Losing my faith on Shamu’s first weekend back on the job

Well written and thought provoking article. I agree — Seaworld, and all of us, need to question keeping large, sentient mammals in captivity in small, “dead concrete” quarters unimaginably different from their natural habitat, and making them do “stupid human tricks.” There is no question these animals are being exploited for gain. In the long run, I do not think this is healthy for us or the Orca. Yes, Shamu has captured our collective attention and caused us to be fond of Orca; yet, rather than appreciating them for all that makes them wonderful wild creatures, we require them to act on our level — kissing humans, allowing humans to ride their backs, and other behaviors that are, in my opinion, demeaning. I feel the same about watching wild animals (eg, tigers) perform. This is why I have not been to a circus in over four decades, since I was very young — and even then it made my conscience uneasy.

This is a for-profit enterprise, and Sea World wants money. The killer whale (literally) sired many babies and is making Sea World money. There is not a profit incentive in destroying or in releasing that animal. There is not a profit incentive in shutting down Sea World, either.

Is it any wonder that Sea World chose the profitable route? The world isn’t about what’s “good” or “just.” The world is about, “is this legal?” and “if the legality is questionable, can I argue in court if necessary?”

Personally, I think that Sea World is acting in a manner entirely consistent with actions that would minimize losses and increase profits, with little regard for “morals.” After all, most corporate entities don’t even bother with morals, except for Google’s “Don’t be evil” quote, as far as I know.

This is why airlines and travel companies do things that help their bottom line…not necessarily what is the “moral” thing to do.

I’m not saying this is right or wrong…it’s just the world we live in.

I also pondered about this. In all honesty, and in good faith and morality, I cannot support any form of entertainment where animals are forced or coerced into performing for fighting. From dog fighting and cock fighting all the way to the highest valued circuses and animal shows. Whether or not the animals are injured or healthy, brought in from the wild or bred in captivity, educational program or no educational program. Forcing them to perform in order to pay for their care is not right. If we’re going to take in animals, it should be because we have the best interest of the animal at heart. This is where zoos and wildlife reserves are valuable, because the first and foremost mission is (or, at least should be) the animal’s best interests.

The animals they have now need to be cared for since they cant survive if released. For me it comes down to the well being of the species. I do not have the answer but my question would be do the benefits of maintaining public awareness of the orcas and any ongoing research on whales in captivity for the species long term preservation, offset the downside?

The Trainings at Sea World is as much about science as its about entertainment. To the arious naysayers, I can only assume that you’ve never actually taken a tour of Sea World.

Here is an interview that begins to scratch the service.

http://sandiego.jobing.com/video_details.asp?i=45902&Segment=22124

Carver – honestly, I don’t care if Sea World also incorporates science. That doesn’t justify keeping large wild animals in little cages. I could make an obvious analogy about what some people have done to other people in the name of “science” but I won’t go there. And I have never, and will never go to Sea World.

Chris said: “Indeed, orcas are known to be fearsome predators and have attacked humans — and not just in the movies.”

There has never been a documented case of an orca killing a human in the wild — only while in captivity. Clearly a sign that the artificial environment puts different stresses on the animals.

Chris, Tily was a transient orca. Orcas can be classed into three groups — resident, transient, and offshore. They are not different species, but more like different cultures with their own vocabularies & behaviors. Transient orcas generally display more aggressive behavior, travel in very small groups, have neither established territories nor predictable patterns of movement, hunt silently (resident orcas tend to communicate vocally while hunting), and eat primarily marine mammals and sizable terrestrial animals who enter the water. (Residents eat primarily salmon.) I always thought of resident orcas more like stray dogs, and transient orcas as hyenas. It’s a poor metaphor, but conveys some of the behavioral differences.

Never seemed like a good idea to keep large social marine mammals in captivity — particularly transient orcas for obvious reasons.

And then there is the compassion-factor. These animals swim over great distances in the wild. They live in incredibly tight knit family groups not unlike our own — they have their own distinct vocabularies, behavior patterns, and familial relationships. They appear to grieve over fellow pod-members deaths. By all measures, they seem to be quite intelligent, passing the mirror-test (self-awareness) and are capable of planning.

