SeaWorld fined over whale attack
2010-08-24 13:48
Miami - A US government agency has fined SeaWorld $75 000 for safety violations after the February 24 death of an animal trainer who was fatally attacked by a killer whale during a live show.
The US Department of Labour’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) said SeaWorld, which owns several marine life entertainment parks in the US, was being fined for three safety violations, including one classified as wilful.
Long-time trainer Dawn Brancheu, 40, was killed in February when Tilikum, a five-tonne orca linked to two other human deaths since 1991, grabbed her by her ponytail and dragged her into the water at the end of a show at SeaWorld in Orlando.
"SeaWorld recognised the inherent risk of allowing trainers to interact with potentially dangerous animals," said Cindy Coe, OSHA's regional administrator.
"Nonetheless, it required its employees to work within the pool walls, on ledges and on shelves where they were subject to dangerous behaviour by the animals."
Dangerous incidents
OSHA said its investigation also "revealed that SeaWorld trainers had an extensive history of unexpected and potentially dangerous incidents involving killer whales at its various facilities, including its location in Orlando".
"Despite this record, management failed to make meaningful changes to improve the safety of the work environment for its employees."
Tilikum, a male whale, had been in captivity for 27 years at the time of the attack and is the largest whale on display at the Orlando SeaWorld.
Days after the attacks, the firm said the whale would receive the same standards of care and would not be punished for the incident.
New regulations for handling and caring for the whale were implemented and the facility reopened shortly afterwards.