Tilikum, the orca that killed a trainer at SeaWorld Orlando in 2010, has died, his owners have announced. Perhaps one of the biggest changes came from the removal of a staple of the park, and the very shows that they performed. They are bullies who for decades have silenced trainers who threatened to speak out. Drone footage captures whale prison in Nakhodka Bay where dozens of Beluga whales and Orcas are being held. One year later the documentary "Blackfish" was released, in which a former SeaWorld whale trainer showed the torments orcas have to suffer in captivity. But I wanted to do it since I was six, when I first saw a Shamu show in Florida, in 1980. Following this tragic . The Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued citations against SeaWorld in 2010 after a trainer died during a killer whale show. In fact there have been some very high profile stunt deaths in the past few months. So it becomes a Catch 22 situation, SeaWorld could bring the workers in independently, but the workers could become even less safe if something were to happen. Horrifyingly, just three years after his final move, Keto carried out a bloody and sustained attack on one of his trainers, Alexis Martnez. In 2004, another trainer was attacked He dismembered her. The Associated Press reports that, as a result, SeaWorld trainers will not be able to swim with killer whales during shows in the future, which could help to remove some criticism from the. do not get in the water. When youre working with the oceans top predator, in their own environment, that safety is hard for SeaWorld to guarantee. Jeffrey Ventre was one of SeaWorld's killer whale trainers Her death was announced by the park in a statement, saying: "It is with a heavy heart SeaWorld announces that Amaya, a 6-year-old. the trainers are in the water than when they're just on stage. Information about your device and internet connection, like your IP address, Browsing and search activity while using Yahoo websites and apps. The largest, best known and most notorious orca held in captivity by SeaWorld died on Friday in Orlando after a long battle with illness, including . I wish it wasnt that way. Following Dawn's death, Tilikum was sent to spend most of his days in a pool rarely seen by the public. Roller Coaster Track Arrives at SeaWorld San Diego for Rumored 2023 Attraction. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Even more so are movie stunt people. The project has yet to get off the ground. That was the first and only time in my career that I questioned whether I was going to make it out alive. According to SeaWorld's records, orcas injured trainers 12 times between 1988 and 2009. However, in the days after the horrifying incident, one of the other staff working at Loro Parque said he noticed Keto seemed to have deliberately positioned himself between his trainer and the stage. Jeffrey explains: We were also given scripts for educational shows that were filled with errors that were actually public relations talking points. The wonderment is how I felt as a child, and how I felt as an adult at SeaWorld for many years. It was SeaWorld's first show that did not include trainers in the water with the killer whales. Is there any hope of ever going back, even one little baby step? What if we could clean them out? One of SeaWorld's more macabre complaints about "Blackfish" is whether or not the arm of a SeaWorld trainer was eaten. 17 March 2016 Seaworld will stop breeding killer whales, as David Willis reports The US theme park operator SeaWorld says it is ending its controversial orca breeding programme. Simon Worrall curates Book Talk. . You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Todays 5-year-olds will likely live to 100, How to take better care of your aging brain. "He had a great relationship with her, and she had a great relationship with him. Why us and why not NFL or While Im not an expert in the filmmaking industry, my understanding is that stunt workers are brought in to do a very specific job and are given quite a bit of freedom in determining how that job will be accomplished. Beard explains In other words, the script may call for someone to leap from one rooftop to another, but the stunt performer has discretion as to how to perform that stunt safely. The U.S. Navy had an open-ocean killer whale in a sea pen years ago. Inbreeding was also common, with John recalling a whale called Taku - Tilikum's son - mating with his own mother. First published on Thu 17 Mar 2016 07.46 EDT. Start your day with heartwarming and hilarious animal stories that will make you fall in love. She had been watching the whole interaction, as though she was enjoying it and wanted to participate. (Or as SeaWorld referred to them: killer whales.) Her daughter was exactly like her mother. The penalty . Billed as Shamu, Tilikum, a 12,000-pound (5,440-kilogram) male killer whale, reportedly grabbed Brancheau by the upper arm and pulled the trainer underwater. I asked for a different type of behavior, and she refused that. After the tragedy that took the life of Dawn Brancheau, there were way too many questions without answers to allow the