I think all this anti-seaworld people just react as "anonymus" because they know they are wrong, and they don't want trouble with people who love seaworld, so people like you and me.

Just a thought- Why do all the anti-Sea
World people post as "Anonymous" while everyone else is happy to lend their name to their comments?

A little education on Blackstone, they are an investing company that owns many theme parks yes they seek profit but that doesn't change what sea world does, they are still taking the best interest of what is best for animals that have been rescued and caring for the animals that are in captivity from about 30 yrs ago. I don't think that it would be logical to free animals into the wild that have been born into domestication, that is just plain stupid.

i don't know about you but i have experienced show cancellations at sea world due to the animals not wanting to preform... have you been to sea world? have you seen how well they care for their animals... you are the ignorant one posting about a place that you have probably never been to or experienced.

Estoy contigo...estoy con sea world

wow you people are so blinded by what you See you have put no thought into what it must be like for these amazing creatures who in nature/wild would swim 100's of miles a day and be exposed to so many different creatures catching their own food mating if and when they are ready.being free instead they eat when they are told perform when expected. dont tell me seaworld cancels a show because the whale doesnt want to perform. you people are defending seaworld NOT the welfare of the whales. ignorance is bliss, they say.

sea world should stick to rescuing and rehabilitating marine animals and move away from keeping whales captive. if sea worlsd really cared about the whales and other animals but you are right. its all about the profit.

My family and I have visited Sea World on numerous occasions; we also visited Discovery Cove once and did the dolphin interaction. I have also done field trips for elementary students and college students and have seen a lot of the behind the scenes work that goes on. Sea World's rehab facilities are impressive. They do a lot to care for the animals. They have workers coming in the middle of the night to start prepping all the food for the day. There are specific guidelines for each animal as to the content and amount of food to be prepped. It's amazing how well-organized it is and how well the animals are cared for. They even have a surgery suite for the smaller animals!

I understand that they are also a company looking to make a profit; however, that does not necessarily mean they are only looking out for the bottom line. In addition to their care for animals, they provide free tickets to the park for certified teachers and members of the military and their families. That is a LOT of potential revenue they are giving up. When we did the dolphin interaction at Discovery Cove, the trainers took a lot of care to make sure we touched the dolphin appropriately (not touching their head or eyes, for example). The experience was amazing...Being so close to the animal was awe-inspiring! It is illegal to get that close to them in the wild. We still remember the dolphin's name, too: Akai. We hope to have the opportunity to do that again someday.

I really hope PETA has lost its flying licenses.
Maybe they think that if there had something gone wrong, they would have endangered only Tilikum's life, but the reallity is that they would have endangered thousands of lives of everyone in the park on that moment.

And for me, killer whales are NO killers.
It is my dream to be their trainer once, and specially working with Tilikum interests me.
So, that means that I'm specially interested in a carreer at SeaWorld Orlando

Shame on PETA. They better spend their money on real animal saving.
Let them take an example on SeaWorld.

How is it ethical to put animals that have been BORN IN CAPTIVITY in the wild? Yes, some of the whales were caught and captured over 30 years ago when it was still legal. Tilly was taken when he was just 3 years old. He's almost 30, do you think after all those years of being fed they would know how to hunt? If you do, you're delusional. Releasing them into the wild is only going to starve them to death, and become weak and sick since they don't have immunities built up from diseases and things like pollution. We understand it's wrong to take animals from the wild now (unless rehab & releasing them again), that is why there is a law against it. If these animals were truly unhappy they wouldn't eat, offer behaviors, or mate. When you're upset and sick do you want to do these things? No...and neither do they. But Seaworld has the best killer whale breeding system in the world, so that says a lot about how they treat their animals and a lot about the animals happiness and welfare. And of course big corporations are making money from the business, but it's not like they are mistreating their animals while doing it. They are number 1 in animal care and welfare, so even though big wigs are making money, they are still doing their part, which is more than I can say for the uneducated PETA members who've done nothing but disgrace Dawn, her family, her friends, and the animals she truly loved.

