Let SeaWorld trainers back in the water with killer whales.
- by: Alberto Brando
- recipient: United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Following the death of SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau on February 24, 2010, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration fined SeaWorld for several safety violations. Now, they want to keep trainers out of the water for good. OSHA should reconsider their decision.
SeaWorld trainers maintain close relationships with their killer whales. Up until February 2010, trainers have always spent time in the water with them. This interaction stimulates the whales, strengthens their relationships with their trainers, and allows the trainers to fully examine the whales during husbandry procedures. For every new trainer, waterwork is what brings them closer to the whales. A lack of this interaction limits the bond that trainers have with these animals, and makes it harder to care for these magnificent creatures. Waterwork is especially important because SeaWorld now has two new calves: a male named Makaio at SeaWorld Orlando, and a female named Sakari at SeaWorld San Antonio. If trainers are not allowed back in the water, Makaio and Sakari will not get the stimulation that they need, or develop strong relationships with their trainers, which will cause undesired results.
SeaWorld trainers know the risks of working with killer whales. That is why they do what they can to keep everyone safe. Until February 2010, new trainers would not begin waterwork until there was enough trust between them and the whales. Today, SeaWorld is working on revising their safety procedures, as well as obtaining new safety equipment in order to prevent future incidents involving orcas and trainers.
In conclusion, OSHA should not keep SeaWorld trainers from re-entering the water with killer whales. Trainers should be allowed to resume waterwork as soon as SeaWorld finishes revising it's safety procedures, and obtaining it's new safety equipment. The orcas have an amazing bond with their trainers, but the lack of waterwork is an obstacle in this bond.
Dear OSHA,
We the undersigned urge you to reconsider your decision in prohibiting SeaWorld from allowing its trainers to re-enter the water with killer whales. Interacting with the orcas in the water helps to stimulate them and strengthen their relationships with their trainers. It also allows them to maintain the animals' health. This is especially important for their new calves: Makaio, a male in SeaWorld Orlando, and Sakari, a female in SeaWorld San Antonio. Prohibiting this interaction limits the bond that trainers share with them, and it makes it more difficult for trainers to closely examine them during husbandry procedures. Also, SeaWorld is always doing what they can to maintain the safety of its trainers. Until February 2010, new trainers were not allowed in the water with killer whales until there was enough trust between the whales and the trainers. Today, they are revising their safety procedures, as well as obtaining new safety equipment which will prevent future incidents. We ask that you allow SeaWorld's trainers to resume waterwork as soon as this review is done. Thank you for your time.
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