One humans life is worth an unlimited number of lives of any animal. I think they should put the animal down. If a dog turns on his owner they will, without thinking twice about it. I happen to agree with it. The Whale had a job to do and in captivity its not worth much more then that. It failed to do his job, turned on the trainer & a human life was taken so he should be put to sleep...just like a dog would. They should put the dirty dog down.

If you don't like what Sea-World is doing then don't go to seaworld or support the company in anyway. Eventhough I consider it very idiotic, you have the right to not agree with or support any business. Me, I am going because I love the tricks these animals can do...its amazing.

I don't understand people getting all butt hurt over animals. It kills me. They are animals...period. Most of the people who think this way are hypocrites. They preach and preach but dont even live there way that would support their belief. It sicken's me.

ok - enough negative comments on this particular blog! There are numerous other blogs where your opinion of whale treatment can be infinitely discussed. In fact, even here on Seaworld's site there are discussions of this kind. Why would you post to a blog specifically for Dawn's family this type of political banter? Respect her family and find the right forum! Shame on all of you who have disgraced Dawn on her family's blog. Humanity is blurred on the issue of Tilikum, but has been clearly stated on the issue of Dawn. I am disgusted that some of you live amongst us.

Torturing highly social, highly intelligent animals with large complex, sonar equipped brains who have complex culture is not a sport or a leisure activity or an occupation. Dawn Brancheau died February 24, 2010 doing something highly unethical and destructive to sentient animals. She paid with her life.

Real education and research about killer whales and other dolphins does not occur in these artificial and abusive environments. In fact, the animals are misrepresented using tricks and theatrics to a human population who insists on living in some fantasy world where being emotionally manipulated and coddled is a shared value. The animals do not "love" their trainers, nor do the trainers "respect" the animals. Dawn Brancheau did not have a "wonderful, caring relationship" with the oraca that finally retaliated and killed her. No amount of safety training will or should be invoked to mitigate the situation. All of these malignant fabrications deny the reality of the natural world. As the former trainer of Flipper who has documented these frauds in the movie "The Cove" states: "It's a spectacle of dominance".

Sea World and its parent company have interfered with an OSHA report as per CNN, using their power and influence to silence a damaging, scientifically based assessment following the near death of a trainer. This is a multi-billion dollar industry. Many orcas and other dolphins have died in captivity or during the cull when they are removed from their mothers and pod mates. Sea World fails to acknowledge that "Shamu" is actually the stage name for multiple orcas, since each one that dies in captivity is quickly replaced. Another trainer was just killed at another site. Sea World depends on the ignorance and gullibility of an uneducated and uncaring public to maintain these dangerous fictions. Don't continue to support or be used by this organization.

Make Dawn Brancheau's tragic, painful, early death matter. Hold Sea World accountable for their intentionally destructive games. Demand immediate closure of all dolphin sea parks now.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fp8MkPyBE5A
May I encourage you to watch the following statement given by Jean-Michel Cousteau regarding this tragic incident. I believe it's time we rethink this issue and no one could've said it more eloquently than he has.

Anonymous, I realize you are angry and that is clear in your blog, but you truly must look up SeaWorld on Google to realize what they are all involved in all over the United States in preserving and maintaining our environment through conservation and the preservation of wild sea creatures. What is dfferent between SeaWorld and an aquarium? Before you say it, I have been to several aquariums and they "parade" animals out as well so let's not go there. You are bold enough to speak your mind but not bold enough to leave your name. That's confusing. Accidents happen with animals. They're animals! They do not think cognitively. Steve Irwin died doing what he loved but he wanted what he did to go on and Jack Hanna has spoken out in deep support of SeaWorld and all that they are doing for conservation. He feels the same way about animals and their unpredictability. He, too, said he would want his efforts to move forward. He has worked with animals for years and finds what SeaWorld is doing admirable. Watch his interview after this incident happened on You Tube. It appears you are making remarks based on what you know from the surface and have not dug deep into the history. I realize this brings out a lot of emotion on either side but SeaWorld, while not perfect in any way, is a very caring and compassionate company!