ITS VERY SIMPLE, THE COMPLAINT BEING MADE IS ABOUT THE ANIMALS BEING USED FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES. ITS GREAT THAT YOU HELPED RESCUE SO MANY ANIMALS BUT THATS NOT WHAT PETA IS SPEAKING ABOUT. WE ARE SPEAKING ABOUT THOSE ANIMALS THAT ARE IN CONSTANT TRAINING TO DO TRICKS TO PLEASE A HUMAN AUDIENCE. YOU ARE NOT EDUCATING ME WHEN A DOLPHIN JUMPS THROUGH A HULA HOOP, OR ARE YOU?

Hey Eric, I live in Summerville and I remember quite well what PETA did to the Abby. It is a shame. I think they disgraced thier organization and Dawn's memory for what they did.... Shame on you PETA!!

Reality check! Do you have evidence to support your claims? All the shows are done if the animals and mammals want to. You already said they are social creatures, as such already live in a protected place but if you could have an alternative in mind - I would be very interested in where this place might be.

Seaworld is run by Blackstone Group, a multi billion dollar conglomerate. Blackstone is interested in one thing only: profits.

Seaworld, if you're so interested in animal conservation than please post for all of us the percentage of revenues allocated to conversation vs park operations, marketing and profit. Would you do that for us?

Shame on PETA. Perhaps they should take the time to look at how many manatees have been rescued and how many have been released. The figures would really make them look like the "planks endangering the animals" that they are. Sea World does the best job both both the animals and their critics.

Sea World does so much good in terms of rehabilitation and release of injured animals and PETA can't stand it. They are a bunch of phonys with their own agenda and a need to be in the spotlight. Go Sea World! Keep up the good work! Please resume the wonderful Believe show as soon as possible so that we can all enjoy it and marvel at the beautiful creatures and their talented trainers. Dawn would want the show to go on because of all the good it does to educate people.

Extremely well said. I am glad to see support for Sea World amid the lack of consideration exhibited by PETA. ( I could throw Bob Barker in that boat as well)
Keep up the great work so that future generations will be able to learn and experience what we all have had the unique priviledge to do through Sea World. It is my prayer that the sadness of Dawn's family and friends will turn in to triumph in the future.

Hey guys & gals - Can we do a reality check, please?

Do you think it is normal to keep large animals (that normally live in our oceans) contained in small tanks? Do you think the water they live in is fresh & healthy? Do you think their diet is proper & tasteful for them? Do you think these animals are ever deprived of food, exercise or rest so they will perform? Do you think it is normal for Tilikum to suffer & be tramatized each time he is used for artificial reproduction?

After all the the endless days of shows & little or no reward, wouldn't it be fiting for these intelligent social creatures to have a protected place to live where they could actually enjoy their lives?

We are saddened by the recent events at Sea World, the loss of a life is always tragic.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Dawn Brancheau. Our hearts also go out to all the Sea World employees and visitors who witnessed the tragic event, that had to be very hard.
Sea World...thank you for being what you are...a wonderful place for regular everyday people to see the world of sea animals and develop a knowledge and a love for those animals.
My family loves Sea World and we will NOT let some media crazed hot head group change our mind we are behind you all the way.
These are wild animals and things happend, the employees know there are of odds that something will happen and they take those risks by choice.
Peace to you all and peace to Dawn Brancheau.
WE LOVE YOU SEA WORLD...PETA...your program needs some work maybe your group can take some time to decide if you want to be on tv or SAVE ANIMALS.
Cissy Bodmer~~Proud member of the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network.

Everyone should remember that PETA does in fact raise some important awareness on animal rights and that while their attacks on Seaworld maybe misguided they should not be painted as the bad guys. I support both Seaworld and PETA...lets not lose sight of the cause...maybe instead of working against each other, they could actually work together??

