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Sea World: Trainers in the Water

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Tue, 03/26/2013 - 00:34
Kristen K.'s picture
Kristen K.
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Sea World: Trainers in the Water

I was reading this article about Sea World vs. OSHA in the death of Whale Trainer Dawn Brancheau. It's a very in depth look at what happened, and how Sea World reacted. It draws a closer look at if Sea World has a habit of putting it's animal staff in danger, and if OSHA should take more steps to prevent animal attacks. I'm not too sure what I think about it. Though I do think that there need to be established procedures, working with wild animals is inherently dangerous. I don't think that there's anyone more aware of that than the people who work with any wild animals in captivity or the wild. Though I appreciate OSHA and what they do overall, I just don't think that it's possible for the government to keep everyone safe from everything all of the time.

http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/346265

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Tue, 03/26/2013 - 00:51
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I agree. Plus, I think similar to law enforcement, fire fighters, sky dive instructors, etc, there's a certain amount of assumed risk when you take the job. These are smart animals, but they're still huge and have certain instincts that no amount of training can override.

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Tue, 03/26/2013 - 04:50
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I agree with both statements, but to tell you the truth, I would be just as happy to observe these majestic animals (Orcas) in a very large tank/or in the wild doing their thing, without the need for any direct human interaction. Their (Orcas) presence alone will attract the crowds and sell the stuff animals. Any show involving wild animals, i.e. alligator, large cats, snake, elephants, bears, Killer Whales, etc, carry's a real risk; with or without OSHA's valiant attempt to keep workers safe. It's not a matter of if it can happen, it's a matter of when.

Tue, 03/26/2013 - 12:27
Kristen K.'s picture
Kristen K.
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Emilio wrote:
I would be just as happy to observe these majestic animals (Orcas) in a very large tank/or in the wild doing their thing, without the need for any direct human interaction. Their (Orcas) presence alone will attract the crowds and sell the stuff animals.

I think your right. I mean lots of people go to Georgia to see the Whale Shark, that they have and it doesn't do tricks. I was even thinking of making a stop on our way home from Disney to see it. I do however think that the shows (and training for them) help to provide the animals important activities to keep their minds and bodies active. If I were a whale in a tank without anything to do I think I would be very unhappy.

Sun, 04/07/2013 - 13:52
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Nancy D
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I agree with all of you! And I do think that there are possibly none more skilled or trained in that than those specifically trained to work with animals and, like those trained as law enforcement and firefighters, they know the risk but do it anyway because of their love for it. So, while I appreciate the work of OSHA, too, I'm kind of thinking they should stay out of it and leave it to the animal experts.

 
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