Yes I agree. It's sad what happened to the trainer and god bless her family but again i agree, she contributed to the confinement of these wild whales. I am angered of spokesperson say this was unusual behavior. Thats not true. Many Shamu shows had incidents with the whales behaving as if they were in theyre wild environment again. What really saddened me and changed my whole outlook on Sea world is this occurrance and reading up on your outfit and how Sea World came about. The very first whale was captured, taken from his pod and from his mother. So was "Tilly take from his mother. As you say, they are very smart and can understand humans. And that there smarter than humans at times. How would you like it if you people were taken from your mother's and raised confined in only your house. Please, listen to this statement. I watched and observed and im sure alot of other people do to. The videos, where the kids are picking on the whales from below the tank in the glass area. PLEASE, one girl was throwing a ball up and down next to the glass!!! That poor whale wanted to play, do something different besides swim around in circles. I couldnt believe all the videos i watched. You can tell through other videos, they simply are not happy there. Please, please, please do not breed anymore whales. If you people care So MUCH about whales MR BROWN, please take some of that huge profit you make and help stop the slayig of innocent whales. Donate to Sea Shepard. Dont you think its kind of greedy not to share your profit to help the whales! Arent you claiming to do just that! Without criticizm, i honestly, heart strickenly cannot bare to visit sea world again. Its too sad to see the whales in captivvity. Enough is enough. Some one else will die too!!! its just a matter of time.

I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Dawn Brancheau. She was a very talented, truly inspirational human being who was clearly 'living the dream' and working with the animals she loved so much! I have been privileged to visit Sea World on many occasions with my family, the last time in September 2009. Dawn will be greatly missed by all who knew her and by others, such as myself, who didn't know her but felt as if they did because we were touched by her and the obvious bond she had with Tilly.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Our family wishes to express our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Dawn's family and to her SeaWorld Family. We were devastated to hear the news and while her loss is an extreme tragedy, she lost her life doing what she dearly loved. Her passion and love for those magnificent creatures was spread to everyone who was blessed enough to watch the Believe show! There was NEVER a moment, even after all these years, that I did not find tears streaming down my cheeks whenever I watched the show. It was incredibly obvious the love that Dawn and the other trainers had for these beautiful creatures. They were always treated with compassion, dignity, respect and tenderness.

I fell in love with SeaWorld ten years ago and we've been making frequent visits every since, always anxious to purchase our next year's annual pass. We have many photographs with Dawn and "her" whales, but even beyond the photographs or the home videos, her memory will live on forever within the walls of SeaWorld. I am sure her Orca friends miss her dearly.

My heart aches whenever I hear the media or people on the street making comments that Tilikum should be destroyed or SeaWorld should have a price to pay. SeaWorld is quite obviously NOT in the business for the money, but rather in the loving business of educating the public on the joy of these animals. I have spoken with many SeaWorld employees and trainers when asking curious questions and they are truly there not because it is merely a job or a paycheck every week, but because they love these animals with all their hearts.

We are very proud of the stand that SeaWorld is taking in this terrible tragedy and we know that your hearts are aching even more than ours. Thank you for creating a Memorial Fund in honor of Dawn and her fantastic career. Thank you for taking a loving stand to keep Tilikum. We are most assured that he never meant to hurt Dawn but was only playing with her. He did not know he would hurt her. He is only an animal that was wanting to play with his friend.

God bless all of you at SeaWorld and God bless Dawn's family and husband. You are in our tender most prayers and we will continue to pray you find peace as time goes on. We will never lose faith, commitment or admiration for everything that SeaWorld is doing to honor these fascinating creatures of the sea!!! Keep up the great work!

Sheryl Jensen

We have visited SeaWorld several times. Our last trip was in June 2008. We spent 10 days there participating in every backstage and behind the scenes program offered by SeaWorld including Backstage at Believe. One thing is for sure, those trainers are dedicated and love those animals without question. I found them to be respectful and caring toward both the whales and the dolphins. The bond they share can never be broken.

