Beluga death at Sea World

[The Empress Lilly]

It is not SEA's month. Or year. Or decade.

After the beluga, now a bottlenose dolphin dies.

An adult male Atlantic bottlenose dolphin died today at SeaWorld Orlando.

The cause of death is not yet known, but the 22-year-old dolphin had not shown signs of illness before today. A necropsy will be complete in six to eight weeks.

"The dolphin, one of more than 80 bottlenose dolphins living in our Orlando parks, will be missed by all of us at SeaWorld," spokesman Fred Jacobs said in an email.

SeaWorld says on its website most bottlenose dolphins probably live 20 years or less, citing an estimate based on census data from the population off the coast of Sarasota. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's website says bottlenose dolphins live 40-50 years. SeaWorld says the Sarasota one is the longest-running one in the world.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/busi...nel/business+(OrlandoSentinel.com+-+Business)​

Of course, all animals die, at some point. So the debate revolves around what an expected lifespan is. Methinks SEA is feeding the public far too low estimates, as they do with killer whales life expectancy.

 

[lazyboy97o]

Of course, all animals die, at some point. So the debate revolves around what an expected lifespan is. Methinks SEA is feeding the public far too low estimates, as they do with killer whales life expectancy.

The only way SeaWorld can be in the position to manipulate information regarding certain animals is if they are the epicenter of research into those animals, not just in captivity but also in the wild. That is the prime flaw in the crusade against SeaWorld, all of the reasonable ideas of how to end their captivity programs would require SeaWorld's experience for a considerable amount of time.

 

[The Empress Lilly]

The only way SeaWorld can be in the position to manipulate information regarding certain animals is if they are the epicenter of research into those animals, not just in captivity but also in the wild. That is the prime flaw in the crusade against SeaWorld, all of the reasonable ideas of how to end their captivity programs would require SeaWorld's experience for a considerable amount of time.

Nah, SEA spreads misinformation around, but it is not the only one studying these animals. That's why we know SEA buys and spreads junk science.

There exist entire libraries with studies proving the earth is only six thousand years old and the greenhouse effect doesn't exist. These manage to manipulate public opinion, but they are most certainly not the epicenters of biological and geological research.

 

[919Florida]

Nah, SEA spreads misinformation around, but it is not the only one studying these animals. That's why we know SEA buys and spreads junk science.

Its misinformation because its information you dont want to believe. You can find information out there to back up anything if you want to. SeaWorld does not pass around false information. Just because there is a group of activist out there trying to destroy there name it will never work. SeaWorld is and always will be a world class zoological organization that is very well respected among the field.

 

[Mickey81]

Its misinformation because its information you dont want to believe. You can find information out there to back up anything if you want to. SeaWorld does not pass around false information. Just because there is a group of activist out there trying to destroy there name it will never work. SeaWorld is and always will be a world class zoological organization that is very well respected among the field.

Okay, if that is the case then why don't other zoo's and aquariums get the constant criticism that sea world does? I don't see people speaking out against the San Diego zoo or the Denver zoo the way they do about sea world. I haven't watched documentaries about the horrors of the Boston Aquarium. Sea world is anything but a "world class" zoological organization. A lot of the supporters are other AZA members....which of course are going to support each other. The problem for Sea World is they are losing the respect of who really counts, the customer base. What's really scary is how ineffective they are about addressing this problem.

 

[919Florida]

Okay, if that is the case then why don't other zoo's and aquariums get the constant criticism that sea world does? I don't see people speaking out against the San Diego zoo or the Denver zoo the way they do about sea world. I haven't watched documentaries about the horrors of the Boston Aquarium. Sea world is anything but a "world class" zoological organization. A lot of the supporters are other AZA members....which of course are going to support each other. The problem for Sea World is they are losing the respect of who really counts, the customer base. What's really scary is how ineffective they are about addressing this problem.

The answer is simple. SeaWorld is a big fish and if they would succeed in taking them down then everyone goes down with them. SeaWorld is fully accredited by AZA and other organizations. They have high standards to follow. They take great care of their animals.

SeaWorld will be addressing everything in early April when their huge media campaign kicks off to be the answer of what they do. The marketing is not going to be directed at the fans of the park or at the people who hate them. Its being directed at the people in the middle who have not made a decision. So the answers to that is coming soon.

I work at Disney and the things I have seen that happened bcakstage at Animal Kingdom to the animals or the stories from co workers who have also seen things over the years. Its sick and said. They are far from perfect. But disney has deep pockets to keep things out of the media and hide stories. But just because you have not seen a documentary made doesnt mean the place is perfect

 

[lazyboy97o]

Okay, if that is the case then why don't other zoo's and aquariums get the constant criticism that sea world does? I don't see people speaking out against the San Diego zoo or the Denver zoo the way they do about sea world. I haven't watched documentaries about the horrors of the Boston Aquarium. Sea world is anything but a "world class" zoological organization. A lot of the supporters are other AZA members....which of course are going to support each other. The problem for Sea World is they are losing the respect of who really counts, the customer base. What's really scary is how ineffective they are about addressing this problem.

