There has been a lot of controversy over wheather SeaWorld and other marine parks should keep marine mammals and if they should be allowed back in the water with the orcas after the Dawn's death last year.

Question

What do you think?

I am currently training to become an orca trainer and I know first hand how the animals are treated. They are very healthy and happy, as are the trainers who work with them. They are not deprived of food to make them preform, they are well fed every morning before the park opens and receive extra fish for peforming the correct behavior. I personally think that marine mammals should be kept in captivity (as long as they are captive bred) for public eductaion. I also feel that the trainers should be allowed back in the water with the orcas. It was just one mistake, there is always a risk of accident when working with animals. Water interaction between the trainers and the animals is very important to build a bond that lasts throughout both of their lives.

Answer 1

I see nothing wrong with keeping marine mammals for the education, enlightenment and enjoyment of people.

Answer 2

Thank you Ms.Sue! I can't wait till the day I am allowed into the water with these amazing animals. Every person who supports SeaWorld and other marine facilities is helping to make a better future for the oceans and the animals.

Answer 3

You're welcome. That sounds like a wonderful job! And I'm sure the animals have a much safer environment in SeaWorld than they would in the wild.

Answer 4

wheather = whether
preform = perform

If they are born/bred in captivity, that would be all they would know. If they are injured in the open sea and brought to Sea World to heal, then it might be best to free them, but only if they are returned to their pod.

Sra

Answer 5

That is exactly what they do. The only reason SeaWorld would ever bring a wild orca into their care is for rehabilitation purposes and they release them whenever possible. It is very rare for a cetacean to be so badly injured that they can't be released. As far as I know there has never been a cetacean in SeaWorld's care that was too badly injured to not return to the wild, I will check with the rehab group the next time I get a chance. They also try to release them in their own pod when possible since orcas and most other cetaceans have a very tight family bond.