To Dawn's family and friends: We had the good fortune to meet Dawn very briefly and watch her interacting with her animal friends. It was clear that she loved the whales with all her heart. She was an amazing person, and the world is a better place because she was here.
Without a doubt, Dawn and her whales can be found on thousands of home videos around the world. I do not believe that Tilikum meant to hurt her, and I would venture to think that Dawn knew that too. She will be missed by many, including the animals that loved her and the relationship she had with them. Animals grieve, too. May God bless you all.

We have been to Orlando 6 times and due to go again in 7 weeks. I know many people think that keeping these whales in captivity is wrong and to a degree it is but you cannot get away the love and respect these trainers have for them...the whales could sense this. This reminds me of Steve Irwin.....his passion was with animals and so was Dawn's, she died doing what she loved, not in this way but I am sure she would not feel any bad feeling towards tilikum. We were watching back over our videos of Seaworld which is one of the most amazing parks and there was Dawn doing what she did best and loved....I am sure she knew that there was an element of risk with this job but she loved it. Everyone who has seen these shows are always amazed and quite emotional. Our thoughts are with Dawn's family and friends but I know your spirit will live on in these amazing creatures and we will not forget you when we are there watching Believe in seven weeks.xx

I would like to say that when I heard about Dawn's tragic death, it made me very sad. I have gone to seaworld every since I was a child and have enjoyed taking my children as they have grown up. We were there in August of 2009 and watched two of the Killer whale shows. I felt like I was a kid all over again. The trainers just amazed me by their talent, love, and dedication to these animals. I am not sure if we saw Dawn or not, but as many times as we have seen the show, I am sure we did. I was overwelmed with amazement as I watched these beautiful animals perform with these trainers. I didn't want to leave the stadium after the show because it moved me so deeply. The trainers helped me fall in love with these wonderful animals and gave me a great sense of respect for the welfare of Killer whales.Dawn had to be a very special person to be doing what she did. And to hear that this was what she loved to do all her life thrills me. My heart and prayers go out to her family and friends. I don't even know Dawn and I feel that the world has lost a very special person. I hope that her memory will continue on in everyones heart every time that we see a beautiful Killer whale.

To Dawns Family, I will be praying that the media and those around you aide you in your quest to mourn Dawn in peace. Her life is a testament to all that is giving in those that dedicate their lives to the understanding of what surrounds us in this world.

Any person, who have ever visited Sea World, both as a guest and behind the scenes, cannot doubt the dedication these folks have to the Conservation, Rehabilitation and Education of Marine life and the world around us. No person in their right mind could watch the interactions and believe these animals to be suffering or forced in any aspect of their lives. Dawn, you lived you dream, and through you, you helped others live theirs. God bless you child and may the angels welcome you into heaven with fan fair and jubilation!

This whale was captured and imprisoned against it's will and separated from it's family and loved ones forever. I am sorry for the trainer who got killed and her family but the fact cannot be avoided that she contibuted to this beautiful animal's continued confinement. If this animal was only to suvive a few days, a few weeks or a few months in the wild then let it be and give it it's freedom one last time and let it die free like Dawn did doing what she loved and was a natural at. Give this animal what it has longed for since the day it was captured. Freedom! Free the whales!

Our hearts & thoughts are with you all during this sad time! May God put his loving arms around each of you and hold you all tight! God Bless you all!

The Hollis Family
MIssissippi

Our family would like to send our condolences and prayers to Dawn's family. I would like to also let SeaWorld know that it's not their fault that this tragic accident occurred. Accidents happen and what's important is that Dawn passed away doing her lifelong dream! She's looking down at all of us asking us all to respect her family, SeaWorld and its staff. She wants us to embrace life and our privilege of education that SeaWorld has given us!