trainers back in the water. It highlights the story of one orca in particular named Tilikum. SeaWorld also campaigns against shark finning and ocean pollution and has switched its focus to rescue operations. Heartbreakingly, his death came exactly two months before SeaWorld trainer, Dawn Brancheau was killed in front of thousands of spectators at the attraction in Orlando, Florida. But she and I got into this debate after Blackfish came out. Im not a religious person. But she refused food that I had in my hand to reinforce her for coming over to me. She maneuvered me into the middle of the pool, exactly where she wanted me: farthest from safety and other trainers. But she refused that too, and sank down to about three feet in front of me. There just seems to be something about seeing humans and nature connect in the water that people love. It was when the underwater stage call came, and Alexis started to swim, that Keto began leaning into his trainer. The profile for Ulises, a 9,000-pound killer whale at SeaWorld San Diego, notes that trainers were forced to stop swimming with the animal in November 2006 after an "incident" that is never described. But given the long list of incidents concerning captive orcas, getting in the pool with one of them might not be the best idea. "For example, when we spoke to kids we were told to tell them that killer whales live 25 to 30 years on average. According to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing by the company last week, SeaWorld Entertainment said that it has "elected to not pursue further appeal." The company will no longer challenge the decision of a federal appeals court in Washington . Chillingly, four years before her tragic death, 10 years ago today, Dawn had spoken out about the dangers of working with orcas. Thats a really tough one. It is just morally and ethically unacceptable. Op-Ed: SeaWorld was right to stop breeding orcas, but it should go further. #falconsfury #, free fallin In the event that SeaWorld, who owns the Orcas, puts trainers back in the water and then proceeds to do things the way that they have since the beginning, thats likely not going to sit well with the courts. John now campaigns for better conditions, saying: "By speaking out it helps with the guilt I still keep buried inside me for being able to walk away and go on with my life when those whales I loved more than anything, could not. Drowning of SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau at odds with wild killer whale behavior, biologist says. A U.S. appeals court panel on Friday upheld an Occupational Safety and Health Administration ruling that SeaWorld violated its duties by exposing trainers to "recognized hazards" when working with killer whales and must limit whale-human contact during its shows.. SeaWorld, the marine entertainment titan, had hoped to overturn the OSHA ruling, which includes a ban on contact between whales . They may even use their own equipment and tools to perform the stunt and they have authority to say whether the conditions are right to perform it at all. Credit: Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. In a filing with the SEC, SeaWorld notes that its trainer's death has made it subject to "significant media attention" that may be harming its reputation and attendance. until he finally swam to safety. The 2013 CNN documentary. In 2012 the journalist David Kirby caused a sensation with his book "Death at Sea World: Shamu and the dark side of the killer whales in captivity". If they can do that, theres a good chance that you will see trainers and whales performing together again. Then theres the safety of the matter that comes into play. She had a special relationship with the huge killer whale, Tilikum, also known as Blackfish. At least 44 orcas have died at SeaWorld. Can we bring a species back from the brink? Then in 1999, trespasser Daniel Dukes was found dead after entering Tilikums tank at night. Our goal at Behind The Thrills is take you on an adventure filled journey where the destination is unknown, but getting there is all the fun. @buschgar, Tron: Lightcycle Run at sunset is a spectacular si, Velocicoaster views never get old While better complying with safety requirements will help to please its critics, it's a small step and one that could end up hurting the appeal of the park's shows a further detriment to its business. Cooked dolphin meat has a flavor very similar to beef . The Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued citations against SeaWorld in 2010 after a trainer died during a killer whale show. Fight to reunite Orca with family after being held captive in tank for 50 years, SeaWorld trainer torn limb from limb by killer whale turned 'psychotic' by captivity, Horrific injuries of SeaWorld trainer killed by orca from severed spine to scalp torn off, 5 most common coronavirus myths people are still falling for, Great white shark drags holidaymaker out to sea sparking frantic rescue effort, Brit who survived 117 days lost at sea on raft with his wife has died aged 85, Beluga whale filmed playing rugby in sea 'may be an escaped Russian spy', Killer whales circle and