Imagine if the tables were turned and Tily’s story were your own. Taken from your family as a child and then kept in a series of 1 bedroom loft apartments without much contact with the outside world & a changing cast of whales who asked you to jog around your tiny apartment twice a day while they watched & tossed you grilled cheese sandwiches.

I jest, but only half-heartedly. These shows are entertaining to be sure, and the parks in which these animals live claim to carefully tend the animals best interests so that they might spread a message of conservation to the families who visit.

But is it fair for the whales?

I would argue not. And I would also argue that these shows do not teach a healthy respect for whales – kids come away thinking whales are cute and cuddlely and trainable (they are), but seemingly left out of the lesson is that they are wild animals. For all of the folks out there condemning the whale (none of whom are here thank God) all Tily is guilty of is shocking a generation of parkgoers into this realization.

Ultimately, I think these shows will go on, for better or worse, as long as people keep buying tickets. As you’ve mentioned, that seems to be the case.

At first I was sad at the thought of people not being able to interact, appreciate, and understand these awesome animals first hand. I really believe that in order for people to care about the environment and animals, this sort of business, like zoos, is extremely important. Many zoos have beautiful, adequately sized enclosures for their animals. The scientists, zoologists, and marine biologists that take care of them do a fabulous and important job.

However, the size of this particular animal is not conducive to it. When I was a kid and read their fins actually bend over after being in captivity, it totally turned me off. That in addition to the fact that dolphins are actually not very friendly creatures. I agree completely with the person who said we are forgetting these are animals. Even with dogs, my family raised me to understand that they’ll defend themselves if necessary, and to always treat any animal with respect. Coaxing it to do what isn’t natural to them is just a recipe for disaster. At least most breeds of dogs actually do benefit from following a “pack leader” – their owner. They expect it and enjoy it.

If we want people to appreciate marine life, we should probably invest more into things like whale-watching tours. Everyone is kept at a safe distance, and the animals are free to be as they’re meant to. As with everything in nature, people should try as much as possible to work around it, as opposed to forcing nature to work around them.

Let me take the liberty of answering a few of your questions, Chris, as I am an animal trainer like Brancheau. I work with dogs, horses, but not whales, still the principles of training are the same.

“Did Brancheau have to die?” The simple answer? No. Many people noted the whales were aggitated the day of the attack. Rule number one of training is that the animal MUST be in good shape, mentally and physically, to work/play/train. The moment someone noticed the whales acting differently the show should have been canceled for the day. The proper question here is… who made the call to go on with the shows?

“I mean, there must be a reason they’re called killer whales.” Orca RARELY attack humans, even their trainers who are exposed to that risk daily. They are called “killer whales” because they are often found killing WHALES in the wild, for food. More appropriately, they should have been called whale killers, but the name stuck. Even in the wild orca do not attack humans, who are NOT their natural food source. There has never been a recorded wild orca attack on a human.

“Would we feel any differently about this incident if it happened during a shark show? Or God forbid, a piraña show?” I don’t know if these exist, but if they do those who enter the tank do so at their own risk. Sharks still rarely attack humans, but more so than orcas… and their training capability is low, so what would be the point?

“I’m no animal rights activist, but enough is enough. I think the park’s owners need to ask themselves a few difficult questions before getting on with the show. Does it make sense to train killer whales? Is the cost worth the benefit?” Enough is enough, what? This trainer, as they all do, knew full well the risk she was taking. Every dog I work with could bite me. Every horse could drag me in a panic. If I get bit, do I say “enough is enough” and quit? Of course not. The parks owners have already determined the show will go on, and it will likely go on as usual, without attacks or problems, as the majority of shows do.

“Should orcas be kept in captivity? Should they be performing?” Orca in captivity will remain there for survival reasons. Sea World does not catch wild orca anymore, they breed them, and they have never survived on their own. Suddenly deciding they shouldn’t be in captivity would be emotional, and would not take their likely slow, painful deaths in the wild into account. As for the performing, shows like this go on with the acceptance of the animal. A 6 ton whale cannot be “forced” to do anything. Sea World often cancels shows when they must, due to the animals not offering up a performance. The shows themselves though are FUN for the whales, so they often choose to go ahead with them. The shows are made up of natural behaviors… racing, splashing, waving, tail slaps, even playing with other animals (the trainers), all done in the wild.

