SeaWorld's Dawn Brancheau and Tilly the Whale

During a SeaWorld post show, a small lunch group enjoyed extra "up-close entertainment" featuring interaction between whales and trainers. Trainer, Dawn Brancheau, and orca whale Tilikum, (Tilly) basked on the "swim-out" (a platform area that whales slide on to for food or instructions). Dawn was gently rubbing Tilly's stomach when both left the swim-out and went under. Visitors quickly realized this was not routine as staff began assisting with the exit.

Maybe thinking her ponytail was food or small toy, Tilly, a 12,000-pound male orca went into the water with forty-year-old veteran trainer, Dawn Brancheau. Stunned staff pooled every known safety resource and prayed for the best as Tilly surfaced and went down again with Dawn. Dawn Brancheau passed away from complications sustained during an accidental encounter with SeaWorld's killer whale Tilly, who was also one of Dawn's best friends,

Local and national news immediately covered the story. Ghastly rumors abound while attraction staff preferred media wait for facts. Concerns were with SeaWorld families. especially Dawn's family, but also co-workers who witnessed this horrendous tragedy and for friends and park employees who would soon hear. Noticeably shaken, SeaWorld executives found words difficult as Orlando Sentinel staffers waited for interviews.

Virtually every Central Florida family is associated or related to someone working the attractions. Young people groom themselves for adventurous cast parts. Most SeaWorld trainers and animal caretakers have college degrees. Staffs who prepare food and sale fish have bachelors, masters, and PhDs. Dawn received her bachelors form The University of South Carolina.

The perception of SeaWorld is the golden girl on top of the whale. Dawn Brancheau was visible to millions and lives in photographs and videos. She, like those before and after her, will tell you, "Tilly is my co-worker and only doing his job. Perhaps we could retire Tilly and give him lots of space. Make him happy." According to SeaWorld animal caretakers, Tilly probably could not survive in the wild, or at least not for long. Having Tilly put down would be unacceptable.

This is not a Dawn Brancheau mistake or a SeaWorld mistake. In a perfect world, all God's creatures would swim free, fly free and abide in natural habitats with freedom to roam. However, as long as people pay to be thrilled, there will be a SeaWorld venue. There will be zoos and circuses with every type of animal in some form of captivity. There will be racetracks with fans waiting for a "pile-up", a Disney World with stunts pushing human capability limits, gymnasts, cheerleaders, motorcyclists, and the illegal dogfights and cockfights. Challenged to the limit, humans want to master because it is there to master.

Nevertheless, without closure, tragedy lingers and hearts find no peace. The latest request from certain news outlets is to sue for last minute film of Dawn Brancheau's life. According to attorney Jon Mills, the Brancheau family plans to fight the film's release. The court granted a 90-day extension before handing down a decision. Most Central Florida residents do not want the film released and hoping for a similar ruling as in the Dale Earnhardt autopsy videos. The courts denied releasing video as requested by the Earnhardt family.

To trainers, animal caretakers and cast members (emloyees), animals are performers and co-workers. Behind the scene, bonding between animal and co-worker stretches the depths of human ownership. Dawn owned that relationship, and she is sadly missed.

http://www.seaworld.com/

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/topic/
disasters-accidents/dawn-brancheau-PEHST0010405108.topic?page=7
Good overall reporting and gives a good synopsis.

Personal Experience of Lee E. Davis, author.

Guest and staff observation and speculation.

http://www.sc.edu/

http://www.daleearnhardt.net/

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/