Should Sea World continue to use killer whales in its shows and events?

What happened to Dawn Brancheau is really heart breaking... but we cannot blame Tillikum, the killer whale either. Yes these killer whales are a lot friendlier than other mammals out there. But that doesn't mean they are safe to live with us wherein they should be living in the wilds amongst themselves.So I think the best solution it to have these wild animals be freed although of course this one is somehow hard to do right now.

I love animals... and it tears my heart everytime I read nasty comments that Tillikum must be euthanized. This is not his fault. What happened is an accident, a preventable occurrence just like every accident happening around the globe, but killing this animal won't solve anything.

Unlike humans, animals act based on instinct. Although these killer whales are trained, they are still killer whales.It's in their nature to be playful to the extent that they could already hurt or injure a human. According to what I've read that talks about an animal psychologist's opinion on what happened, she said that Tillikum might have pulled his trainer not because he wanted to kill her but to play with her.

But humans aren't capable of holding their breath underwater so this is the result. Killing Tillikum or other animals that have killed or injured someone is not the answer. If we'll be resorting to that, we'll just end up endangering our world's wildlife.

So the best solution is to just have these animals be freed to the environment where they belong. They don't deserve to be locked in what seemed to them as a kiddie pool; they deserve to live in the ocean. I know it's fun watching these animals interacting with humans, but there'll always be danger.

We must sacrifice that happiness they give to us. Come on, they deserve to live happily too in the place where they truly belong.

Seeing an animal close up, for real, is simply different from films, photos, etc. It seems to be necessary for a human to develop empathy and to care about the animal. For that reason I think that zoos and shows and their animals are necessary diplomats to the human realm. Otherwise people will discount the animals and kill them off whenever they seem inconvenient.

None of the "attacks" by killer whales look like genuine attacks to me. But such a large animal can easily kill a human without trying. These shows clearly need better safety standards.

The death of the trainer is tragic; but, there are countless ways to save lives far better than by banning Orcas from Sea World. Life is dangerous. But if we need to save lives let's ban texting while driving, or motorcycling without a helmet, or any of the other stupid stuff with no redeeming social value.

I am saddened by the loss of Dawn Brancheau, but I feel that maybe her death will help the plight of the orca in captivity. It makes me terribly sad to see these whales kept in such small enclosed areas. Amusement parks should stop working with whales and dolphins.

What can you learn from watching a killer whale kiss someone or have a dolphin jump through a hoop? The incident with Dawn was not a fluke. I just answered an interesting question from @jeffhoard mahalo.com/answers/news/how-often-to-kil... How often to Killer Whales attack trainers?

And you can see from the videos I posted that there are probably more close calls than the public is aware of. Why can't we just learn about them from books, the internet and wonderful footage done by talented people from National Geographic? youtube.com/watch?v=DWsN63PRCW8.

Every job has its risks, when dealing with a killer whales you would know that it could result in a death or injury. Although this is a very sad result there are many jobs in which employees are killed and Sea World has the right to continue the show. If someone is thrown from a bull and dies of injuries they don't cancel the rodeo.

Therefore, although this question can only be answered by opinion, Sea World has no legal obligation to cancel the orca show.

While I understand that these type of shows are interesting and entertain people, I believe that it should be outright banned to use killer whales or any other animal for that matter. They should just be left alone within their own habitat and be what they are meant to be, period.

From stunt actors to killer whale trainers, lots of folks do lots of scary stuff as their job. Those jobs have risk factors that are well known. If we say "Stop the killer whale shows because they're dangerous", then we should really look at all the other types of entertainment that are dangerous.

Making adventure movies can be very dangerous. Are you willing to ban them after you see how many people are killed making them? If we say "Stop the killer whale shows because the whales should be free.", then we should really look at all the other types of entertainment that house/jail/keep animals.

This would begin at the smallest level (pets) and go through zoos. Without the zoo, many folks who work with them may have never became interested in them. How much good do establishments like Sea World do by instilling a wonder in us while also contributing to other positive projects?

While this story is absolutely tragic, the total of the big picture (pros vs cons) would take a long time to weigh. My bet would be on keeping the shows, zoos, pets, and even adventure films.

I enjoyed going to see Shamoo in the Ohio Sea World back when I was a kid. For so many years these shows have been going on, and to stop them because of a few deaths somehow seems wrong. I'd like to know what really make an answer here.

I know deaths are awful especially when it occurs like this, but so many shows have been done where no one was injured. I just got a breaking news alert from CNN and they will be going on with the Killer Whale shows on Saturday. However the trainers will not be allowed to get in the water, which seems smart to me.

However I would still be afraid to be near them if she was my co-worker.

Unfortunelty I would have to say they need to stop. I know that the shows draw alot of attention to tourist and all, but the event is to dangerous. Besides what a scary and could be gruesome thing to witness as an adult much less a child.

I am sure some kind of other attraction can be thought of in place of the "Killer Whales". While they may have excellant personalities, Dawn Brancheau is proof that they can turn on you for whatever reason. flickr.com/photos/kjdrill/158181908.

The death of Dawn Brancheau was very sad. Everyday trainers are taking risks if they get too close to these killer whales. And it's unfortunate that Ms Brancheau was too close to this whale to get pulled into the water and sadly lost her life.

I attended a wonderful whale show at Niagara falls and it was quite enjoyable but I do not believe these whales are given the room and freedom they need to live happily. It's as plain as the nose on your face that the whales are stressed under the circumstances they live in and something needs to change. I do not think this whale should be used for shows.

The behaviour he has shown stresses he cannot cope with this situation. He should not be working closely to people.

I am a staunch supporter of freeing all killer whales and such marine creatures from Sea World and other marine parks, not because Tillikum killed its trainer Dawn Brancheau (it had to happen one day and such incidents should happen as long as man captivates these animals for fun), but because these parks do not let these animals lead their natural life. How would you or I feel if we were kidnapped from our homes; put in a cage and forced to do tricks that we are not at all willing? Won't we resort to a revolt some day?

Isn't that what happened in every nation under colonial rule? These animals should be let to live their natural life in their natural habitats and all Killer Whales & other marine creatures should be freed from Marine Parks. Opinions may differ however.Thanks.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.