So, chances are you've heard about the recent Killer Whale at Sea World that killed one of it's trainers. I have mixed feelings about this tragic accident, as I am sure many of you do too. Hearing the stories from various people that knew "Tillicon," the whale now at Sea World Florida, it seems strange that he was even allowed to perform in their shows. A former trainer, from Canada says Tillicon was only supposed to be used for breeding purposes and never to perform. That is a huge red flag right there. Also, "Tilli" is blamed for two additional deaths in the past.
While I do agree that whale trainers are taking a huge risk, and should be aware of the dangerous possibilities....it's an all together sad situation. Fact of the matter is, a whale is a wild animal and unlike some domestic animals, there is no telling how they will behave.
It's amazing to watch the shows that the trainers orchestrate with the Whales and Dolphins at SeaWorld. I'll admit that I do enjoy watching them and am always amazed at how responsive they are to their trainers.
However, it comes to a point when you have to decide, when is enough? It seems trainers will continue risking their life for their passion for performing with the animals. Of course, there would be no letting "Tilli" back into the wild, as he is a captive whale, now but don't you think maybe he's had enough performing? Sounds to me, like he should just be taken care of there and maybe not in the spotlight.
While I clearly feel awful about the innocent life that was lost in a Whale tank, I also don't think you can just hate "Tilli," the whale. But, in addition, I do not think that trainers should continue pushing the whales buttons (for lack of better way to say it). Another huge topic for discussion is that you run the risk of traumatizing people in the audience, little kids even if a tragedy like this happens. They come to watch a show and all of a sudden they witness a death in the whale tank. That is certainly not what they came to see.
Friday, February 26, 2010
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First off, I am not an activist of any sort. I own a couple of wolf hybrids but I have an acre yard fenced for daily use. I have another 11 acres for all of us to go out periodically and run so they don't feel so cooped up.
ReplyDeleteI would never blame any wild animal for attacking a trainer or zoo keeper. Remember these are wild animals. Even if born in captivity they have 'wild' running in their veins. Taking animals out of the wild and putting them in pools or cages would be like us whom get out and go places being put in a small 4x4 cell and there we are trapped.
The word cabin fever comes to mind. The fact of going crazy, whether it be perminately or for a period of time, because the inability to get out of a closed in area. Feeling anxious and fustrated. I am just suprised attacks don't happen more often than they actually do.
Caging up animals, whether in pools are cages, has benifits and downfalls. If the animal is endangered, then it makes for a great idea to hold on to one or two, possibly to breed them. Yet, the downfall of this is, this is not natural for them and attacks happen. Animals do have feeling. National Geographic shows us that in many of their shows.
I pity animals that are pinned in or cooped up for our entertainment. Wild animals, especially those that are killers, such as those whales, lions, tigers, & bears. OH MY. These types of animals shouldn't be used for entertainment.
I agree with you. Thanks for the comment.
ReplyDeleteNo way, there's a reason these are called wild animals. We choose to keep these animals as form of entertainment. Its like locking a human up for entertainment purposes? Wrong isn't it? Same with these animals ..its not a house cat its a whale.
ReplyDeleteA whale is a whale either in water or out of water you got to watch your back.
ReplyDeleteIt's the epitome of human arrogance that leads to these terrible deaths. LEAVE THE WILD ANIMALS IN THE WILD!
ReplyDeleteThree kills from this whale and still open for shows? Enough is enough. "Tilli" needs to stop being their so called "star" performer (not only for its own safety but also for the saftey of the trainer), or Sea World needs to shut its doors permanently.
ReplyDeleteA whale has to eat give him a break it was one of those salid days for the whale.
ReplyDelete