Killer Whale

Killer Whale Will Remain Part of Sea World Shows, Statement From Family

Posted on Feb 26, 2010 @ 01:30PM - 7 comments

The shows at all three SeaWorld parks will resume tomorrow, but trainers will not be allowed inside water tanks until an internal investigation is complete, RadarOnline.com has confirmed.

VIDEO: Expert Whale Trainer Made Fatal Mistake

In a News Conference from Orlando, Florida, Friday afternoon, SeaWord CEO Jim Atchison said “we will make improvements and changes and move forward.”

Atchison also confirmed that Tilikum, the killer whale, grabbed trainer Dawn Brancheau’s ponytail and pulled her underwater Wednesday.

Although the 12,000-pound whale was connected with two other deaths, Atchison says “no animal is ever subject to any punishment and Tilikum is no exception.”

Atchison, who held his news conference in front of a huge tank of killer whales, called Tilikum “a wonderful animal.”

He said the orca “ will remain an active contributing member of the team, despite what happened.” Atchison also reveals that a surveillance camera caught video of the incident and that it was offered to authorities.

PHOTOS: When Animals Attack

A trust will be formed in the name of 40 year-old Dawn Brancheau, whom Atchison called “a much beloved employee.”

He also released this statement from her family:

Whale Trainer Died From Multiple Traumatic Injuries and Drowing

“You have all heard what an amazing trainer Dawn Brancheau was, and that is true.

She was the best. It came natural to her. Being a trainer was a lifelong dream that she achieved.

She loved her job and she loved her animals. For her husband, family and friends, Dawn was so much more—a compassionate and loving person who lived life to the fullest.

She touched so many lives. To those who loved her and suffered a tremendous loss, one so unexpected, it is extremely difficult to even process or comprehend at this time. Our family sincerely appreciates everyone’s prayers and compassion and thoughts for Dawn and her husband and family. While we understand that this tragic event is capturing headlines across the country, at this time our family needs space and privacy to absorb our loss. We sincerely hope that the media will honor this request.”

Funeral services will be held in Chicago Sunday and Monday. And a memorial service will be held in Orlando at a later date.

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Whale Trainer Died From Multiple Traumatic Injuries and Drowning

Posted on Feb 25, 2010 @ 03:06PM - 8 comments

The cause of death of Dawn Brancheau, the 40-year-old trainer who was killed by Tillikum the killer whale at Florida’s SeaWorld on Wednesday, has been determined to be most likely from “multiple traumatic injuries and drowning” according to the Orange County Medical Examiner.

PHOTOS: When Animals Attack

The report released by the Sheriff’s Homicide Investigators said that Brancheau “was apparently interacting with the attraction’s largest male whale in knee deep water when the animal grabbed her by the hair, said to be in a long pony tail, and pulled her underwater.” She was pulled into the pool behind Shamu Stadium by Tillikum, the 30-year-old killer whale.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Mother Of Killed Whale Trainer - “My Daughter Died Doing What She Loves Best”

Brancheau had 16 years of experience working with Orcas and the report said “Rescuers were not able to immediately jump in and render assistance to the Brancheau due to the whale’s aggressive nature.”

The original theory behind her death was that Dawn had slipped into the orca’s pool, but after interviewing witnesses it became apparent to the Sheriff’s that the whale pulled Brancheau into the pool. The report said “She was recovered from the whale by SeaWorld staff members after the animal was coaxed into a smaller pool and lifted out of the water by a large scale/platform that lay on the bottom of the smaller tank.”

PHOTOS: Dawn Brancheau At SeaWorld

Dawn’s mother Marion Loverde spoke with RadarOnline.com about her daughter’s love of the whale and her passion about the animals. “My daughter would not have wanted the whale to have been put-down – she was very happy working with her whales and was a wonderful person,” Marion said.

Witness: Whale Emerged From Water With Trainer In It’s Mouth

“My family are all still in a state of shock, and her husband is absolutely devastated. They lived for one another; Dawn’s death is a tragic loss.”