Such a fitting tribute for a wonderful trainer. Im sad that Tillikum wasn't apart of the show, but I understand. It was by far a moving experience none the less. I hope this time everything will die down, and Dawn could be at Peace.

SeaWorld is one of my favorite places. The whale training that goes on there is amazing. I believe that the whale had no idea he was harming Dawn and I am glad officials are protecting him. I do believe that they are wild by nature and unable to be trusted. I feel strongly that it is an amazing show without the trainers entering the water. Everyone will be safe and the show will go on!

Thank you for sharing Tina.

Thank you for sharing this.. I worked for Seaworld for a Year and a half and interned at Shamu Stadium. I had the pleasure to meet Dawn a few times back stage. She truly was amazing. I too dream to become a Shamu Trainer.. Thank you for this entry, I felt like I was there.. It brought a few tears...Thank you

Beautifully written. I was there. I lived it. For those that couldn't be there with us, you described it perfectly. Thank you.

Your tribute will no doubt be fitting, and also video taped as every performance. I would urge Seaworld to put this tribute onto the Seaworld site and You Tube , in fact anywhere that the general public will have an opportunity to see it.

Thank you

Dear Sea World. I worked there for three years as a photographer and was able to meet and become friends with people throughout all areas of the park. I consider them family. Dawn was an amazing person, and I loved to see her smiles and love for what she did. She was always sweet and kind when I interacted with her. I created a safe site on Facebook for her family and friends. I encourage you to take a look and see the amazing tributes from people around the world, including her colleagues, her friends,her classmates, and her family. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sea-World-Family-and-Friends-of-Dawn-Branc...

My familys hearts and prayers go out to Dawns family and her Seaworld family... I can't imagine your loss....I took my family to Seaworld last year and it was the best expeirence of my life seeing the believe shows we were there 2 weeks and went everyday,just to see that show ...We fell in love with the whales and the trainers that work with them it's amazing how they work together..And you can just see the love the trainers have for their whales and the love the whales have for their trainers..........it's unfortuneit this tradgedy had to happen....your shows change peoples lives ..i went in not believing in myself and now i believe i can do anything i set my mind too .......it was an experience i will never forget...we are truely sorry for your loss..........

Having attended many SeaWorld shows in Orlando, I have the greatest respect for these trainers. They do an outstanding job and the love of these whales comes through on the faces of the trainers everytime. RIP Dawn. You did a wonderful job. There is a special place in Heaven for you. May you rest in peace. God Bless You!

Tina,
Thank you for sharing this with us.
xx

First I would like to extend my heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the family, friends & co-workers of Dawn. In every photo shown of her with the Whales you can clearly see someone who is not just doing a job but interacting with mammals that she loved. I would also like to commend Sea World for the work that they do for wild life awareness, conservation and education. When people visit Sea World parks the education they gain on the animals/mammals there transcends into a respect for all animal life (especially in the case of children).

My heart goes out to the family of Dawn as they grieve the loss of their daughter, Dawn. Their has been a lot of press surrounding this tragic accident but in defence of Sea World, it is just that, a tragic accident. We must remember that these creatures are not killers and they are not predisposed to premeditation. They don't plan on taking human lives but they are naturally big and dangerous much like a car or a piece of equipment at a factory or refinery. When a tragic accident happens in an industrial setting, you don't shut the entire place down, or abandon your work all together, but rather, you take time to fully examine what went wrong and then try to discover how it can be prevented in the future. The public should allow Sea World, this beloved American entertainment park, to use the same discretion. The reality is, working around big animals or dangerous equipment have risks but people that love those types of jobs, willing chose to venture into them, knowing the risks. Some jobs that serve to entertain us have risks and there are other jobs that serve to protect us that also have risks. Sea World has been around for nearly fifty years, like many other American industries, and has provided many individuals and families, millions I'm sure, with exceptional entertainment that has served to create many fun times and happy memories as well. It would be ashamed to shut it down or see it forced to change to a degree that would make it unrecognizable as what is has historically been - a Sea World. May you find comfort in you're time of grief and may you gain wisdom as a park family to move forward in the face of the critics.

Tina, thank you so much for that. I wish I could have been there....a description of the experience, though it is only words, still brought me to tears.
Let the dreams live on in the spirit of Dawn. We love all you guys at SeaWorld. RIP Dawn - you have touched so many lives, we're all blessed to have felt the magic of your inspirations.

My Prayers are with Dawn's family and coworkers. I have been a passport member for several years and I still get a tear in my eye when I see the Love between the Trainers and Whales. I Pray that will Never end."May the SON always shine in your eyes, thru the tears of sorrow".

May the Lord Bless your work.
Joe Houten
Cocoa, FL.

