would like to endeavour into the field of working with animals....I applaud you and your efforts. The situation at Sea World, Orlando is unfortunate and tear jerking. But don't let it distract you from your purpose. If you can understand that Dawn would not have wanted any harm to come to the animals she loved so very much, then I believe that you are where you should be to reach your goal with wildlife. If this incident distracts you and makes you double think the field, then you are completely within reason to feel that way. But if it changes your point of view of wildlife, maybe you should seriously consider a different career path. This is what we do. We are aware of the situations and the consequences. The rewards in this field far outnumber the hardships, in comparison with raising a child. Dawn obviously loved what she did for a living, and to discourage care for whales or people caring passionately about wildlife would contradict the very thing that she lived for. In my humble opinion, there is no more rewarding career in the world than one with animals. They bring out the best in people. Working with the animals that you love, and people who are both curious and joyful to see them. Yes, I can say that I work at a job where families come together and people are always smiling together, which is certainly not a bad way to earn a living. The event at Sea World is regretable, and I pray for her friends, and family. May what she BELIEVE d in live on through us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomkatt7 Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 While tragic, and sad, I think there is another reason that this story is "news worthy". The reason is, this type of incident doesn't happen very often. I think that speaks volumes. These people that work with these animals on a daily basis really must know their stuff. Yes, this woman was attacked and killed by the whale. Why? No one will ever know. Look at all the other animal trainers that have, and still do work with animals everyday, knowing that the same thing could happen to them. I have no idea who this woman was, or how long she was doing her job, but I would venture a guess that she would not blame the animal, nor would she want the park to altar it's shows because of something that happened out of her control. Back to point (I tend to ramble) People don't focus on car crashes, or things that take peoples lives everyday, but because this is something that "doesn't happen" everyone is all abuzz about it. I think we should focus on the good that people created by working with animals, rather than this one "freak" accident. Not to say her loss shouldn't be mourned, it should, but I hope that we can also see how much of a loss it would be if the overall show is affected by it too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiko_coaster Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 Ok. This is just my thoguhts on this, and since i'm extremely passionate about this, this might end up being a long post. I have wanted to train killer whales since i was three years old. Long story that goes into just that part. I have gone to Sea World every year of my life. So, I myself have been able to work with many animals at sea world including the Killer Whales. They aren't doing these shows just to show off, they're doing the shows to inform the audience. And yes, I do admit that since the Believe show came out, it has been more geared towards the trainers, the whales are showing and teaching us. I have learned that anything is possible if you believe, because I was actually able to work with the Killer Whales for the past two years, and even got to do something that many trainers dont get to do: I've gotten to hug a Killer Whale twice. ALl the trainers realize that there will always be risks with these animals. Just like I realized that hugging the Killer Whale would cause great risk to my life, I'm going to kneel down on the scale for the Killer Whale right at the waters edge and put my arms completley around it. Keet, the whale could've easily taken me in with it. It's not easy at all to become a trainer, I have worked most of my life at trying to become one. And even if you do become one, it takes more than 5 years before you actually can get in the water with the whales. There has to be a bond there. Even if a bond is set up, animals still have their days. Some animals just dont want to perform. Tillikum, the whale in this case was definatley a special one. It's the largest whale there, and the trainers aren't allowed in the water with him becuase of his size and power. He's only in the shows to splash, not to interact. The future of Tillikum is definately uncertain, I highly doubt he will be released in the wild because of the fact that he has lived in captivity most of his life, but the question of if they're going to relocate him is just a question that will come in time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coaster_junky Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 it's really sad that they are most likely unable to release tillikum back into the wild because of his extended stay in captivity, i hope that they can find something to do with him. has he had a history of being rough with the other orca whales in captivity with him that could possibly effect his future? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diamondback FOF Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 Whale that killed its trainer won't be isolated That's good news, but this is such a sad thing to hear, in general. (off topic) Working with sea animals or doing something like the trainers at Sea World do has been something I thought about in life (training/helping sea mammals). I just don't look at it as a major option for me because I'm sure the opprtunities are limited and I don't really know what it would take. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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