I had the pleasure of taking my daughter to Sea World in San Deigo the day after the florida accident. I will admit we weren't sure of what our thoughts would be once we got into the part. For all we heard on the news the night before was a lot of negativity from Peta.
Well I'm please to say that we only found positive information and loving care givers to our world of animals of the sea. We even took a back stage tour on our last day and we were so well informed about how they help sea life that are hurt by us humans in the ocean, our tour guide was great and she loves her job, even so much her brother also works there.
I left with my judgement on thing and I say Great Job Sea World. I will be bring my husband next summer to share the joy we felt.
Peta there are dolphins out there that really need help, when I was watching the Oscars the other night I never knew about the documentary The Cove. Tears of sadness came to my eyes very very fast, get yourself on a plane and go help over there.
Note the the staff: Great job to all of you with the love and care this animals get from you, great job guys.

Tough to hear the truth sometimes isn't it? You people are truly living in a fantasy world. And to the moderators of this site... corporate would feed you to the whales in a heartbeat if it'd put a few more dollars in their pockets. Go on... keep "Believing".

I agree that it was a rather pitiful display by the fruitcakes at PETA. But for SeaWorld PR to even acknowledge the stunt and criticize the cost of a banner and plane rental is equally pitiful. I just have to wonder how much money has and will be spent on damage control and PR to protect shareholders under the veil of "protecting Dawn's family and honoring her memory". I'm sure it is a whole lot more than a plane and a banner. It's an insult to Dawn, her family and those who can see right through the corporate spin.

If all the information about Orcas and dolphins has come about by studying them in the wild then how is it that we know how long a dolphin is pregnant for? How can you study that in the wild? Who is it that we know what percent of milk fat and other vitamins are composed of a nursing mothers milk is? How is it that we know so much about the family structures of dolphin pods? How do we know that females are dominant in the social structure in a pod? How is it that we know majority of the time dolphins are born tail flukes first? How do we know what the scratches are on the body of a dolphin and why/how they get them and who gets them more often? How is this information gathered in the wild? If you know anyone who can get that close to a dolphin to gather that information then they really are talented. Dolphins are not the fun playful things you see on TV or documentaries. They have a mouth full of teeth and they explore their world with that mouth. I don't know about you but a bottlenose dolphin has 76-98 cone shaped teeth that fit together like a zipper I don’t want any part of my body explored by a dolphin.
All of this information has been gathered but studying these animals in a marine setting. If you where to get close to a dolphin out in the wild long enough to gather this information then you would be breaking the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 which states that it is illegal to hunt, harass or come within 150 feet or any marine mammal in U.S. waters.
I stand by what SeaWorld does for and with their animals. The majority or the animals they have had been born in a zoological park which means that they cannot be released out into the wild, so why not learn from them.

keep up the good work seaworld,we all know what you do and do very wel,speaking from my own experience,if it wasnt for likes of yourself i wouldnt be able to see these wonderful animals and understand them,
5 years ago if my friends came up to me and said i would have a strong passion for orcas dolphins,or even want to swap jobs with the believe team, i would have laughed at the,but again thanks to seaworld,i believe i to can help and make a difference for these animals,
ignore peta the people round the world know what a great job your doing

This is exactly how i feel. SeaWorld isn't trying to make profits, they are just trying to educate people in non-boring ways. If it weren't for SeaWorld, I probably would have never seen an orca or been that close to a dolphin or any other marine animal. PETA is just a group trying to get publicity. I loath them with a passion.

I hope to be one of the wonderful, passionate orca trainers in the future. :)

This is for my daughter and all her friends who work as trainers at Discovery Cove. You are the GREATEST. I have seen the love and care you give to each one of your beautiful friends. You enrich their lives through so much of the hard work you do which no one sees. You help give us all a greater appreciation and deeper understanding of the majesty and intelligence of these beautiful animals. What the naysayers will never understand is that these dolphins, are bright enough to appreciate you and love you right back. All the opportunists seeking face time on televison should spend some time in the park before they show the rest of us how ignorant they really are.