SeaWorld is the biggest brand. Those zoos may be known, but they aren't nearly as well known as SeaWorld. Even Busch Gardens doesn't get brought up as much, but it is the same organization.

 

[BuzzKillington]

The overall positive impact that Sea World has on promoting conservation and enhancing public understanding of wildlife far outweighs the death of a couple of fish.

 

[BuddyThomas]

The answer is simple. SeaWorld is a big fish and if they would succeed in taking them down then everyone goes down with them. SeaWorld is fully accredited by AZA and other organizations. They have high standards to follow. They take great care of their animals.

SeaWorld will be addressing everything in early April when their huge media campaign kicks off to be the answer of what they do. The marketing is not going to be directed at the fans of the park or at the people who hate them. Its being directed at the people in the middle who have not made a decision. So the answers to that is coming soon.

I work at Disney and the things I have seen that happened bcakstage at Animal Kingdom to the animals or the stories from co workers who have also seen things over the years. Its sick and said. They are far from perfect. But disney has deep pockets to keep things out of the media and hide stories. But just because you have not seen a documentary made doesnt mean the place is perfect

Since you insist that you "work at Disney", I am sure we would all welcome your opinions and backstage knowledge on all of the other forums. However, you choose only to post on the Sea World forum, which is of course your right, but it is our right to go "hmmmmmmmmmm.........".

 

[BuddyThomas]

The overall positive impact that Sea World has on promoting conservation and enhancing public understanding of wildlife far outweighs the death of a couple of fish.

Oh Buzz, such a knowledgable and insightful post as usual. PS - a whale is NOT a fish. Apparently Sea World has not led you to any "public understanding of wildlife".

 

[BuzzKillington]

125,000 human lives taken every day and you tree huggers cry over this. On top of that, you want more than anything to bankrupt SEAS and throw 25,000 people out of work. Oh the hypocrisy!!

 

[919Florida]

This is getting to be ridiculous. I work at Disney in Magic Kingdom how am I supposed to prove that to you. SeaWorld is my passion and love and where i really want to be. So yes I will be posting about SeaWorld. You don't likeit fine by me.

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

So the debate revolves around what an expected lifespan is.

There is no such thing as an "expected" lifespan - it is a term used to describe the most popular age range that animals from any one species die. You have to remember that all creatures have deaths from natural causes at ANY age - some a lot younger than the average age range and some will live to be older

 

[Mickey81]

Here we go. What was a thread reporting information about a Beluga death at Sea world had turned into this. If you dare question Sea World, your labeled a "tree hugger". Trust me I am not that. I think any reasonable person understands that animals are going to die, often below averages in captivity. It happens. However when there is a history of very questionable, shady events and care going on, people have the right to ask questions. It's okay. I love Disney, Apple and lots of other products/companies. You know what...they all could do things a lot better, they are far from perfect. I actually dont blame anyone for not talking about the place they work, and have a lot of respect for those that don't. People have every right to talk about their passion. I will continue to recommend Sea World to anyone who loves Wal-Mart quality service, dirty outdated attractions, and being an inconvenience to employees mailing it in for a paycheck. As far as anyone who questions Sea Worlds standards and history, they should be able to do so with out being labeled.

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

and as far as i know theres not a better SeaWorld forum anywhere. right?

As has been posted - it is BOTH a site for trip planning AND discussion / debate etc.

While there are other sites, there's not a better site

 

[sonoma15]

Because animal kingdom hasn't done anything bad





JK

 

[The Empress Lilly]

Best of luck to the new CEO!

SeaWorld’s reputation is about to sustain another blow with the publication on Tuesday of a scathing new book that alleges that the company is little more than a cultish, soulless, money-hungry corporation.

The author of Beneath the Surface, John Hargrove, writes from a position of authority: He was an orca trainer for 14 years at SeaWorld parks



[...]
As a trainer, Hargrove, whose eyes were routinely burned by chlorinated water, was injured a number of times, leading to a painkiller addiction that was difficult to kick and permanent damage to his knees, neck, and back.

“SeaWorld has no soul,” Hargrove said in an interview. “They don’t give a damn about those animals; they’re a commodity worth lots of money, and they have to protect their investment.”

So why did he stay so long?

“I was a 100 percent loyalist,” he said. “I would’ve done anything for that company. For many years, I took what they said as gospel, and I stayed because I loved those whales and wanted a better life for them.”

“I truly feel like I was in a cult,” Hargrove added. “Everything that was said to us, and the fear combined with the guilt of leaving, keeps you longer than you would normally stay. And then the vicious attacks you come under when you do speak out, it’s all similar to a cult.”

