woman killed at seaworld

[rodriguezpoultry]

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Ok, but that doesn't stop businesses/organizations from offering certain activities, does it? Sky diving isn't safe for everyone, but that doesn't mean it can't be offered for those folks who want to and are physically able to do it. I don't quite get that one, RoPo.

As it stands now, the disabled are not discriminated against. If a wheelchair-bound person wanted to skydive, they are able to find a person who will do two-man jumps. If they only allow those who are able to swim/breathe through an airtank under the water, I do not see how that is not discriminating against them. Those who have mental and physical disabilities should be able to enjoy the majestic creatures just like everyone else.

 

[Davaroo]

Essentially a wild hunter in captivity... except that orca's have *at least* the intelligence of a dog and are the size of a school bus - with teeth.

Given the confinement aspects and the unpredictable nature of captive animals, in general, it is a surprise this hasn't happened sooner.
I feel for both sides, the loved ones of the dead trainer and those who side with the animal itself.
In the end, I expect the animal will be put down. Why it attacked will never be known for certain, I suspect.

I'd like to hear what Roy Horn has to say about it.

 

[Amyable]

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Ok, but that doesn't stop businesses/organizations from offering certain activities, does it? Sky diving isn't safe for everyone, but that doesn't mean it can't be offered for those folks who want to and are physically able to do it. I don't quite get that one, RoPo.

As it stands now, the disabled are not discriminated against. If a wheelchair-bound person wanted to skydive, they are able to find a person who will do two-man jumps. If they only allow those who are able to swim/breathe through an airtank under the water, I do not see how that is not discriminating against them. Those who have mental and physical disabilities should be able to enjoy the majestic creatures just like everyone else.

Of course they should; they might not be able to enjoy them in exactly the same way, though. And I don't think that's a reason to not do a project or business venture. How about a wheelchair-accessible submarine for viewing the whales?

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

But then you'd have to deal with the entire ordeal of ensuring every piece of equipment used being inspected. And there's also the chance of wild orcas being encountered in the "park". The wild orcas calling would disrupt the captive whales. People are more likely to get injured in the ocean than sitting next to a tank.

 

[chickerdoodle]

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They do this for dolphins in some areas and did it for Keiko near Iceland. It may be that keeping it secure is a constant strugle, but I would imagine the tanks they use now to be tough to maintain as well. It still isn't like being free--like a person under house arrest for life--you still get cabin fever.

I am sympathetic to the trainers and their family over this horrific event. As an animal behaviorist I am truly saddened over the captivity of wild animals but in certain cases it may be necessary at least for humans to learn about our fellow earth inhabitants or if they could not survive on their own in the wild for whatever reasons. I'd prefer we'd learn from Animal Planet and other Nature programs as they have phenomenal footage of such creatures--if only that alone would suffice. I was sad when they renovated the huge tank in Oregon that was used for Keiko, the killer whale from "Free Willy" fame. They renovated it into several different exhibits connected with a completely clear tunnel for guests to walk through so you could feel like you were actually walking through the middle of all the fish. Admittedly it is a wonderful exhibit but so many killer whales could've used the huge, deep tank. That would at least be a better environment than Seaworld to show folks about how important the whales are and how to care for our seas and the seas inhabitants. It even had powerful jets on the bottom to make natural currents that changed directions just like the ocean and gave Keiko some needed exercise and muscle tone. I went to Seaworld at Orlando two years ago and saw the "show." I couldn't help but feel so sad about the entire exhibit and mad at myself for visiting it. It doesn't surprise me these whales get upset as they are incredibly intelligent and therefore suffer greatly from boredom. What a sad day for all.

 

[Prettiest Frog]

Zoos and the like really aren't about the profit. Most are just barely making ends meet and are doing it for the love and preservation of the animals.

 

[redhen]

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LOL..not Seaworld..they are million/trillion? dollar a year theme park...
Like Disney World..with whales..

Actually isnt it owned by Disney?? Or they are connected somehow... I think..

 

[Amyable]

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All true. Nothing is ever simple, is it? There will always be places like Sea World for folks to view these animals; I just thought a semi-wild enclosure might be viable for whales like this one who snapped.

 

[froggie71]

wow, what a different version of the story on Comcast.net www.comcast.net/articles/news-national/20100224/US.SeaWorld.Death/

 

[saddina]

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The monteray bay aquarium, has a set up for otters, seals an dolphins, where they are in a semi-enclosed area, they can't swim out, but it's ocean water, and fish may swim in. They rehab there so there's less dependancy on people. for whales it would have to be so much bigger.