I wholeheartedly agree with Anonymous. We live in Orlando and are Passport members as SeaWorld is not just my favorite but also my 3 year old son's favorite place on Earth. It is through our numerous visits to the park that has sparked my son's love of the sea and its sea creatures. Learning through books is one dimensional but through experiences such as SeaWorld learning comes to life!!
I also am learning that while at one time I respected PETA, that the organization is too extreme and focused on their advertising shock value which is downright hypocritical. Yesterday, the Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF) published documents online showing that PETA killed 97% of the adoptable pets in its care during 2009 at its Virginia headquarters.
PETA is a story chaser....just last month they wanted to post an outdoor billboard outside of Tiger Woods' Isleworth neighborhood with his image and the message "too much sex can be a bad thing...for little tigers too" saying the opportunity was too good to pass up for their spay/neuter program.
And what was SeaWorld doing during PETA's stunt - rescuing a manatee in DeSoto County.

SeaWorld cares for animals and continuing education.....PETA cares for publicity.

Bravo, SeaWorld! Well said! Keep up the good work~and looking forward to see Tili again soon! Keep Dawn's dream alive-am continuing to pray for her, her family & friends, and all the SeaWorld family.

If any member of PETA could walk in my shoes and see how ANY of SeaWorld's animals are treated, they would understand why we need places like SeaWorld, Marineland, zoo's, Gatorland, and how about Animal Kingdom at Disney? Millions of people would never have the opportunity to see these marine mammals and animals up close and learn about them. I am proud to be a SeaWorld employee! Should we free all of our dogs, cats, birds, fish, hamsters, etc...get real PETA!!!

SeaWorld has not only done great work in conservation and rescue, they have inspired our 10 year old daughter since she was 3 to become a Marine Biologist. She has grown up on a barrier island in SC, so she has a convience not offered to everyone. We lived in Oviedo for a short time last year before moving back to SC. By far the thing we miss the most is our Passport to SeaWorld. Can't wait to come back. As far as PETA, they came here to Moncks Corner, SC a couple of years ago and protested outside of Mempkin Abby. The Order of Monks there had been raising chickens and selling eggs to local grocery stores and restaurants for years to make a meager amount of money. PETA did not like the chicken houses, so the protested at the Abby! The kind-hearted monks did not want a fuss, so they shut down the egg production, thus loosing their only stream of income. After lots of research, the monks now grow mushrooms. PETA was so proud they beat down the monks! PETA may have their place, but THAT was very out of place to do this to the Abby and the monks. They were certainly out of place today at SeaWorld.

PETA should beinvesting the money and their"precious time" in rescuing animals and taking care of animals the way you do, to say the least.

Anybody can go to Sea World and watch how you take care of animals and to see how you rescue animals.

Well, you are succesful, so you are going to have to deal with criticism and opposers...that´s the way it is. So, just keep doing what you do in the most professional way and with very high ethics ..and let them say what they want.

One thing is what they think it is, and another thing is what it really is.

As for the killer whales:
Gee, those beauties have to be really bored now wthout interacting in the water and having fun in the shows with their trainers.
Just pay attention on anything that could be pulled by the orcas, watch their mood and keep doing the amazing job you are doing.

Continue taking good care of Tilikum and and give him lots of love and attention. He misses Dawn for sure.

Please, keep the memory of Dawn Brancheau alive and make a movie about her life, her dream, hr work training killer whales, her performances with them, her dedication, discipline, professionalism and deep love that she radiated, as her life is a true inspiration for his generation and man more to come.

As for the video footage of the incident:
If it happens that somebody makes it public, relax....Dan Brancheau´s passing incident is already cooling down. Media are now focusing in other news...give time to time...Sure there are going to be some people, who will watch it...but there will be other issues that will draw more people´s attention.

Just continue doing the great job you do.

All the best!

I would much rather give every penny of my money to SeaWorld than to PETA. PETA has totally lost all of my respect as a result of what they did. PETA owes Dawn Brancheau's family and friends a public apology.

Seaworld - you are great!!!!!! Keep it up.

I completely agree! There is something seriously wrong with the thinking of those in charge of an organization that performs outrageous acts for the sake of publicity.

You are so right and I agree completely! There is something seriously wrong with the thinking of those in charge of an organization that performs outrageous acts to attract attention.

I have recieved numorous emails from PETA saying that I should not support SeaWorld . I am so sick and tried of them not seeing the truth. They believe keeping a pet dog is cruel. Shows you why no one takes them serouisly. They need to learn that SeaWorld spends theiro time and money on education for the wild animals. I am still a passhold member, and I am still working with Killer Whales, no madder how stupider PETA gets.