My thoughts and prayer are with Dawn's family,friends,and her Seaworld family and fans. I have always dreamed of becoming a Seaworld trainer ever since I was a little girl...I know in my heart Dawn would want her dream and work to continue...Thank you for sharing and my dream is still alive and "I Still BELIEVE"......
Rachel Starlone. Hester, LA

As a long-time season passholder to SeaWorld, I want to first express my condolences to Dawn's husband and family. An accident took her life too soon, and she will be missed by so many people. I've had the pleasure of seeing her work, the pleasure of talking to her on many occasions; feeling her love and passion for her Shamu family. Yes, I admit, I've even envied her; she was living her dream each and every day and considered it a privlege to be so close to God's beautiful creatures. You are at peace, Dawn,you always did BELIEVE! My prayers continue for God's healing of your husband, Scott, your family, and your many friends, including your extended SeaWorld family. No one will soon forget your smiling face, always ready to talk to guests at the park, always so happy to be a part of a wonderful show! I am 100% supportive of the decisions SeaWorld has made in continuing to BELIEVE and work with Tilly and the other whales. I know in my heart, you would want it that way too. Your very own family knows it, and, even in their grief, have stated many times you wouldn't want any harm to come to Tilly or the shows to stop. You knew the risks of the interactions, however, you continued to embrace these interactions joyfully. I feel had you had any concerns or fears about your interactions or any SOP's you would have either worked on changes or left. Your tenure at SeaWorld also speaks for itself. Those who are quick to jump on the bandwagon of how cruel it is to keep these mammals in captivity and how they should be released just don't understand they could no longer survive in the wild.They don't (or don't want to ) understand or accept the fact SeaWorld provides them a safe haven and excellent care. I appreciate the fact that the shows are starting up again; the whales are 'entertainers', and have been for a long, long time. The do not mourn as humans do, and need to get back to their training and routine. So, BRAVO, Believe and SeaWorld-keep strong! And, finally, Dawn, thank you for sharing your wonderful gifts and always taking the time to talk to me. God has called you home, but you won't soon be forgotten here!

One thing that I thought of that I have not heard mentioned exactly: It seems the possibility of when Dawn was earlier moving from side to side & the whale was following her movement that he got overly excited. Just like when you are playing with your dog or cat and what is play at first get's them to take it to a new level. They just get absorbed in the play not meaning to harm their trainer/owner. Dawn and the whale had a really had a good bond!
Glad Seaworld is keeping the whale!

SEAWORLD DOES UNDERSTAND ANIMALS AND THE PEOPLE WHO LOVE THEM!

Dawn would be happy!

Cherish each day as if no tomorrow! How blessed the few, that rock the true, they love to do!! Much love to Dawns family and friends, to Seaworld and to those in seek of wronging further this horrible loss, rather than righting a new way in shining light on Dawns day! She is missed, and learn must we by the spirit in her that lived life in full Hydro.. Her way! Sky baby girl... Full sail! In thanks of your show in teach... Always. Simi D.

I just saw the tribute and show at Sea World Orlando and thought I should share my thoughts with those reading these blogs.

The Sea World flags at the front of the park are flying at half mast this morning. For a rainy day, the stadium was pretty full. Before the show, a young female trainer walked out Into the audience, stopping for a long hug with am attendent at the base of the stairs.

As they do before every show, the trainers emerge and cross the stairs on the platform. The women all have their hair tied up in buns this morning. They keep coming - more of them than usual. They are all here this morning. The audience is on their feet. A standing ovation for their strength and courage and for their fallen friend. The show hasn't yet begun. The tears have.

Before the show, a short slide show of Dawn, and a statement dedicating the show to her. Many people in the audience are tearing up - it's already an emotional show.

The show starts, and is a typical 'dry' show. The little girl from the audience is a local girl from Kissimmee. Her dream is to be a Shamu trainer... It feels like a new beginning.

The end of the show, and no Tilikum for splashing. There are 5 other whales doing the job he is so good at. As the show ends, you can see the emotion on the faces of some of the trainers faces. There is joy amongst the sadness - they are living their dreams too.

Another standing ovation, and more tears on the faces of those leaving the stadium. Things are moving on, but Dawn is surely missed and loved. They all are loved. There is a lot of love and support for the Sea world family today.

Estoy seguro que Dawn, hubiera comprendido esta actitud de su "mascota"; fuerza a toda la flia de Sea World y adelante con la hermosa obra que realizan de unir el mundo marino con el mundo humano por medio de tanto amor.

Our hearts and prayers go out to Dawn's family and to her Seaworld family. I did not know Dawn personally but I'm sure that she would not be happy with all of the negative press comments surrounding seaworld and the work that they do with these mammals.

