U.S. News - seaworld

Dec

2012

2:42pm, EST

SeaWorld defends its employees after dolphin bites Georgia girl's hand

Jillian Thomas, 8, suffered puncture wounds from a dolphin bite at SeaWorld in Orlando, Fla., as she was feeding the animal. SeaWorld says Jillian did not follow directions given by a park employee. NBC's Kerry Sanders reports.

By NBC News staff

SeaWorld is defending the actions of its employees in Orlando, Fla., after an 8-year-old girl from Georgia was injured by a dolphin.

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Jillian Thomas of Alpharetta was participating in the feeding at the dolphin facility Nov. 21. When she held a paper fish container up so the dolphin could grab it, the animal lunged at her and bit her hand. Her father, Jamie Thomas, captured the attack on camera. The video shows the girl’s face contorting in pain as the dolphin briefly grabs her left hand.

Jillian suffered three puncture wounds, but her mother said she didn't think park employees took her injuries seriously.

In a statement, SeaWorld officials said they addressed the incident appropriately.

"Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of our guests, employees and animals," the statement said.

"Educators and animal care staff were at the attraction when this happened and immediately connected with the family. In addition, a member of our health services team was in the area at Dolphin Cove and quickly responded and treated the young girl.

"The video had not been previously shared with us and we have not had a chance to assess it, but certainly take the situation seriously."

Food for the dolphins comes on small trays. In a video from the exhibit, an announcer warns visitors not to hold them up, as the dolphins will reach for them.

In the video, Jillian can clearly be seen picking up the tray, but her mother claims she never heard the warning.

SeaWorld said guests are given clear instructions on how to feed the dolphins, including specific directions not to pick up the paper trays.

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Jul

2012

8:47am, EDT

Video reveals killer whale attack at SeaWorld

Newly-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.

By NBCSanDiego.com

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.

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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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