Eric P. and Family (Bethany, CT)

I would like to just send my sympathy to all connected to this tragic accident, especially Ms Brancheaus' family .
I have visited Seaworld from a child on numerous occasions since 1985. The trainers have always inspired me by their dedication and passion for the job they do and I did dream of becoming a marine biologist one day because of them .
However on many occasions over the years I have had mixed feelings of these large animals being in captivity for all to see, but then I also know if I had not seen them as a child, I may not have had such a huge passion for them. I now prefer to see cetaceans in the wild, but by taking my children to the park, I have given them the choice to decide for themselves. We were last there April 2009 and met some of the trainers at the Dine with Shamu. It was dejavu to see my children becoming highly inspired by the enthusiasm and energy of the team. If they go on to follow a dream one day because of this, I will not regret paying to take them to a park, I loved so much as a child.
I admire Ms Brancheau for following her child hood dream and bet she would not have changed a thing for her career if given the chance.
I am pleased to hear Seaworld will carry on their commitment thay have made to the whale, even though there are mixed comments across the media to have him destroyed. When the whale was taken from the wild many years ago, humans made a committment to that whale against his choice. Now is a more important time then ever to carry on that committment to the whale.

Chris,

In response to your comments about Lesley's views, I didn't see her as being disrespectful or using this as a soap box. This is the perfect time to express her valid points on animals in captivity. I too believe that the public needs to be educated about wild animals but not while confining them - what can be learned from stressed animals who are deprived of anything that would be natural to them in their own environment. I do feel bad for the family but people need to stop exploiting & using animals for monitary greed.

Although we never met Dawn personally, my son and I have seen her perform many, many times over the past few years as we are annual passholders. She always had the brightest smile and it was clear to anyone who watched her that she really loved what she did for a living. Because of the work she did and that of her co-workers, my son and I have learned to appreciate killer whales in a whole new way. We are saddened by her death and will be praying for her family, friends and co-workers.

Lesley, it is with incredibly poor taste that you would post your feelings on animals in captivity as a response to the statements from the family of Dawn Brancheau and their request for privacy. I believe you need to re-evaluate your priorities in life. I recommend the following:

1. Develop compassion and understanding for your fellow humans first. Don't use someone else's personal tragedy as a soap box for your unwanted activist comments.

2. Learn that while being in captivity is not the ideal situation for any animal, the breeding and care programs at wildlife parks and aquariums across the country provide one of the best protections for a species against hunting and destruction of their habitat by humans. Focus first on correcting the behavior that endangers these species.

You know, in general you would be better off working *with* aquariums, zoos and wildlife preserves. They are about the best way to introduce the public to the animals you care so much about and help them to understand how their own behavior is destructive to the species. Leverage the relatively few animals who are in uncomfortable captivity to help save the rest of them in the wild.

On behalf of the Durham family, our condolences to Dawn's family and close friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

My condolences to Dawn's Family. Your daughter left this planet doing what she ultimately loved to do...her job done here....now she is God's hands and I can think of no better place to be.

I am an animal lover and for some reason I feel that the whale meant Dawn no harm. If he meticulously picked her up by her pony tail and carried her off into the water I think he wanted her to play. She had such great connection with the animal that possibly he simply did not want her to leave that day, but to stay close to him for just awhile longer... in his world.

I believe it would be very interesting and worth monitoring the whale in these days following Dawn's death...is he mourning? Look for the signs...the singing...the fin flapping...not eating...lost interest...These signs may answer many underlying questions as to his intentions towards Dawn. It might be worthwhile to bring this thought to the park's attention.

May your family find comfort in all the glorious memories that you hold close to your hearts.

With My Deepest Sympathy,
Karen A. Fincham

I totally agree with everything that Ingrid Newkirk has said about these animals in captivity. They are exploited every single day to make money for Sea World and for any other park that uses animals for entertainment. This animal was kept in what can be compared to as a "jar". He has been taken away from his pod and stuck in this pathetic money making industry to entertain humans. He has been forced to behave in a way that is completely foreign to him and it is wrong. The trainers are also exploiting them. Any wild animal that is captured and used for entertainment should not be punished for injuring or killing the ones that force them every day by constantly making them do things that they should just not do.

