Shame on Sea World? Death of a trainer.

It’s sad. It’s awful. And let’s not let trainer Dawn Brancheau die in vain. In my last week’s post, where I’m giving away whale watching tickets, I started the post by joking, “No, whale watching isn’t a hot topic ...” Unfortunately, now whales and their entertainment value, are on the lips of many with Wednesday’s death of the 40-year-old trainer.

All the facts are still coming in, but, to me, it sounds like the animal went mental. I say that not to be flip, just to be frank. By no means, am I saying the trainer got what she deserved—as it’s horrific; I only wonder when we will put an end to the animal circus.

Reported facts say people saw the whales agitated, playing or fighting with each other and refusing to obey commands to splash the crowd before the attack. Those watching the killing, while eating at the “Dine with Shamu,” show (do you see the silliness of those three words by the way?) saw the female trainer petting the whale when it grabbed her and plunged into the water. It reappeared on the other side of the tank and leaped up holding her, her face bloody. “The whale circled round and round, turning her over and over,” they said.

Now if you know me, you know have a big heart for animals (have been a Veggie for 20 yrs.) and don’t support the life of tricks many of these captive animals are forced to live. A 12,000-pound, 22-foot long force of nature trapped and forced to swim in circles day after day whose only purpose is to splash on command is inhumane. It’s mind-numbing. It’s flat-out greed on the part of parks. And it’s something bad waiting to happen.

Yes, it’s important to learn about these animals, and to show kids their vast beauty, but we can do it other ways. Many other ways: on Alaskan cruises (I’ve been, it’s awe-inspiring), on TV, on local whale watching trips and more. No, I’m not a fan of zoos; I really only go to The Wild Animal Park, as I respect their open terrain. Do I take my kids to the circus? No. Do I support Barnum & Bailey and the likes? HELLA no. And have I been to Sea World? Of course. But I don’t go often. I’m not saying there should be no zoos or aquariums, but it’s a fine line of what animals are okay in captivity, in their enclosures, in their forced habitats. It’s a fine line for sure, but a 12,000-pound animal trapped in such a torturous space goes way over the line.

If we stop supporting these shows and cheering in the splash zone, the demand will die and the animals can live free. Too holier-than-thou? Too PETA-speak for you? Sorry, but animals don’t have a voice, so I speak up where I can.

What say you?

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