“Is a show like this morally defensible?” How is it not? What sense of morals means we cannot keep one type of animal for show when we keep ALL kinds of animals for show? If it is not defensible, then neither is owning a pet.

“And what are a few whales in the grand scheme of things?” They are a lot!! Sea World spoils these animals rotten with play, fun, enrichment programs, and all the while they teach thousands of people every day to appreciate the natural beauty of these animals. These whales are ambassadors for people. They are priceless.

I hope my answers make sense for you, they are from an animal trainers perspective. Let me be clear, I firmly believe Brancheau, despite this horrible end to her life, would want the show to go on as well.

Sincerely,

KZ

To Len,

“Trainers do not teach animals to perform “tricks.” The animals have behaviors reinforced.”

I hope your daughter does well after this incident. It must be very close to home for you all.

I’d also like to thank you for pointing this specific thing out about “tricks.” When I am training a dog, I don’t “make” it do “tricks.” I teach it a valuable behavior that can be repeated for necessities sake. A family that cannot control its dog, even make it sit, is a family with an out of control and possibly dangerous, unpredictable dog. Training bonds animal and person, teaches them about its behavior and how to determine its mindset, and can turn unpredictable behavior into predictable and fun behavior for the whole family. It also shows the dog what behavior is “good” and “bad,” reinforcing better behavior and giving him a leg up on how to relate to his family, which takes away stress of bad communication (which is a lead cause of bites). There are rarely “tricks” in training. One would not keep their child out of school, so why would one not educate their dog?

Sincerely, KZ

I think you asked the wrong question. Till is still alive. Dawn is dead.
So what is the price for a human life in the grand scheme of things – such as corporate profits, and leveraged buyouts?

http://www.groundreport.com/Opinion/2007-Cal-OSHA-Investigation-of-SeaWorld-Killer-Wha_9/2918876

KZ –

I find it interesting that when I googled the genetic condition you suggested to explain bent dorsal fins, the first website that specified it was Sea World’s. Even then, it said it “may” be caused by genetics, and then as combined with other factors. From an online New Zealand encyclopedia, this statistic is also cited – and the reason why the fins are bent is said to be a mystery, not a “confirmed” set of genes. (http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/orcas/1) This study also included a variety of dorsal fin abnormalities, including types that are not the same as bent dorsal fins in captivity (see below).

Further down in hits, papers have been written about studies of wild orcas with bent or “ruffled” fins. In Hawaii, a bent fin (totally or mostly flopped over, which is what I was referring to) is thought to be caused by fishing injuries – again, not a genetic condition. In the case of “ruffled” fins, which perhaps is what you are thinking of, these are not considered the same as a bent fin, as this is caused by the front of male dorsal fins growing more quickly than the back. Again, not a genetic condition and also much more common and more understood in the wild than a bent or collapsed dorsal fin.

Lastly, the percentage of the New Zealand male orcas (23%), even though it is including whales without the same bend of dorsal fin that I was referring to, still doesn’t come close to how many whales in captivity have bent dorsal fins (60 – 90%). According to the National Marine Fisheries Service,

“the collapsed dorsal fins commonly seen in captive killer whales do not result from a pathogenic condition, but are instead thought to most likely originate from an irreversible structural change in the fin’s collagen over time. Possible explanations for this include: (1) alterations in water balance caused by the stresses of captivity dietary changes, (2) lowered blood pressure due to reduced activity patterns, or (3) overheating of the collagen brought on by greater exposure of the fin to the ambient air.”

Thank you for telling me I should continue educating myself about whales. I have, and it has been quite the education indeed. If you have a reliable, scientific website that can confirm the statistic you stated (despite it being borderline irrelevant considering the conditions of the study and the life of wild whales across the world, not just in New Zealand), please do so. I’d hate for my education to stop here.