Free Republic

Chuck Tompkins, curator of zoological operations at SeaWorld Orlando, told "Good Morning America." "Dawn had very long hair in a ponytail. That ponytail had swung in front of him. He grabbed her by the hair and pulled her underwater and held her underwater." Eyewitnesses could see clearly through viewing glass as the 12,000 pound killer whale named Tillikum thrashed Brancheau viciously underwater.Though it's the third time Tillikum has been involved in a human's death, there are reportedly no plans to take the massive animal out of the show. "We need to evaluate how to do this the right way," Tompkins...

(Feb. 25) -- Tragedy struck SeaWorld Orlando on Wednesday afternoon when a 40-year-old trainer named Dawn Brancheau was killed by an orca whale during the opening of a packed performance. Brancheau was recognized as one of the park's most seasoned trainers, and relatives have testified to her lifelong love for marine life, making the incident all the more heartbreaking. Now, Shamu Stadium has been closed indefinitely and an investigation begun into the possible causes of the fatality, leaving various media outlets and commentators asking, Why would a 12,000-pound, 30-year-old male whale named Tilikum suddenly snap, attack and kill his trainer?...

I found this video VERY interesting. It now becomes apparent that despite what SeaWorld says the trainer DID get into the water with the Orca. They have denied this happened. And they claim it is against policy. She is smiling widely. The video ends seconds before he grabs her. Some news sources have a still of the trainer in the water with the killer whale ... but now the video. I know many will not agree with me, but I think it is barbaric to treat animals like this. http://www.wesh.com/video/22671481/index.html

Experienced whale trainer Dawn Brancheau died in an incident at SeaWorld Orlando on Wednesday afternoon while working with a killer whale. Facts about killer whales such as those found at the Orlando theme park include: •Tillikum (nicknamed Tilly), the whale involved in Wednesday's death at SeaWorld Orlando, is considered the largest orca in captivity, weighing in at nearly 12,000 pounds. He has lived at the Orlando theme park since 1992. •" Shamu" is merely a stage name that SeaWorld parks use for any adult whale — male or female — in a park show. •Adult killer whales at SeaWorld parks...