Will trainers return in the water at SeaWorld?
This is something that has been discussed for many months. Should killer whales trainers be allowed to return into the water with them, even after Dawn's Brancheau's unfortunate accident? Many people have argued that it was only a very sad but isolated accident, and that the killer whales still need the human touch to feel loved. In addition to that, many people miss the original "Believe" show, that was much more touching when seeing how humans and orcas could be so linked together.
But, of course, the number one law for every theme park (and any other business in the Hospitality Industry) is: SAFETY FIRST. So, what will the court decide? Because there will be a hearing this week for SeaWorld.
More info, thanks to the great CFNews 13:
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Will SeaWorld hearing be closed to the public?
ORLANDO -- SeaWorld is battling the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) after the theme park was slapped with a reckless citation.
It's been almost a year since Dawn Brancheau, 40, was killed when an orca, or killer whale, pulled her into a tank at SeaWorld.
However, the legal battles and questions of killer whale care continue for the theme park.
SeaWorld is fighting a $70,000 fine from OSHA, which handed the theme park one of the most serious of citations, accusing the park of recklessly exposing its employees to danger.
In April, the two sides are expected to battle it out, but you may never know what evidence either side has to offer.
It's likely SeaWorld will ask a judge to close the hearing off to the public.
"This is gonna be a hearing of great interest and great importance to SeaWorld," said J. Seegers, an attorney from Baker Hostetler.
Seegers is a long-time employment lawyer.
While he isn't related to the case, Seegers said asking for a private hearing is the first thing he'd tell his clients to do.
There is a lot at stake for SeaWorld legally.
Seegers said the outcome will most likely determine if trainers ever get into the water with the animals again.
It could also set the theme park up to be sued by the Brancheau family for millions and ignite another firestorm of animal rights protests, which plagued the park's entrance for weeks after Brancheau's death.
In the hearing, Seegers said it's likely experts will testify about how the whales are kept and how trainers interact.
“Without knowing what would come out and what would come out with how they are handled or how you can safely interact with them, there's no way to know what information is going to come out. But if there's a gag order, we'll never know," Seegers said.
Fred Jacobs, SeaWorld’s vice president of communications issued the following statement:
It's been almost a year since Dawn Brancheau, 40, was killed when an orca, or killer whale, pulled her into a tank at SeaWorld.
However, the legal battles and questions of killer whale care continue for the theme park.
SeaWorld is fighting a $70,000 fine from OSHA, which handed the theme park one of the most serious of citations, accusing the park of recklessly exposing its employees to danger.
In April, the two sides are expected to battle it out, but you may never know what evidence either side has to offer.
It's likely SeaWorld will ask a judge to close the hearing off to the public.
"This is gonna be a hearing of great interest and great importance to SeaWorld," said J. Seegers, an attorney from Baker Hostetler.
Seegers is a long-time employment lawyer.
While he isn't related to the case, Seegers said asking for a private hearing is the first thing he'd tell his clients to do.
There is a lot at stake for SeaWorld legally.
Seegers said the outcome will most likely determine if trainers ever get into the water with the animals again.
It could also set the theme park up to be sued by the Brancheau family for millions and ignite another firestorm of animal rights protests, which plagued the park's entrance for weeks after Brancheau's death.
In the hearing, Seegers said it's likely experts will testify about how the whales are kept and how trainers interact.
“Without knowing what would come out and what would come out with how they are handled or how you can safely interact with them, there's no way to know what information is going to come out. But if there's a gag order, we'll never know," Seegers said.
Fred Jacobs, SeaWorld’s vice president of communications issued the following statement:
It is SeaWorld's position that the allegations contained in OSHA's citation are unsupported by any evidence or precedent and reflect a fundamental lack of understanding of the safety requirements associated with marine mammal care. The legal process by which we are contesting that citation is underway. Further comment at this time is inappropriate.Statement from The Orca Project:
The judicial system was not intended to shield corporations from the public view. Every dollar that comes into SeaWorld comes from the public who chooses to attend their parks. This public has every right to know the information regarding worker, and public safety, as well as captivity, so they can make informed decisions. An educated public is the foundation of our democracy.
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What will they decide? Only time will tell. When they will announce their decision, we'll let you know!
Bright House Networks | ©2011 Central Florida News 13. All rights reserved.
Ok, I know that alot of people won't share my opinion, but personally, I don't think that trainers should get into the water with orcas. Yes, they're beautiful animals, but they're also among the deadliest predators in the world. I mean, they eat sharks! And they're not nearly as sociable with humans as say, dolphins are. I think an expanded, elaborate viewing tank instead of a show would be safer for both the trainers and orcas, but hey, that's just my opinion :).
ReplyDeleteNightcrawler I actually agreed. I think they shouldn't, if not for more, at the least for the fact that something already did happened. This opinion isn't very popular... But I just don't buy the argument when people say that the trainers want to do it. Sure they'll want to do it... That's what they do, and been doing since they became trainers. But sometimes people need to be protected from themselves!
ReplyDeleteWith that said, I know the show will probably never be as good as before. Although I hope the new one proves me wrong...