My children practically grew up at SeaWorld. And because of their visceral experiences at the park, they can tell you whatever you want to know about ocean animals and perhaps most wildlife. I'm convinced that without that direct animal interaction, both girls would not be the conservationists they are today. No lecture, book or video can impart what real life experiences can.

GO TEAM!!!! Could not have said it better myself! :)

I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love it that you won't approve any comments that are negative. Way to be fair.
I appreciate you helping wild animals. But you know the higher powers only care about profit.
I used to like Sea World, been to many camps behind the scenes.. but after I got a college degree and saw Killer Whales in the wild, Sea world... you look PATHETIC.

I'm now completely against animals in captivity especially Killer Whales.
You have robbed these animals of a normal life. I would like a trainer at Sea World to have to live right next to the tanks with these animals all day and night so they can see what's it's like to truly be an orca in captivity.
The only thing Sea World Educated me on was that these animals should be free.

I agree with you Sea World. You are the most awesome park ever and I will always support you and what you do. Peta is totally wrong on this one but they won't give up. Stay strong, you have thousands of people that know you are doing the right thing. Keep up the excellent work!

As an educator, counselor, parent, and writer, I find Sea World to be a venue that is not only good, wholesome family entertainment, but of great educational value. In addition to all the good that Sea World does personally, it serves as a role model for conserving God's gifts on earth for the next generation. During my visits to both Sea World Orlando and Sea World San Antonio, I was impressed by the obvious affection and concern for the sea animals exhibited by the Sea World family of employees.

Peta may think that seaworld is useing these animals for profits but they don't. They atcully use the money they make on education and conservation efforts. I am an animal lover to become a marine biologist someday and I support any organization that secures the future of these animals. That does not mean you PETA!

PS: My heart goes out to the family and friends of Dawn.

Peta has its place in the world (hate to say it but we know its true to some extent) but so does Sea World. Simply put, Its the hand on work that Sea World does that gives the knowledge and experience in giving the best care for marine animals and such.

It was at Sea World San Diego. That I was exposed to such great sea creatures that to me at 5 put me in awe. 30 years later I myself use Sea World to show my kids how beautiful and intriguing fish and mammals are.

Peta Feels bad for the sea creatures that will not have wild interaction or experiences and are forced to interact with humans. BUT its that Knowledge and trust that has saved thousands if not millions of creatures worldwide.

I'm not sure if i made my point as clear as I was thinking, but Thank you Sea World for the purpose you serve and education you provide

I agree with everyone hear! I personally belive that the PETA was just trying to start a riot and adding on to the pain of this horrible tragedy. They may think sea world uses the profits of these beutiful animals for themselfs but they don't. They use these profits in education and conservation efforts to secure the future of the species they save.

go seawold!! good for you!! shame on PETA, how disrespectful at this sad time! thinking of you all, and keep up the good work!! maybe next time they send in a plane to help the manatee rescue! that will be the day huh!!!

I was there when it happend, and thought it was funny. PETA are the kinda people that won't be happy no matter what. There is absolutely no use in trying please them, even if you wanted to. So even if Sea World were foolish enough, which they are not, to listen to PETA, then they would just go nag another place.

7 Things PETA does not want you to know:

1) According to government documents, PETA employees have killed more than 19,200 dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens since 1998. This behavior continues despite PETA’s moralizing about the “unethical” treatment of animals by farmers, scientists, restaurant owners, circuses, hunters, fishermen, zookeepers, and countless other Americans. PETA puts to death over 90 percent of the animals it accepts from members of the public who expect the group to make a reasonable attempt to find them adoptive homes. PETA holds absolutely no open-adoption shelter hours at its Norfolk, VA headquarters, choosing instead to spend part of its $32 million annual income on a contract with a crematory service to periodically empty hundreds of animal bodies from its large walk-in freezer.

