SeaWorld Back on Trial

SeaWorld is back in court today to defend itself against charges of “willful” neglect by OSHA in the death of killer whale trainer Dawn Brancheau by orca Tilikum.

How Do You Define a Person?

While a pair of cells may be deemed to be a person, a 40-year-old elephant or orca, who carries the wisdom and culture of her community, is no more considered a person than is a computer or a pile of garbage.

Whale Culture is Real

They have the biggest brains on Earth. Their clans have thousands of members, covering thousands of miles. And a new study shows that, yes, they have cultures that are passed down from generation to generation, just like humans.

Best Way to See Orcas

You can see them in their ocean home. And you can see them in captivity. One is a thrilling experience of real life; the other is a circus show.

Winter’s Real Tale

The idea that Winter, the dolphin in the new hit move “Dolphin Tale” has a happy new life simply doesn’t hold water. See for yourself …

Dolphin ‘Therapy’ Is a Scam

Fueled by feel-good media reports such as Prager’s, dolphin therapy is a magnet for desperate parents who will pay whatever it takes to help their kids with disorders like autism and Down syndrome.

Where in the World is Ric O’Barry?

He’s everywhere! Like a tornado ripping through the Far East, from Japan to Thailand to the Solomon Islands to Singapore, Ric O’Barry is constantly on the move in his passion to save dolphins from cruelty and exploitation.

Why I’m Not a Fan of ‘Dolphin Tale’

The problem is that the aquarium has its own swim-with-the-dolphins program, and the movie cannot help but give the nod to other captive dolphin shows and swim programs.

Remarkable Video of Fish Using Tools

Not long ago, it was generally believed that humans were the only animals that use tools, and that this was one of the chief proofs of human exceptionalism compared to “the animals.”

SeaWorld vs. OSHA – Day Five

We learn about the “Tilly Talk” that’s given to all new trainers at SeaWorld. The message: “If you end up in the water with Tilikum, you’re going to die.”

SeaWorld vs. OSHA – Day Four

Witnesses at the hearing that pits SeaWorld against the OSHA were once again focusing on how exactly killer whale Tilikum pulled trainer Dawn Brancheau into the water before killing her.

A Real Killer Education

SeaWorld claims that its marine circus acts are an educational experience. Well, this week, in court, we got a real education.

SeaWorld vs. OSHA – Day Three

In the third day of the hearing, OSHA showed a 2006 video of trainer, Ken Peters, being nearly drowned at SeaWorld San Diego by orca Kasatka.

SeaWorld vs. Osha – Day Two

A key witness in the dispute between OSHA and SeaWorld testified that killer whale Tilikum grabbed trainer Dawn Brancheau by the arm, not by her ponytail.

Crows Can Use Mirrors to Find Food

Would you be able to find something if you could only look at it through a mirror? Crows can. This puts them among a small group of species, including humans, dolphins, chimpanzees, elephants and magpies, who have been shown to be able to process mirror information.

SeaWorld vs. OSHA – Day One

OSHA attorney John Black said, “Killer whales are large, powerful and non-domesticated animals. They have the potential to cause serious physical harm or death to people who get near them.”

Facts about Killer Whales in Captivity

Here are a few facts and figures about orcas in captivity. There are currently 42 orcas in captivity worldwide. More than half of them are owned by marine circuses in the U.S.

SeaWorld Goes on Trial

Monday, 19 months after killer whale Tilikum dragged his trainer to her death, SeaWorld Orlando will be in court to fight charges of having committed “willful” safety violations.