I am saddened by all the comments of people that would like to see the work that Seaworld does with these whales end and that also want to see this orca put down. People also do horrible things from time to time (and more often that these amazing creatures) and yet in most states it's illegal to put them down.

Instead of the negative comments maybe we should support the work that Dawn loved to do and honor her memory the way I'm sure she would want.

Keep it up seaworld and never let the memories of Dawn be forgotton..

Just another way to make more money ...

Upon hearing the news of an accident at Sea World Orlando and later learning that there had been a death... I wondered if this event had envolved a pretty lady whose smile that I remembered from a visit to Sea World with my family last summer. I remembered her obvious beauty and interaction with those large Orcas and was amazed at how much fun it must have been swimming with them each day. When more information became available and the name Dawn Brancheau was released as the trainer who was involved in this unfortunate accident - I immediately used the "magic" of the internet in seeking-out an image of Dawn.

When I found the photo with her name labled beside it - I immediately saw that pretty lady, with the beautiful smile that I had gotten closer to take a picture of with my kids after the show there at Sea World. I was as "IN AWE" of the performers as my young children were.

Although I did not know Dawn - I do feel a sense of loss. Even though she was a stranger... she was someone that touched my life in a small way. Our trip to Orlando followed a death in our lives and job loss and we were trying to catch our breath in taking in all of the change. She and others in your beautiful part of the world helped provide memories that will last a lifetime for me and my family.

To Dawn's personal friends and family (Including her Sea World family) heartfelt sympathies to you all. Please know you are being thought of and prayers are being lifted up for you all even now.

Edward Clark
Greensboro, North Carolina

Sea World cannot ignore that this happened. This is the third human life lost due to "accidents" with the same orca. That is too many people killed to be deem it rare. A tribute to Dawn at the show is most appropriate. But what will be the next step? Will the administrators of Sea World continue to use the animal that has now killed three people? What kind of tribute will be appropriate for the next victim?

God Bless you, Dawn. This is a terrible loss to your family and the countless people whose lives you touched. Your death brings attention to the practices at Sea World, and may be saving the animals that you loved.

Would you be able to put the tribute on here so we can all share it? We've always loved coming to SeaWorld and its always our first port of call on our family holidays. We've also been privileged to Dine with Shamu on two occasions and have photos of Dawn in our holiday snaps.
Sending our thoughts from the UK
x

I first went to Seaworld Orlando when i was 8 years old and i saw the believe show, i've been three times since. I knew immediately that i wanted to train orcas. I saw on the news that Dawn knew when she was nine years old that that was her passion. Everyone tells me that the odds are so small of me actually ever reaching my dream but Dawn did it, and thats what makes her my inspiration. Once i saw the picture of Dawn on the news i remembered seeing her in the shows i'd been to and that made me cry. Losing Dawn is a great loss to the seaworld family and i wish everyone the best.

I was deeply saddened to hear the news regarding the death of Dawn Brancheau,and I know that this is a most difficult time for the trainers and staff at SeaWorld. However,I am also compelled to express my strong opinion that whales and dolphins should NOT be housed in a park environment. They should be allowed to live and survive in their natural habitat,i.e.,the ocean. The idea that whales should be trained to respond to a trainer's cues so that audiences can be entertained is totally inappropriate and not in line with what we should do to ensure that these mammals can live in their natural environments.

I think that SeaWorld could set a great example by eliminating these shows from their park schedule. In fact,I feel the same way about circuses and similar events. We should not support circuses that continue to use animals in their shows. Instead,they can feature shows without animals,and work toward creating a situation where people are aware of their responsibility toward creating a positive environment for animals.

If we fail to carry this out,we will continue to reap the ill effects of keeping sea mammals in captivity. At some point,they will snap,and we will have no one to blame but ourselves for allowing this practice to continue.

Dawn,

Your memory will live on forever. You have taught so many people to love killer whales, and given us such great performances to watch. The whales will miss you. You are in the arms of God now. Rest in peace.

Good luck to all the seaworld parks, I am from the uk and have been very fortunate to visit seaworld orlando on a number of occassions, i have also been fortunate to see Dawn in action with the whales, doing a job she adored. Not many of us can see we died doing a job that we love, the majority of us get up everymorning doing our mundane,boring work. my thoughts and prayers go out to her family, friends and co workers at Seaworld, she wouldnt have wanted this show to stop and nor do we, Thank you Dawn for the lovely memories you have given to all of us who have seen the show and thank you seaworld for sharing your animals and staff with us, we look forward to visiting again. Good luck to all of you at this very sad time xxxxxx

RIP dawn My Family was lucky enough to see your show for several year including last year. it was Awesome! we will be back this year and we will miss you dearly as i have witnessed your interactions with these orcas and i am amazed and understand your wilingness to work with them you truly loved what you were doing and it showed we will never forget you and all that you have done thanks for the lasting memories. you and your family and freinds are in our Prayers including the orcas...

keep it up seaworld and never let the memories of dawn be forgotton..