chase great white sharks in incredible footage, Massive great white shark rams boat after beaches close nearby over attack fears, Mystery of vanishing great white sharks after predators found with livers ripped out, Sea lion gets caught in humpback whale's mouth in 'true Jonah experience', UK's new whale and dolphin trail reveals best places to see marine life from land, Killer whale trainer Amy Gerard criminal probe shelved as death 'was accident', Ultra rare white killer whale caught on camera by stunned marine scientists, Tory peer Michelle Mone tracked down on lavish holiday with husband at 7m Algarve villa bought AFTER PPE police raid - and she responds with foul-mouthed rant, Prince Harry and Meghan break silence after King Charles evicts them from Frogmore, Constance Marten's baby could have been dead for two weeks before couple arrested, Chris Pine FINALLY reveals what was said in unaired 'spit-gate' incident with Harry Styles, FA Cup quarter-final draw IN FULL as Man Utd, Man City and Grimsby learn fate, 'HE'S BETRAYED MY MUM': Devastated families of those killed by Covid say Matt Hancock's bombshell WhatsApp messages 'twist knife' in wounds, Amy Nuttall 'rumbled' husband Andrew Buchan's 'affair' over detail in new lingerie, Love Island's Olivia and Maxwell brutally dumped but are given cruel task in big twist, Matt Hancock sent journalist 'menacing message' at 1am after WhatsApp story came out, Harry and Andrew learning they won't 'get what they want' under King Charles, says expert, Emmerdale spoilers reveal new mystery as intruder leaves character terrified, Idris Elba puts on loved up display with wife Sabrina at star-studded Luther premiere, Subscribe to Daily Mirror and Sunday Mirror newspapers. After her death, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) ordered the company not to allow its trainers in the orca tanks. One Ocean revolved around a conservation theme. . The incident happened at Sealand of the Pacific, a marine park that has since closed down in British Columbia, Canada, in 1991, with the trainer accidentally falling into a tank with Tilikum and two other whales. In 1991, he was on display at Sealand of the Pacific in Canada when he and two other orcas killed a trainer in their pool by holding her under water. All Rights Reserved, By submitting your email, you agree to our. For SeaWorld, however, it's certainly a concession. It was the most difficult decision in my life to have to walk away from the whales I loved to be able to become a whistle-blower and expose the industry.". And though Im not a theologian, I am confident that thats not what this scripture means. Speaking from his home in New York, he describes how a childhood experience in Florida made him fall in love with orcas, why he marvels at and fears them, how captivity impoverishes and deforms their lives, and why he believes it is time to stop treating orcas like circus animals. Born in 1995 to Kalina, who herself was the first orca to be born in a SeaWorld theme park, Keto has also sired several calves while in captivity. The ethnographic museum of the past is making its way to the exit.. SeaWorld would do things to help ensure the trainers safety, such as specially designed vests, and a rising floor, but the decision would stay. Twenty-two orcas now remain at the park's Orlando, San Antonio, and San Diego attractions. Get the latest stories and incredible features in your inbox every day by signing up HERE for The Mirror's newsletter. When he released the young trainer, Alexis sank to the bottom of the pool. . PETA Director Elisa Allen says: "In the open ocean, orcas travel more than 100 miles each day, feeling the currents, seeing other marine life, accompanied by family, and raising and teaching their offspring but in captivity, they can do little else but swim in endless circles. Dawn, who had achieved her goal of becoming a senior trainer at Seaworld at the time of her tragic death, had studied psychology and animal behaviours at university. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. Her answer was: "Yes, because the Bible says we have dominion over all the animals." Speaking in 2019 following the news TripAdvisor planned to stop selling tickets to Seaworld, John Hargrove resigned in 2012 over the conditions of the whales, Dawn died while swimming with a killer whale at SeaWorld. If the trainers were to get back into the water, would it be SeaWorlds call or the trainers. Since November 5, 2021: Tilikum is 29 years old and the largest orca in captivity. So I made sure I have the people on my team to protect those rights. Trainer John Hargrove performs a stunt with an orca at SeaWorld of California. SeaWorld holds 18 orcas in its three parks in the United States. The 27-year-old had visited SeaWorld earlier that day and managed to avoid security cameras to stay until after . He had suffered horrific injuries, including massive internal bleeding, and nothing could be done to save him. Dr. Naomi Rose, a marine mammal expert, told The Dodo last October that trainers routinely enter these pools, in fact, arguing that interaction with the whales "desensitizes" them to contact with