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Subscribe to RSSNewly-released video, which was shot in 2006 and now being used as evidence in an investigation, shows a female orca whale dragging a trainer deep underwater as he struggles for life. The trainer survived. TODAY's Hoda Kotb reports.
A video revealing an incident between a killer whale and its trainerat SeaWorld was released Tuesday during the SeaWorld v US Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis trial.
In November 2006, trainer Kenneth Peters, 39, was bitten and held underwater several timesby a 7,000-pound killer whale during a show at SeaWorld's San Diego park. The 28-year old female named Kasatka bit Peters' feet and took him to the bottom of the pool for about a minute. Peters suffered a broken foot and puncture wounds in the attack.
For more, visit NBCSanDiego.com
The video shows Peters nearly drowning twice as the whale dragged him down to the bottom of the tank by his foot.
The 17-foot-long orca had attacked Peters two other times, in 1993 and 1999.
The video was obtained with a Freedom of Information Act by David Kirby, the author of the recently released book “Near Death at SeaWorld.”
In February 2010, a trainer at Orlando's SeaWorld park was killed after the whale drowned her when she slipped and fell in its tank.
SeaWorld San Diego released the following statement:
"This incident was well documented and thoroughly covered by the news media in 2006. This video clearly shows the trainer’s remarkable composure and the skillful execution of an emergency response plan, both of which helped result in a successful outcome with minor injuries. It should be noted that CalOSHA did not issue any citations to SeaWorld as a result of this incident. SeaWorld’s trainer returned to work shortly after this incident and remains a member of the team at Shamu Stadium to this day."
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To a whale that behavior was probably pretty damn acceptable humans being the size of a bath toy and all she was probably thinking oh look ill just stash this at the bottom of my prison here and go back for it later. I understand why the need for captivity if trying to save an endangered species but other than that put the damn animals back where they belong - for all the retards out there that isn't in a tank!
I am not amused by the term killer whale for all the right reasons. First the name insinuates that the animal is a whale, it is not. Secondly, the use of thed term "killer" also insinuates that this is what the animal does. It does kill whales but depending on where they are from it's more likely they are salmon killers. NO human has ever been killed by an Orca in the wild. The deaths of "trainers" at Seaworld could just as easily be attributed to the Orca "playing" with the trainer as I'm sure it gets pretty boring in that tank compared to what it has in the wild. If the Orca was really intending to kill then the video supplied would be exremely violent and bloody. These animals are intelligent to a degree and the habitat they live in at Seaworld, though friendly and safe, is a far cry from the world they would have in the wild. The people who care for these animals probably care about the animals but I wonder if they were honest about it, would they also agree that it's time to let these beautiful creatures return to whince they came.
and beside if the killer whale wanted to that dude would have been a snack
These amazing creatures should not be in captivity, it's just ignorant to say they would be ok in aquariums, swimming from side to side when they travel hundreds and, possibly, thousands of miles to breed and survive. Humans can barely get anywhere without endless equipment and help! We get up in arms when someone gets hurt, but how would we behave when locked up in a small space, trained/bribed to execute activities that are contrary to our natural instincts. If we want to see them, get off your butt, get in a boat and see them in their own environment, it's magnificent! I never understand why we think it's ok to use other living things for our own purposes.
Being a recreational scuba diver, I have been fortunate enough to view oceanic creatures in their home on their terms. However, I do believe some captivity programs are helpful for rehabilitation and educational purposes. After reading several of the posts this story has generated, it is obviously a hot button for many people. I look at it this way. As long as the animal, reptile, fish, whatever, is treated respectfully and given a proper diet and home - let it go. Also, the trainers and staff at these facilities should be aware of the risks and if they choose to continue, accept the potential consequences. Lastly, for many people, facilities like Sea World, Theater of the Sea, and The Living Seas are the only way they will ever get the chance to see such wonderful creatures. I have been behind the scenes at all of them and can tell you every animal/fish/reptile is treated like a family member. Thanks for reading:)
P.S. - Given the choice, I would rather be dragged to the bottom of an aquarium by a killer whale while doing something I loved, then by a sadistic killer in a movie theater.
Hey Retards, I think the Whales trying to tell you something!
I'm tired with training, Set me free, next time your dead
these animals deserve to be free like every other species on this planet. abducting them to hold in tanks and force them to perform for humans is wrong! i applaud the wales for fighting back! how many humans have to die before this horrible circus will stop?
Yes, those mysterious "wales" must fight on!?!
This whale is a killer and never should be near a human. Let the damn thing go free to kill seals and other nice animals.
You are a idiot... The whale is not a killer and it would die in the ocean... The whales are nice not killers it did that over instinct now shut up and learn...
I worked there. The dolphin feeder pool the public enjoys so much? Those dolphins refused to train, refused to eat, so they were put out in that pool. Eat or die, dolphins. Nothing nice about Sea World. They were not "saved", they were captured. They belong in the ocean. Are you more educated by watching them jump through a hoop? Seriously. Yes, they are wild animals, something I was reminded of daily. It made me sick to see what they endured. Yes, they are wild, and that's where they belong. In the WILD.
