SeaWorld to put Trainers back in the Water

[Stu]

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment are making plans to re-introduce the Killer Whale trainers back into the water with the whales.

The public haven't seen the trainers in the water with the whales since the tragic accident that killed one of the trainers a year ago.

SeaWorld told the Orlando Sentinel on Wednesday that trainers in its three U.S. marine parks will begin limited "water work" with whales within the next few months, with the interactions initially restricted to small medical pools equipped with false-bottom floors that can be lifted out of the water.

[Stu]

Full story from Orlando Sentinel can be found here

[pchivvy]

Very interesting, thank you for sharing.

[WickedPlans]

Wow, wow, wow. That is excellent news.
I honestly think that Dawn Brancheau would be happy to hear that.
The plan does seem to be well thought out, though it will obviously take a considerable amount of time before we see the trainers in the shows again.

[Guest]

I understand it is going to be a while before the trainers get their confidence back but I love seeing the connection between the handlers and the animals. I just hope they get the balance between safety and connection right. I'm sure they know what they are doing, very exciting news!

[anita1963]

Great news Seaworld is my fav park and I agree that Dawn would be pleased to hear the news
You don't do a job like that without great passion
Will look forward to my visit this year trainers in the water or out

[Guest]

Oh may now need to schedule in a day at Seaworld.

[Tracyjj0]

That's brilliant news ( brought a tear to my eye )

[Floridafans]

What fantastic news There's something really special about the interaction between the whales and trainers. I hope that eventually it will be safe for this to be brought back into the show

Becki

[aydeepee]

Without sounding negative I will believe it when I see it.

With the ongoing civil suit against the park from the dead trainers family and the insurance issues I am really struggling to see how they will achieve it wiithout increasing the risk. There will be so much scrutiny around this I just cant see it happening

I would love to see them back in the water and SW is our fave park - just find it difficult to get my head round how they will overcome the above obstacles.