Orca Kills Trainer

A killer whale that kills trainer - and we are surprised?

Don't get me wrong.  I think it is a great tragedy and my sincerest condolences go out to the family and freinds of the unlucky trainer.

But still, I am of the belief that trying to keep such a predator in captivity is an accident waiting to happen.  These creatures may be able to be trained to jump through metaphorical or physical hoops, but they have no training in conscience or morality.

Why shouldn't they take a snack of a passing tourist?

I can only imagine the boredum experienced by these creatures of the deep when they are confined in captivity - no matter how entertaining the keepers may think they are. I am sure the orca's abilities are no where near taxed by the resources availalbe in our theme parks.

The BBC reports of up to 24 attacks by captive Orca on people.  Not all these attacks have ended fatally fortunately.  But never the less, there are repeated examples of Killer whales killing when in captivity.  Surely this should be warning enough that they are not afraid to bite the hand that feeds them.

There is of course going to be a renewed debate over whether or not we should "Free Willy" and to be fair, I can see no valid reason why we should not.  Perhaps it is too late to free those in capitivity now, as the likely hood of their successful release is limited.  But perhaps we should at ending the continued breading in captivity program of these magnificent creatures.

What do you think - Free the killer whale?

Tags: Orca Killer Whale Trainer Killed Captivity Release Whale Marine Seaw

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