2) PETA president and co-founder Ingrid Newkirk has described her group’s overall goal as “total animal liberation.” This means the complete abolition of meat, milk, cheese, eggs, honey, zoos, aquariums, circuses, wool, leather, fur, silk, hunting, fishing, and pet ownership. In a 2003 profile of Newkirk in The New Yorker, author Michael Specter wrote that Newkirk has had at least one seeing-eye dog taken away from its blind owner. PETA is also against all medical research that requires the use of animals, including research aimed at curing AIDS and cancer.

3) PETA has given tens of thousands of dollars to convicted arsonists and other violent criminals. This includes a 2001 donation of $1,500 to the North American Earth Liberation Front (ELF), an FBI-certified “domestic terrorist” group responsible for dozens of firebombs and death threats. During the 1990s, PETA paid $70,200 to Rodney Coronado, an Animal Liberation Front (ALF) serial arsonist convicted of burning down a Michigan State University research laboratory. In his sentencing memorandum, a federal prosecutor implicated PETA president Ingrid Newkirk in that crime. PETA vegetarian campaign coordinator Bruce Friedrich has also told an animal rights convention that “blowing stuff up and smashing windows” is “a great way to bring about animal liberation,” adding, “Hallelujah to the people who are willing to do it.”

4) PETA activists regularly target children as young as six years old with anti-meat and anti-milk propaganda, even waiting outside their schools to intercept them without notifying their parents. One piece of kid-targeted PETA literature tells small children: “Your Mommy Kills Animals!” PETA brags that its messages reach over 1.2 million minor children, including 30,000 kids between the ages of 6 and 12, all contacted by e-mail without parental supervision. One PETA vice president told the Fox News Channel’s audience: “Our campaigns are always geared towards children, and they always will be.”

5) PETA’s president has said that “even if animal research resulted in a cure for AIDS, we would be against it.” And PETA has repeatedly attacked research foundations like the March of Dimes, the Pediatric AIDS Foundation, and the American Cancer Society, solely because they support animal-based research aimed at curing life-threatening diseases and birth defects. And PETA helped to start and manage a quasi-medical front group, the misnamed Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, to attack medical research head-on.

6) PETA has compared Jewish victims of the Nazi Holocaust to farm animals and Jesus Christ to pigs. PETA’s religious campaigns include a website that claims—despite ample evidence to the contrary—that Jesus Christ was a vegetarian. PETA holds protests at houses of worship, even suing one church that tried to protect its members from Sunday-morning harassment. Its billboards taunt Christians with the message that hogs “died for their sins.” PETA insists, contrary to centuries of rabbinical teaching, that the Jewish ritual of kosher slaughter shouldn’t be allowed. And its infamous “Holocaust on Your Plate” campaign crassly compared the Jewish victims of Nazi genocide to farm animals.

7) PETA frequently looks the other way when its celebrity spokespersons don’t practice what it preaches. As gossip bloggers and Hollywood journalists have noted, Pamela Anderson’s Dodge Viper (auctioned to benefit PETA) had a “luxurious leather interior”; Jenna Jameson was photographed fishing, slurping oysters, and wearing a leather jacket just weeks after launching an anti-leather campaign for PETA; Morrissey got an official “okay” from PETA after eating at a steakhouse; Dita von Teese has written about her love of furs and foie gras; Steve-O built a career out of abusing small animals on film; the officially “anti-fur” Eva Mendes often wears fur anyway; and Charlize Theron’s celebrated October 2007 Vogue cover shoot featured several suede garments. In 2008, “Baby Phat” designer Kimora Lee Simmons became a PETA spokesmodel despite working with fur and leather, after making a $20,000 donation to the animal rights group.

GO HERE TO SIGN A PETITION THAT WILL REMOVE PETA's TAX-EXEMPTION STATUS:

http://www.petakillsanimals.com/article_detail.cfm?article=154

I'm 100% against animal cruelty. That is why Sea World has my support, and PETA certainly does not. Thank you Sea World, ya'll are pretty dang awesome.

Well said Sea World- continue your amazing efforts and know you have many supporters!

You go seaworld. PETA have no justification. I have been to seaworld MANY times and am always amazed at the great work in animal rescue and rehabilitation that you provide. Never give up xx