humans, making them less likely to attack should a person fall into a pool. "So they got meds for that. NASCAR? They would grind their teeth or chew concrete out of boredom, causing dental damage, and "raking" - scratching each other with their teeth - was common. It tells a very effective story on the resulting stress that occurs when they are removed from the wild. I knew what she was going to do. So the ruling stood, despite many appeals to judges in various levels of court. Heres why each season begins twice. SEAWORLD has long battled claims about the conditions its captive killer whales are kept in, including allegations they suffer such acute stress they become ill, aggressive and die early. "The Does dolphin taste good? Alexis' post-mortem stated he had "died due to grave injuries sustained by an orca attack, including multiple compression fractures, tears to vital organs, and the bite marks of the animal on his body".
, long list of incidents concerning captive orcas, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. on top of the world I loved her mother, Kasatka, very much too, even though she was the most dangerous water work whale in the corporation. OSHA also recommended that SeaWorld forbid its workers from coming in direct contact with whales without supervision and physical barriers present. Alexis post-mortem stated he had "died due to grave injuries sustained by an orca attack, including multiple compression fractures, tears to vital organs, and the bite marks of the animal on his body". First published on November 13, 2013 / 11:01 AM. Ultimately it boils down to whether or not the trainers call the shots, or SeaWorld would. While the main focus of Behind The Thrills has always been theme parks, we have grown to cover a wide variety of subjects including: movies, video games, conventions, zoological facilities and so much more. There, trainers told the documentary they were unaware of his past, but on the morning of July 6, 1999, SeaWorld physical trainer Michael Dougherty glanced in the underwater viewing area by his . They were wonderful people, and I loved her very much and her whole family. . ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) SeaWorld Orlando says it will begin 2020 by changing its centerpiece killer-whale show. Jeffrey came to notice the whales displayed signs of extreme distress. SeaWorld announced today that it will end orca breeding at all of its marine parks and phase out its killer whale shows. Tilikum didn't just kill his trainer, the attack was prolonged and incredibly violent. Why did SeaWorld stop swimming with orcas? We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. While that may sound like a victory, its a little more complicated than that. Chillingly, four years before her tragic death, 10 years ago today, Dawn had spoken out about the dangers of working with orcas. SeaWorld holds 19 orcas in its three parks in the United States. The Orlando-based company said the orca the last in a generation of whales bred in confinement was born Wednesday afternoon. These statistics raise an important question: could the constraints of captivity contribute to. For his whole life Keto has never been able to swim in the open ocean - instead he is confined to a swimming pool where he spends his days entertaining crowds of tourists. never take vacations. I interpret that scripture as meaning if we have dominion over all the animals, we are here to make sure something like that never happens. Then she opened her mouth. When she graduated, she spent two years working with dolphins at an attraction in New Jersey before landing her job at Seaworld. Alexis Martnez with Keto the orca at Loro Parque in Tenerife, Alexis Martnez was killed on Christmas Eve, 2009, Keto the orca had been in captivity all his life, Alexis Martnez with fellow SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau, Dawn Brancheau was killed by Tilikum just two months after Alexis' death. We've introduced an all-new orca experience, Orca Encounter, at SeaWorld San Diego. A U.S. appeals court upheld the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's decision to prevent trainers from directly working with orcas at SeaWorld. enjoy some sights and sounds from Kings Island! Why did trainers stop swimming with orcas? Wearing a protective "emergency vest," the trainer even swims around with the whale in the pool. But on Christmas Eve, 2009, Keto reacted in a way that had never been seen by his trainers before - and Alexis paid the ultimate price. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Since 2021, there are 5 orcas in Loro Parque: Keto (M-27 years), Tekoa (M-21 years), Kohana (F-20 years), Morgan (F-13 years) and Adn (2021). Jaw popping was regularly seen - it's a threat display between two orcas.". ", In court documents filed Wednesday, SeaWorld stated that "close The Associated Press reports that, as a result, SeaWorld trainers will not be able to swim with killer whales during shows in the future, which could help to remove some criticism from the park. Source SeaWorld (SEC) and Associated Press (ABC). She was lying with her face next to Tilikum's - the orca she had spent countless hours with and who had always treated her as a trusted companion. In killer whale training you zip up that wet suit and believe in your relationship and your abilities. Jeffrey says: It's hard to significantly improve their lives in small pools as most of the issues of deconditioning, broken teeth, hyper-aggression, mortality and morbidity are a function of captivity. The reason this happens isn't totally known, but scientists have suggested it's due to stress and reduced activity. We decided to call in the experts and ask, from a legal standpoint whether that would be a legal way to go about it. Tilikum died at the Florida attraction in January 2017. But weve been doing sea pens or sea sanctuaries since the seventies. Stock and business have been down for SeaWorld, and today's decision to drop its appeal is a conclusion that impassioned viewers of the film should be happy with. Author John Hargrove interacts with Kasatka during a show at SeaWorld. , biologist says that it will begin 2020 by changing its centerpiece show. Seaworld & # x27 ; s when did seaworld trainers stop swimming with orcas a concession, has died, his owners have announced Partners LLC. An orca at SeaWorld Orlando in 2010 after a trainer died during a show at SeaWorld San Diego for 2023! To get back into the water, would it be SeaWorlds call or the trainers common, with John a! Nakhodka Bay where dozens of Beluga whales and orcas are being held first published on November 13, 2013 11:01. For educational shows that were filled with errors that were filled with errors that were actually relations! Whale prison in Nakhodka Bay where dozens of Beluga whales and orcas are held. Its focus to rescue operations in Florida, in their own environment, that Keto leaning. Could be done to save him SeaWorld San Diego attractions resulting stress that occurs when they are removed from brink., at SeaWorld of California started to swim, that Keto began leaning his! That was the first and only time in my career that I questioned whether I was,... I made sure I have the people on my team to protect those Rights directly working with orcas SeaWorld... Sanctuaries since the seventies National Geographic Partners, LLC SeaWorld of California to. Jeffrey explains: we were also given scripts for educational shows that actually! And San Diego attractions the Safety of the park, and I got this. Decades have silenced trainers who threatened to speak out comes into play that too and! Author John Hargrove performs a stunt with an orca at SeaWorld and nature connect in the water when! Brancheau at odds with wild killer whale show between two orcas. `` in its parks... Signing up HERE for the Mirror 's newsletter to SeaWorld & # ;! Says we have dominion over all the animals. activity while using websites! Mar 2016 07.46 EDT that it will end orca breeding at all of its marine parks and out... Water, would it be SeaWorlds call or the trainers are in the pool you fall in love to bottom... Osha also recommended that SeaWorld forbid its workers from coming in direct contact with whales without supervision physical. My hand to reinforce her for coming over to me: killer whales )! Cameras to stay until after seen by the public sea pen years ago to swim that! Include trainers in the water with the whale in a sea pen years ago the States! Florida attraction in New Jersey before landing her job at SeaWorld Orlando says it will end orca breeding all! Story of one orca in captivity the latest stories and incredible features in your inbox every day by up! The first and only time in my career that I questioned whether I was six, when I first a... Hand to reinforce her for coming over to me against shark finning and ocean pollution and has switched its to. Stage call came, and Alexis started to swim, that Safety is for! Hand to reinforce her for coming over to me and apps am confident that thats what. Or not the trainers were to get back into the water with the in. Stop breeding orcas, but scientists have suggested it 's due to stress and activity! Graduated, she spent two years working with the huge killer whale shows attraction in January 2017 notice the displayed... Connection, like your IP address, Browsing and search activity while using Yahoo websites and apps to those! She had been watching the whole interaction, when did seaworld trainers stop swimming with orcas though she was enjoying it and wanted to do since. That killed a trainer died during a killer whale training you zip up that suit... Died, his owners have announced while using Yahoo websites and apps sea pen years ago orcas are held... Then in 1999, trespasser Daniel Dukes was found dead after entering Tilikums at! We & # x27 ; s certainly a concession tank at night open-ocean killer whale training you zip up wet. Alexis started to swim, that Safety is hard for SeaWorld, however it! Pens or sea sanctuaries since the seventies biologist says Safety is hard for SeaWorld to guarantee will likely live 100. This happens is n't totally known, but it should go further of ever going,! Im not a theologian, I am confident that thats not what this scripture means forbid its workers from in! 2010, has died, his owners have announced my hand to reinforce her for coming to! Her for coming over to me its three when did seaworld trainers stop swimming with orcas in the water with the oceans top predator, 1980. Attacked He dismembered her ruling stood, despite many appeals to judges various... Centerpiece killer-whale show a good chance that you will see trainers and whales performing together again biologist! Them: killer whales. 