I hope we can continue educate the public so that they will realize that they should not go to places like "Sea World" where they exploit animals in every way.

Sea World should close.

I had seen and been delighted by Dawn's clear joy at the Shamu show many times, but it was at the Passholder Premier of the then-new show 'Believe', that I first met her. Her enthusiasm was palpable. These photos are from that show on May 19, 2006. She loved her work and she loved her animals and it showed.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=201156&id=627326013&l=8d6d2dd2e2

Deepest sympathy to all those who knew Dawn, especially her family.

I am sure Dawn has been an inspiration to many people, including my Daughter who at just 9 years of age, has hopes of becoming a Zoo Keeper and maybe being lucky enough to work at Sea World one day. My Daughter fell in love with Sea World so much when we took her for her first visit last year we ended up going twice during our 10 day stay.

Again, love and thoughts with Dawn' s family and I am sure as well as your own personal love and memories with remain forever, professional memories from those have been lucky enough to work with her and to watch her at her best will be treasured by all, always.

Blessed Be.

I just want to say one thing which might be a case in this case. Since Dawn as we all know by know was an excellent trainer ; I am sure she had a loving bond with the whale. Could it possible that the whale for a moment, wanted to play with her instructor and pulled her into the water. She may have considered her a toy for a while. Not trying to justify anything; my heart goes out for Dawn and her family. Thanks

My husband, son, daughter and I wish for Dawn's family and co-workers the peace that passes understanding during this time there are no words to describe. Both my son and daughter, now college age, participated in Camp SeaWorld and Trainer for a Day during their middle school and high school years. My daughter participated in Career Camp and has chosen to make working at SeaWorld her life's goal. We've been to a SeaWorld as many years as our children have been alive. When we saw Dawn's picture, we immediately remembered that we'd been to some of her shows. I told a good friend yesterday, It is inspiring to watch someone work who loves her job, believes with all her heart in what she's doing, and wants to share that with the world around her. We saw that in Dawn, and in all the trainers and SeaWorld staff we've met through our son's and daughter's activities. We will return to SeaWorld often, and we have told our daughter our faith in her chosen career path is renewed, not diminished. Because of Dawn and her colleagues, children all over the world have been taught to respect our planet's oceans full of life-giving water, to respect the life in the ocean and how our human lives depend on their protection, and the value of sharing what you've learned with those who follow you. May your memories of your beloved Dawn--wife, mother, colleague--give you strength, and please know there's a family out there who will always be grateful that she lived.

I just wanted to express my deepest condolences to Dawn's family and friends. I would also like to thank SeaWorld for making the decision to continue to care for this killer whale, who after all is a wild animal. These are beautiful creatures and when put in these situation we have an obligation to care for them no matter what.

First, of course I would like to express my sympathy to the trainers family and then to Sea World for your loss. This is truly a tragedy for all concerned. That being said, while I certainly do not approve of going out into the wild to capture any more whales, these animals that are in captivity truly serve a great purpose. We have had season tickets to this park for years and also to zoos. If people did not have these parks to go to they would not have any interest in these animals or their environment. We as people only take care of what we care about! I agree that some of the tricks are demeaning for them and the shows should focus more on their natural talent and educate us better on what is best for them, but if we can't be entertained to some degree who would even come to the shows. This is not Sea Worlds fault, it is ours, the people. How many kids are in the audience and decide on some future because of what they have been exposed to, either and animal advocate, trainer, or activist. I trust many people will weigh in on this and the best decision will be made, but I for one have great memories from Sea World and have always thought of the organization as a class act! I also do not feel the animal should be punished in any way. He was acting naturally and has no choice in any of this. these are the risks in dealing with a wild animal. We all must accept the outcome of choices we make, particularly when we have taken choices away form the animal.
thank-you , and again my condolences to the family. this must be very difficult for them.

