SeaWorld Orlando Trainers Can't Interact with Whales
SeaWorld Orlando is still in trouble. Even though more than two years have passed since the tragic death of Dawn Brancheau, the park is still dealing with a lot of issues connected with that horrible accident. Just two days ago, in fact, a judge decided that trainers would not be able to be in the water together with killer whales, unless some sort of barrier is added to the tank, to separate the animals from the humans.
One article of the Orlando Sentinel gives us a few more information, saying that this "strict safety standard could effectively prevent SeaWorld from ever again putting its trainers back in the water with whales during public performances, robbing the company of what has been its hallmark thrill for decades."
In addition to that, the judge said that "his ruling — and thus OSHA's recommendations — are limited only to the work SeaWorld whale trainers do during shows and not at other times, such as during medical procedures or "relationship-building" sessions with the whales." Despite that, it is reassuring to read that "OSHA suggested it would accept some safety solution other than physical barriers — such as pool floors that lift or emergency oxygen systems, both of which SeaWorld is currently testing — but only if those other systems provide the "same or a greater level of protection."
Unfortunately, it looks like trainers will continue to be unable to actually swim together with killer whales during the shows. Or at least, they will have to wait a long, long time...
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