SeaWorld did not respond to a request for comment.

Hargrove says he was indoctrinated into a corporate culture determined to present a happy face. Trainers were instructed to call the tanks “pools” and captivity “human care.” They told park visitors that 23 percent of wild orcas have collapsed dorsal fins, though the actual figure is about 1 percent, compared with 100 percent of captive adult males.

Hargrove was especially shaken by the deaths of two orca trainers: Alexis Martinez, who was killed by an orca in the Canary Islands in December 2009, and his friend Dawn Brancheau, who was killed two months later in Orlando.

Gradually, Hargrove realized he had to go.

“There came a time when I knew all was not right, and I started thinking: I can change the worst parts of these things,” he said. “But then I came to terms that, no matter at what level you are, how vocal you are, or how much pull you have, you can’t change it.”

Hargrove quit in August 2012.

SeaWorld threatened to sue him and to seek an injunction against his publisher, Palgrave MacMillan, but backed off, Hargrove said. Trainers send him hate mail, and one threatened him with a fistfight at the California Capitol building last April, when Hargrove testified in favor of a bill to ban orca captivity in that state.

But some trainers quietly support Hargrove.

“SeaWorld would love to control everyone’s mind, which again is very cultish, but several trainers secretly cheer me on,” he said. “They have to keep it secret. People are afraid to whisper my name because of the retribution.” Many trainers read his book, he added, and went to seeBlackfish “in disguise.”

Hargrove, meanwhile, has a message for young people contemplating an orca-trainer career.
“I understand why they want to do that—that was me,” he said. “But I would just say, ‘Please, look at the resources out there, at Death at SeaWorld,Blackfish, and my book, and understand the price these animals pay for being in captivity. If you really love them, you’re not going to want them to suffer.’ ”

http://www.takepart.com/article/201...ner-john-hargrove-alleges-abuse-killer-whales​

 

[Mickey81]

Shocked..... I know that the Sea World apologists will come out with disgruntled employee. That maybe the case if it was an isolated incident, but let's face it, where there's smoke.....

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Shocked..... I know that the Sea World apologists will come out with disgruntled employee. That maybe the case if it was an isolated incident, but let's face it, where there's smoke.....

Seriously? His eyes were burned by chlorinated water? SeaWorld forced him to become addicted to painkillers? SeaWorld has no soul? These are the most transparently ridiculous accusations I've ever read. I'm no SeaWorld apologist (never been to the place), but forgive me for not taking the word of a drug-addled lunatic with an axe to grind and a book to sell.

 

[The Empress Lilly]

Seriously? His eyes were burned by chlorinated water? SeaWorld forced him to become addicted to painkillers? SeaWorld has no soul? These are the most transparently ridiculous accusations I've ever read. I'm no SeaWorld apologist (never been to the place), but forgive me for not taking the word of a drug-addled lunatic with an axe to grind and a book to sell.

Fair enough. One employee at one park is anecdotal.

Here are more stories by other employees, at another park, reporting many of the same problems of chlorinated and otherwise chemically treated water: http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2012/08/15/marineland_animals_suffering_former_staffers_say.html

Larry lies behind bars in a pen, his eyes red and swollen. The harbour seal with “an amazing little personality” who arrived at Marineland about eight years ago is now a shadow of his former self. After repeated exposure to unhealthy water, he has gone blind.​

[...]
Sea lions Baker and Sandy had to be pulled repeatedly from the water and confined in dry cages, in one case for more than two months, to limit further harm to their already damaged eyes. Videos shot in 2011 and 2012 shows them writhing in pain or plunging their heads into a single bucket of clean water. Sandy often sits like a statue, dry as a bone. There’s no lens in Baker’s left eye. When a trainer put him back in the water in April, he barked and it flew out.

On May 28, baby beluga Skoot died after a two-hour assault by two adult male belugas in an incident former trainers say points to understaffing at the park. The evening attack unfolded in front of a guide untrained and helpless to intervene. The males bit Skoot’s head and body, spun her around by the tail and bashed her into a rock wall where she stuck. After two trainers finally arrived to pull Skoot out of the pool, she convulsed and died in their arms.

[...]
Five female dolphins — Sonar, Lida, Marina, Echo and Tsu — swam almost continuously in bad water in a concrete pool in a facility called the barn. Former employees say they lay at the bottom in murky green water or breeched and thrashed wildly, their reactions changing with the chemicals. Their skin fell off in chunks, their colour darkened and they refused to eat. This lasted intermittently for eight months, from October 2011 until just before show season began in May 2012 when their water was changed.

Six of the park’s seven seals are blind, have impaired vision or have had serious eye problems because of exposure to unhealthy water, former trainers say.

One trainer recalls how animals often squinted at trainers and struggled to perform after chlorine spikes in the stadium pool.

Poor conditions drove some of the eight former employees to leave and were a major factor in the departure of others.​