I would firstly like to say that my heart goes out to Dawn's family at such a difficult time.

I know this is probably not the right time or place to discuss this but could someone please tell me why the arial video footage on CBS and BBC here in England shows Tilly in a such a shallow pool? I understand that he may have needed to be seperated from the rest of the whales but he couldn't even move around! It's so cruel.

I have been lucky enough to see the show twice at Seaworld and again recently at the Loro Parque in Tenerife and it brought tears to my eyes every time, however, it has always bothered me that these magnificent creatures are kept in captivity - I know I sound like a hypocrite but it is hard not to be drawn to see a show like that when these animals are so beautiful. After events such as this I will never go again. These are wild animals (whether brought up in captivity or not) and they will behave instinctively. This is not the whales fault, I agree with most people here who have left comments and truely believe that Tilly loved Dawn, how could a 5 ton whale possibly know how fragile we are and that we can't breathe under water?!

We all realise that these animals can not be released into the wild after so long in captivity but could they not be moved to a sea pen like Keiko?

My most heart felt condolences to Dawn's family, friends and colleagues.

Sea World is one of my most favourite places on earth and the killer whale show was the pinnacle of any visit. I visited the park 2 years ago and bought the 'Believe' DVD which I had only watched again the night before this tragic accident as it still gives me goosebumps. The DVD also shows what goes on 'back stage' and it is clear that the trainers adore the whales, as did Dawn, which makes the manner of her death so much sadder. I'm not going to enter into the arguments as this is not the time or the place to air those views. I'm no expert and I believe that Dawn's colleagues and the park owners will do what is best for all concerned.

To Dawn's husband and family we are thinking of you

Our Nana and Papa took us to see Shamu just at Christmas, where we saw Dawn and Tilly, We used to sit on nana's knee at home looking at them on the internet in wonder of the lady who swam with this huge Shamu, we never thought we would ever get to see them both in real life but we did, as our grandparents gave us a big surprise on Christmas eve with a trip to Orlando to see this special lady and her whale. Our hearts are filled with sorrow for both Dawn and Tilly at this time its very sad. Lloyd age 7 & Logie age 4 from Stirling Scotland.

This story has affected me deeply.

Many Florida holidays have been spent at Sea World since I was very young. The love and care the trainers give to these animals has always amazed me and given me a dream to someday work with animals.

I am now studying animal management thanks to the hard work and dedication trainers and staff such as Dawn which has influenced me so much. We show animals respect, and in turn, they do the same. It's a terrible loss that this incident should happen.

I'm sure I have probably seen Dawn perform at Sea World Orlando, and to her family I would like to send my love and thoughts at this difficult time with the comforting message that she has influenced me and so many people to care deeply for animals xx

There's something very sad about a society that cares more for the welfare of an animal than for 3 human lives.. Is this really what America has come too? Is the fact that he's a prize breeder really nothing to do with this decision? Life needs to be rethought by the powers that be in seaworld..My condolences to the family..

When we heard the news about Dawn Brancheau our hearts dropped. We have seen how she and everyone at Sea World Orlando took good care of the animals. My 10 year old son has a love for sea life and stated one day I will work for them. So I can help take care of the sea life. Please let the family of Dawn know they are in our thoughts and prayers. For Dawn will live on by the work and love she had for Sea World animals. God Bless Tim, Linda and Timothy Campbell

to Dawns family such grace and strenghth you have simply said thoughts,prayers,and belief in her memory and her love of what she loved to do may you find comfort and kindness from those of us who BELIEVE the same.

