Blackfish

I remember growing up, seeing commercials for Seaworld. I wanted to go so bad, about as much as Disney World. However, I never realized the cost of seeing these animals up close. I heard bits and pieces about a new documentary called Blackfish and was interested to see what it's about. I'm always seeking information about things that interest me, that I don't know anything about. To say that Blackfish opened my eyes, is an understatement. 

Blackfish introduces you to the life of an Seaworld/Sealand trainer. Every former trainer that was interviewed loved their job, working with these incredible animals. Sounds like a dream job to me! 

What they were never told and didn't realize is how dangerous these animals are. Even the most safety-oriented and experienced trainer is at risk. Let's think about it: imagine a 10 ton whale cooped up in a concrete tank for their entire life. Not to mention that orca was taken from their family to get there and are also called a "killer whale." Recipe for disaster.
Seaworld has even instructed their employees to tell visitors of the park that the whales live longer in their care than in the ocean. They've got jokes.

Chicago-area native, Dawn Brancheau was known as one of the most experienced trainers in the world. Her life was cut short when a former Sealand turned Seaworld whale, named Tilikum, drug her into the pool during a show. He brutally mutilated her body. Tilikum previously killed another trainer at Sealand. You may ask why is he still at Seaworld? Or why was he sent there in the first place after Sealand closed? Because his sperm is very valuable. It's always about money, isn't it? Brancheau was not the first and she will not be the last.

You want to know what Seaworld said? It was a trainer error... and that was after they changed their story twice on what actually happened. Eye witnesses told the real story. 

I wanted to see what kind of backlash Seaworld was getting from the public due to Blackfish, so I took to Twitter. One user stated that she just watched it and was disturbed by Seaworld's actions and their inhumane practices. Sea world responded by giving her a link to their own website, telling her to look into the "facts." Are they kidding? Who is their PR person? Haven't they seen Free Willie?!? 

Thats seriously like using wikipedia as a source. Seaworld refused to comment or give any input for Blackfish. Bold strategy.

California's Orca Welfare and Safety Act would stop killer whale shows at Seaworld. San Diego is the only location in California that has (10) whales in captivity. The bill would ban Seaworld from using the whales as entertainment in shows, but not prevent them from keeping them in tanks for viewing. We will see what happens. I think one day we might look back on these times and think how barbaric it really is to keep these animals in captivity for their entire lives, for our entertainment. 

I do not claim to know anything about this industry and the well being of these animals, but I think that it would be foolish to disregard Blackfish. It's worth a watch.