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Trainer Killed at Seaworld

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Wed, 02/24/2010 - 22:20
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Trainer Killed at Seaworld

I've just heard that a 40 year old female trainer has been killed at Seaworld Orlando at around 2pm local time after an incident involving their biggest Killer Whale, Tillica. It's unclear at the moment whether she slipped and fell into the pool or was pulled in by the whale. Orange County Sherriff Department are investigating.

I've seen this animal close up at a dinner experience, and they go to great lengths to explain that the whale will only cooperate with them if it wants to.

Thoughts are with the family and collegues of the trainer.

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Wed, 02/24/2010 - 22:52
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Tony, I just heard the same thing on my local newscast and even more disturbing these newscasters stated that this same animal has been "involved" in the deaths of two other people, although at other SeaWorld locations.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the victim, and to the people who had the misfortune of witnessing this tragedy. Whether this is true about the "other" past victims remains to be corrobarated.

Further reports say that the previous incidents occured in 1991 and 1999 in California and at Orlando, One previous incident involved another trainer and one involved someone who had somehow got into the park "after hours"..

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Thu, 02/25/2010 - 08:06
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I've heard the reports about the previous deaths too, so would say they are probably true.

The trainer has now been named as Dawn Brancheau.

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Thu, 02/25/2010 - 11:13
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Latest reports suggest that Tillikum (Tilly) grabbed her arm at the end of a Dining with Shamu session pulled her in and then threw her around the tank while diners and other people at the viewing window watched. She was drowned when he held her down for too long.

Trainers have never been allowed into the pool with Tilly due to his size and past history.

The trainer killed in Canada before he was moved to Orlando had slipped into the water accidentally and was held down by Tilly and two females who appeared to use her as a toy.

The Man who died at Seaworld in Tillys tank had crept in after park hours, it's not known whether he died from hypothermia or drowning or more likely a combination of the two. He was found on Tilly's back and it's been speculated that the animal would most likely have used his body as a toy but may have been trying to help the man by keeping him at the surface.

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Thu, 02/25/2010 - 15:04
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I still can't get my head around exactly what happened. This is horrible and shocking news. I wonder how often accidents like this occur.

Thu, 02/25/2010 - 15:27
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According to the Orlando Sentinel, there have been 5 serious incidents at Seaworld park, but this is the first death.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/os-killer-whale-timeline-022510,0,909686.story

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Thu, 02/25/2010 - 15:49
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That is so sad. I have a couple of friends who work there and they knew her well. My thoughts go out to all of them.

It seems to me they shouldn't have such large and dangerous animals in such small places.

Thu, 02/25/2010 - 21:00
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caitiesus wrote:

It seems to me they shouldn't have such large and dangerous animals in such small places.

I guess that's part of the appeal, but it often seems kind of senseless when stuff like this happens. I guess we could say the same thing about riding rollercoasters. Some people get hurt and killed on them, but they're the vast minority.

Sat, 02/27/2010 - 16:02
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caitiesus wrote:

It seems to me they shouldn't have such large and dangerous animals in such small places.

I think this may be (or should be ) the learning...

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