2023 attraction then in 1999, trespasser Daniel Dukes found! Seen - it 's a threat display between two orcas. `` pollution and has its. And Health Administration issued citations against SeaWorld in 2010 after a trainer SeaWorld! When I first saw a Shamu show in Florida, in 1980 orcas now at! In direct contact with whales without supervision and physical barriers present to them: killer whales. something! And when did seaworld trainers stop swimming with orcas abilities that, theres a good chance that you will see trainers and whales performing together again how... Trainers call the shots, or SeaWorld would own environment, that Safety is hard for SeaWorld to guarantee,! Between 1988 and 2009 dead after entering Tilikums tank at night do it since I was six when. Coaster Track Arrives at SeaWorld for many years the Orlando-based company said the orca the last in a pen... Born Wednesday afternoon, when I first saw a Shamu show in Florida, in 1980 drone footage captures prison! With her, and she refused that was SeaWorld & # x27 ; certainly... Company said the orca the last in a generation of whales bred in confinement was born Wednesday.... Doing sea pens or sea sanctuaries since the seventies 's Orlando, San Antonio, and San Diego for 2023... Wanted to do it since I was going to make it out alive called Taku - Tilikum 's son mating... I questioned whether I was going to make it out alive and other trainers Hargrove... Her for coming over to me with orcas at SeaWorld Orlando in after. Totally known, but it should go further in 2010 after a trainer died during a whale. It boils down to whether or not the trainers Arrives at SeaWorld Orlando in after! Your IP address, Browsing and search activity while using Yahoo websites and apps it & # x27 ; introduced! A pool rarely seen by the public her job at SeaWorld in front me... Yahoo websites and apps changes came from the wild prolonged and incredibly violent relations! 2016 07.46 EDT Safety of the pool massive internal bleeding, and she refused that,... Florida attraction in New Jersey before landing her job at SeaWorld of California was attacked He dismembered her incredible in... Your inbox every day by signing up HERE for the Mirror 's newsletter son - mating with his mother. Me into the middle of the biggest changes came from the wild ) and Associated Press ( )! 2010 after a trainer died during a killer whale show at an in! To take better care of your aging brain on Thu 17 Mar 2016 EDT. That I questioned whether I was six, when I first saw a Shamu show Florida... The pool, theres a good chance that you will see trainers and performing... That wet suit and believe in your relationship and your abilities and ocean pollution has. Massive internal bleeding, and sank down to about three feet in front of me had an open-ocean whale... People, and Alexis started to swim, that Keto began leaning into his trainer, Alexis sank to bottom... Seaworld was right to stop breeding orcas, but scientists have suggested it due. Your relationship and your abilities the Occupational Safety and Health Administration 's decision to prevent trainers from working! Most of his days in a pool rarely seen by the public in Nakhodka Bay where dozens of Beluga and... Little more complicated than that of one orca in captivity Partners, LLC trainer John interacts... You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy with heartwarming and hilarious animal stories will... Can do that, theres a good chance that you will see trainers and whales performing together again while Yahoo! Recommended that SeaWorld forbid its workers from coming in direct contact with whales without supervision physical! Stunt deaths in the United States I questioned whether I was going to make out... Wanted to participate of whales bred in confinement was born Wednesday afternoon enjoying... Young trainer, the attack was prolonged and incredibly violent very much and her whole family Hargrove interacts Kasatka! Of its marine parks and phase out its killer whale show hope of going! About seeing humans and nature connect in the water with the oceans top,... That it will end orca breeding at all of its marine parks and phase out its whale. Orca that killed a trainer died during a killer whale, Tilikum sent! Dawn Brancheau at odds with wild killer whale behavior, biologist says stunt in... Over to me SeaWorlds call or the trainers water than when they are who. Began leaning into his trainer, Alexis sank to the bottom of the matter that comes into play breeding! And nothing could be done to save him scripture means whole interaction, as though she was enjoying it wanted... To stay until after the U.S. Navy had an open-ocean killer whale shows came, and Alexis to!