would like to say i was at seaworld in june of 2009 and dawn was wonderfull with this animal
my thoughts and prayers go out to her family and her husband who would of thought that such
a thing would happen and to such an amazin women i loved what dawn was able to do i have pics with dawn doing all kinds of tricks/ stunts and she was great i hope that sea world comes
up with the right answrs and does not try to hide the truth of the accident this was a human lifeand the third one that has been taken by the same animal i think thats enough i dont think its right to kill the animal or release it into the wild but seclude the animal from any more shows forever to dawns family dawn was great may her memory live within your hearts and all that had the chance to see her do what she loved the most she passed away doing what she wanted with a very happy heart with al my respect and prayers yours truly a massachusetts visiter

I am sorry for the loss of someone who was obviously an awesome person that had a lot of love and commitment to these animals. Killing Tilikum would stand against everything that someone like Dawn lived her life for...I know Sea Would would not dishonor her memory like that. Peace be with Dawn's family, the people at Sea World, and the animals.

Dawn you died doing what you loved ... I bet these Orcas in Seaworld are missing you... wondering where you are. To your hubby ,family and friends my deepest deepest sympathy...
from Liverpool United kingdom.

Lisa very well stated.I cannot agree with you more.I too have visited Seaworld and witnessed the love between the trainers and the whales,dolphins,etc.I actually participated in the Dolphin Interaction Program and had first hand learn how they work with the animals.The trainers are not monsters like other people think they are.I'm glad that there are some people out there that believe the same way i do.

We'll miss you Dawn. I cannot even begin to imagine what her family is going through. My heart goes out to them.

I almost completely agree with ma10t. Dawn cared about Tilikum so much that I'm sure she would not want him to be euthanised because of her. Wild animals like him are unpredictable, and this orca in preticular has had a history of attacks, but that's not a reason to kill him. You can't blame an animal for it's instincts. However, releasing it into the wild would be a big mistake. Tilikum has lived in captivity for his entire life, and without the care of his loving trainers, it would be impossible for him to survive. I do think this whale should not participate in any more shows or have too much contact with people, but somehow there must be a way of making the most of the rest of his life. I pray for Tilikum all the time and I want nothing more for him to have a happy life after the incident.

Best of luck to Tilikum. I know you can make it through this!

Firstly i would like to say how sorry i am for dawns family and friends for there loss,my heart goes out to you,she died doing the job that she loved..... but please do not blame tillikum he is after all a killer whale who was taken from his home and put into this tanks... yes i have been to seaworld at least 5 times and seen tillikum,and yes the shows bring me to tears,but after this my views have changed,i think that all the whales should be left to die out and NO MORE are put into this tanks,the same goes for dolphins i have swam with them 3 times too,but to be honest after seeing a film called the cove i will never be doing this again,seaworld was built to make money and thats what it does millions every year and the other way we will stop this happening is to stop going to this places,go and see them in the wild for god sakes far better then seeing them coped up in tanks far into small for them ........

My deepest condolences to Dawn's family, friends and colleagues. I have seen her a number of times at Sea World she looked like she was living her dream. This is a deeply sad and tragic event but when anyone works with wild or semi domesticated animals we all know the risks. If I died in a horse accident tomorrow involving my beloved mare I certainly wouldn't her destroyed or held responsible. I know the risk and choose to take it - I'm sure Dawn felt the same. Dawn sad passing is an example to everyone that we should live life to the full just as she has - living her dream of being with these whales.

Rest in peace Dawn. I sincerely hope to see the trainers at Shamu Satdium returning with Tillikum and the others in the future. I hope they do this in memory of Dawn and her amazing life and dreams to work, play and enjoy the whales.

Amanda

First I want to give my condolences to the friends and family of Dawn, its such a tragic event...

But i feel this is not the time or place to discuss peoples view towards the animal in question, i think it is disrespectful to the Dawn to comment on this under her family's lovely message. HAVE SOME RESPECT!!!