Anyone who has anything to do with keeping this animal in captivity deserves to be attacked. Whales belong in the ocean so that they can swim in the sea. This is the same kind of pitiful behavior displayed by chimps who are captive in medical labs. They never get out of the small cages and just pretty much go insane :(
You would think since this happend 3 times he learn to put flippers on and carry a oygen mask around his waist just incase it happened again.The whale was probably being playful,but doesn't know the danger she causing her friend and trainer.So I suggest you use flippers and carry a oygen mask and tank around your waist next time,for 3 times a charm,next time you won't be so lucky and survive.Take cautionary when swimming with whales.
These animals are smart, and they do not deserve to be held in captivity for our amusement. Yes, its a great thing to be able to see them up close and person, if you want that... then take a boat tour or something. I can understand keeping them to rehabilitate them or try and have them reproduce to keep them from extinction... but to hold them captive for our amusement, away from their normal habitat is just wrong. i am not some animal activist but these animals are pissed. How would you like to be held captive for other's amusement? Wouldn't be so great huh?
I think by them being aggressive and attacking their trainers is basically stating to let them go. Come on now! Willy was freed lol, free the rest!
ive been fortunate to whales and dolphins in their natural envirement they are amazing creatures that only GOD could have made and thats where they are supposed to be at not locked up for mans bull s hit pleasures they need to be free just like man wants to be free comprende
Just stupid... he just wants to be eaten. Even the Great White Shark fears these enormous creatures so why in the world would you even climb in a tank with not just one but TWO that have already bitten you??? Death Wish? I think so. Idiot, spose they'll blame the whale now and put it down now.
Rather than keeping animals in cruel captivity, it would be better to have educational films and presentations for the children and adults alike, so that they can learn to appreciate the dignity of all animals and the habits of all the creatures in the sea. It's a lot more interesting and beneficial than for children to witness this kind of animal cruelty.
Never have agreeded with killer wales in a tank, then again, I'm not a fan of Zoos and Aquarium's, animals should be free and remain that way.
Here's an idea!!!!! STOP KEEPING WILD ANIMALS IN CAPTIVITY!!!!!!
It is really odd to me that you would take an Orca out of it's natural environment and expect it to act like your dog!!! Orca's have no known enemy except for man. They are at the top of the food chain and they will act like it. Orca's are also mammals and they have highly evolved brains. They can along with their natural instincts, problem solve. They also can and do go insane. They are trapped in a very small environment, made to perform tricks for the amusement of man. Same thing happens with man. Put him in a contained unnatural environment and he will go insane. There should be no more taking and or breeding these animals period. I live in Seattle...you know where I see the Orca? In their pods swimming free in family units! We anxiously look for any new youngsters and you can identify which pod is which. My "aquarium" is the Puget Sound and the Pacific Ocean. These majestic beautiful beings do not belong in captivity! Unfortunately, the only way the practice will stop is when the public stops their patronage of these "parks".
That guy should be president.
The animals belong in the ocean, NOT in tanks so fat Americans can be amused with them.
Oh My Gosh, I have never seen such comments
First, Orcas are whales they are members of the dolphin family, and are part of the sub species called Odontoceti, (toothed whale).
second, because an animal is a mammal that does necessary indicate it is intelligent, (look at some of the comments on this board, lol) intelligence is not measured by knowledge but on how that knowledge is used
third, even though there is research ongoing at sea world the research has never yet yielded one paper or one result that has been published so yes keeping these animals enslaved is cruel and inhumane
Fourth, dolphins are vicious, I have seen them kill a porpoise out in the ocean, play with its carcass, then swim off,
That's not vicious that's either a training session or the dolphins getting rid of competition due to food shortage in the area at the time.
And to say they aren't intelligent is a bit crazy. You've obvious haven't done much research into these animals. They are very intelligent and capable of solving complex problems and have different cultures. In ways they're a lot like us. Each pod has their own language and teachings that they pass on from generation to generation.
I'm all for zoos and aquariums, they do teach people alot but these mammals don't belong their. Their intelligence and social levels are just too advanced for human captivity. And the reason they attack so much is due to stress. I mean look, you taking these mammals from their families and the open sea, put them in a small tank with other whales that don't even speak the same language, and force them to perform the same tricks over and over...and over again in front a crowd of people. That doesn't happen in the wild. That's probably why the known records of orca attacks are from orcas in captivity. In the openocean people swim, pet, and do all sorts of interaction with orcas without harm.
Also what I learned is that these mammals life expectancy's are cut drastically in human captivity compared to other animals that double. Since the 60's when whale and dolphin capture began around 90% of the whales captured died. The oldest in captivity so far is 25 years old. In the wild these beings are living 85- 90 years. Clearly there's something wrong.
I've been to sea world, I know a few trainers since doing an internship, they are truly devoted into animal conservation and protection. And they want to put the word out there, I just think they're doing it the wrong way.
how about an emergency "spare air" tank attached to trainers leg?
I am pretty sure they do not understand what they are doing. If a Killer Whale wants to kill you your going to end up in it's mouth. Not be drug around an aquarium like a little stuffed toy it is playing with. Accidents happen in every day life. I believe there are 7 Orca's in Sea World Florida and I enjoy going to see them. I would imagine they probably would like to be free roaming the ocean wondering around hoping to find their next meal having to compete with other Orca's for food. Personally i'd rather do a few tricks and get all the food, attention, and health care I need and live a long happy life but hey that's me.