Tilikum, an Orca with a history of violence against humans, has killed a trainer, Dawn Brancheau, on Wed at the Shamu Stadium in Orlando. FL. This is the 3rd death Tilikum was part of. The controversy this unfortunate incident brings out masses for both sides of the captured animals debate.
Tilikum was originally captured in the Icelandic waters and brought to Canada where it drowned one trainer at Sealand in 91. Then in 99, it killed the intruder who broke in to swim with Orca. Apparently, due to the history of this animal, trainers are not in the water for any of the shows, instead working with it on the platform. Tilikum apparently grabbed Brancheau from the platform, as many Orcas do to seals in Patagonia or elsewhere.
Unfortunately, this tragedy does bring about the debate of display for large captured mammals like Orca and the 'humaneness' of these circus like shows. There is no doubt that the mammal trade is big business, as are the big marine park shows like Seaworld. That said, Seaworld scientists know more about the physiology of their captive animals than most experts, and while the behavioral aspects are tainted due to the captive circumstance, it must be said there are likely some benefits to captive animals being used this way. It is unfortunate that only animals which can make money are getting the money for research, but I suppose that's the free market in action.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/02/25/...in6241753.shtml