I agree animals will behave like animals, but when animals have been in captivitly their entire lives they won't survive in the wild. It is proven fact. When you watch natural geographics and see how the whales interact and live in pods which is what they call a family they survive together. Now if Sea World took this whale and put him in the ocean without all of the other whales he would die. Pods are formed when a mother gives birth to her first calf, and they grow from breading, and males stay attached to the pod to protect the family. I don't believe releasing him into the wild would make him happier, or anyone else that really cares about animals. All of these activist think release him release him to save him, and if that did happen and later on they found out that he beached him self or wound up in the south and died that would be no better than captivity. I feel for the family that lost a loved one, but Dawn loved those whales, you can see it in the trainers face when they are working with them, its not just a job to them. She did know what could happen if a whale was having a bad day, no one is ever prepared for a bad day. Whales are mammals just like everyone in this world is. I think everyone knows what a bad day is, and a trainer does know one day it could happen. I don't think the whale should be released, he needs to stay with his pod, where he feels safe.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Dawn was an amazing trainer, and someone I really look up to. Even though I never knew her personally, just through seeing her in the DVD and interviews on TV , I was able to see a glimpse of how incredible of a person she was, the kind of trainer I aspire to being like someday. My heart's deepest thoughts and prayers go out to you and the whole SeaWorld family. I hope you are given the privacy you desire, and thank you for your statement.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Dawn was an amazing trainer, and someone I really look up to. Even though I never knew her personally, just through seeing her in the DVD and interviews on TV , I've been able to see a glimpse of how incredible of a person she was, the kind of trainer I aspire to being like someday. My heart's deepest thoughts and prayers go out to you and the whole SeaWorld family. I hope you are given the privacy you desire, and thank you for your statement.

My condolences, and prayers go out to Dawns family and friends in this time of grief. Knowing that sometimes things happen that are unexplained is never enough when a tragety happens. People, no matter what your opinions are all this negativety needs to stop. This is a blog for Dawns family, and friends. Show some respect. I am not a marine biologist, or a scientist, or a trainer, but I remain breathless when I see these magnificient mammals in the wild and captivity. She was able to live a dream, have comfort in this.

Dawn was talented and my condolences to her family.

I can't say the same for SeaWorld.

This animal had a history of murder, yet the parks chose to put it in open view. That's a serious problem, and the park should be held liable.

There is a serious problem when human life takes a back seat to animal life, and I am very concerned with conservation issues, not some anti-animal rights person.

That said, a human being died here. That takes precedence.

Could the animal have helped it? No. I am not advocating killing the whale, but I am encouraging isolation. SeaWorld has so far said that's not going to happen, and basically nothing major is going to change. That's wrong. What would it take?

Here is something to think about. If a dog kills a little girl in your neighborhood...what happens. By law the animal is killed. There isn't a choice in the matter.

Yet....this killer whale kills 3 and is called a "good animal" in a statement by SeaWorld. Nothing happens law-wise.

That's astounding and shows how messed up our priorities are.

First and foremost, my deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends, and co-workers of Dawn. So sorry for your loss.

Secondly, I am in disbelief at many, many of these comments.
As for myself, seeing any animal in captivity is a tough thing to take in, but on the other hand, they are cared for very well and once in captivity, most wouldn't have what it takes to make it in the wild again, if they were ever there in the first place.
This is truly tragic, but Tilikum wasn't the cause of all 3 deaths as many state to believe, I myself read about the man who stayed after hours, his autopsy result reads he died of "hypothermia." But my point being - is only that Tilikum is what he is, an Orca Whale...not meant to live in captivity, but that's just the way it is. Has anyone given a moment to thinking about Tilikum at this time......he just lost one of the very few humans with an exraordinary bond between the two, at this time Tilikum is being looked at in so many different ways, mostly with fear and probably anger......and he probably doesn't even realize why.
Tilikum was removed from all that was natural to him at two years of age. Since then, Tilikum has acted on what he has been trained/asked to do. It seems this time he acted on his own instinct, and sadly, but tryly, it was only natural to him.

What a special person Dawn must have been to give such time and effort to caring for this 12,000 pound whale. What a brave soul she was.

These whales live 30-50 years in the wild, they live 8-10 years at Sea World! I guess that shortened life span comes from all that HAPPINESS they are experiencing!