"Shamu" kills Sea World trainer--thoughts?

goodheartedmommy

I think it's a very sad tragedy. But people are acting SO shocked. Yes, they interact with these animals multiple times per day every day. But it is still an animal--one very capable of extensive harm. Killing is still an instinct for them. Again, I think it's awful that someone was killed, but surely they are aware of the big risk of working with a huge, powerful animal.

WDYT? 

JOEBunny

I think this is a risk all zoo & animal trainers take on.  It is sad, but these are not domesticated dogs, they are huge, wild animals.  It is worth the risk IMO to study and breed them.  Oh, and it isn't like we haven't killed a million of them.

summerbrideDC

I totally agree w/ you & JOE.  Wild animal is wild animal; I feel horrible that someone died, but when you choose a life that involves working w/ wild animals, you have to know that's a risk.  

Jen2124

I'm in Orlando right now, so maybe it is getting more coverage here (not sure)...but they are saying this is the third fatality this particular whale was involved in. The last one was in 1999..some guy sneaked into SeaWorld when the park was closed to "swim with the whales"...now THAT is ridiculous.

..at any rate, I do think it is a little shocking...even if it is a risk they take. I heard on the news that the whale was acting out today and they even cut the show short bc he was not behaving. Prior to the attack, he was in a holding cell and the trainer was petting him on his belly when he grabbed her thrashed her around. So sad.

summerbrideDC

I just really hope they don't kill the poor animal 

Jen2124

cmeon_the_water:

It made me feel so callous, but, I was more shocked that Sea World closed down for the day, than I was about the attack. I mean, they NEVER close. They've stayed open when we're under serious hurricane watch. It's just so weird.

But, obviously, I understand, and it's very sad. 

I could be wrong, but I don't think they closed Sea World. I thought the news said they closed Shamu Stadium and were offering refunds too.

meghans30

Just read the news story and this whale was known to be aggressive. The trainer dreamed of doing this since age 9 when she visited Sea World. Very tragic. Maybe we shouldn't be "training" killer whales. They are not meant for entertainment purposes.

MomToMaia*

My first thought was sad for the person killed.  Second thought was that any animal can snap. 

dnagal

I'd much rather see these whales in the wild than in a too small tank doing stupid tricks.  It's killer whale, one that lived up to its name.  Dangerous job, IMHO.

firefightersgal

I still think it's tragic.  She died doing what she loved.  My DH has a dangerous job and could lose his life at any moment while at work.  I don't think it is any less tragic when a person dies while doing a dangerous job...regardless of what it is.