I think that's WONDERFUL.

I'm so happy that the Believe shows are continueing, and have been going to SeaWorld since I was 2years old. And ever since I was 2 I have wanted to be an Orca Trainer, this incident does not vear my path. SeaWorld is my 2nd home my family jokes, and I have grown up seeing Dawn as the amazing trainer she was and inspireing to be her. Alot of people are saying that Sea World was asking for it, haveing Killer Whales in captivity. But if they weren't then everyone wouldn't have this passion we feel about it now. It teachs people about the animals and how we sould respect them. The first time I saw the Believe show I cried, it meant so much to me. My dad had passed away and he always told me to Believe in my goals and I would get there. It really hit home. Im so glad the shows are continueing, and im hopeing this doesn't set back the amazing foundation that the shows have instilled in people world wide. Dawn you are an amazing person, and will be missed.

All of my family here in the UK send our condolences to all of Dawns family,both her family at home and her family at SeaWorld. We saw her work on several occasions and know that what is done there, is done in the name of conservation.May 'Believe' be the word that will bear Dawns name..as she surely did believe, and may she Rest In Peace knowing that she truly played her part in helping those wonderful creatures.
God Bless you Dawn...Safe journey 'Home'...:)
Lvnugz & blessings from all the Maley-Ward family.X0 <3

I was there in September, we attended the Dine with Shamu and all the Killer Whale shows at least twice each while we were there if not more. Both Dawn and Tilikum were amazing and their bond that they shared was undefinabley miraculous. My families hearts go out to Dawn's Family & the Sea World family. But with that said "I BELIEVE" that the endless possibilities and learning opportunities must go on with these mystifying creatures. I have been a "BELIEVER" of Sea World and its works since I was 5 years old with my first visit, now a multivisitor, I will forever be a continuous supporter. I wear my "I BELIEVE" t shirt proudly.

R.I.P DAWN BRANCHEAU SADLY MISSED X

I have to say I've cried many tears reading about what happened to Dawn. I had the pleasure of speaking with her on many occasions at my MANY MANY visits to SeaWorld. I had a 2 year pass and was there EVERY weekend...sometimes during the week too and was always drawn to the Orca's and dolphins. Dawn was a beautiful, intelligent person who LOVED what she did. You could see it in her eyes and hear it in her voice when she talked to you. I feel so blessed to have been able to speak to her and listen to her advice about what it takes to become a trainer. I know she knew that those whales would be unpredictable at times, as are all wild creatures with natural instincts. Tilikum loved her as he and all the whales love all the trainers. It is evident in all their interactions!!
He did nothing wrong...he wanted to play with her - he has NO idea of his immense power and I am positive he meant NO harm to her. You can tell when an animal loves his owner/trainer and it was absolutely a loving relationship between them.
I hope you will make a video tribute to Dawn and place it all around the park in her memory. Maybe this would be a comfort to her family...God bless them in this terrible time of sorrow.
I will ALWAYS come to SeaWorld...you all do an awesome job there training and caring for ALL the beautiful creatures in the park...keep up the great work and never let anyone tell you you are doing anything wrong!!
God bless you Dawn...I will surely miss you sweet lady :o(

I have gone 2 sea world 7 tymes and each tyme i go i kry because the whales and evrything about it makes me feel like a kid again

we came to the shows in 2001-gr8 time and fab experience-we wish her family and friends well and our thoughts are with them all! xx

unfortunately i cant be there to see your tribute to dawn but my thoughts will be with dawns family friends and those adoreable killer whales that dawn loved so much,her pasion and love for those killer whales rubbed off on all of us,thanks to people like dawn i now am a lover of killer whales,,good luck with the shows guys, the whales will show there beautifully true colours,
why we love them so much,RIP DAWN, TOTALLY SUPPORT SEAWORLD AND SHAMU

My daughter is 2.5 yrs old and she's been a fan of "Shamu" and the Believe Show for a year now...she begs to be taken to SW and we're lucky enough to live in Orlando and can take her often. These shows create wonderful memories for little ones, and in no way have we ever seen these whales being mistreated...SW does an amazing job in protecting its animals and teaching us how to do our part. I applaud you for helping us understand that Dawn would have really wanted the shows to go on...it's the right thing to do. Good luck today!

Rest In Peace Dawn!
If you don't mind me asking, how can I view this video, because it will not play?