Saddness at Shamu Stadium

I was very sad when I woke to the news from Seaworld this morning.

I know that readers of this blog will have mixed views about the incident. Some of you will think it is wrong to keep the killer whales in captivity anyway and some of you won't. I guess everyone has very very strong views about things like that. I am very anti any sort of animal cruelty - very very anti - but I have never really had a problem with SeaWorld. I felt they did an awful lot of conservation work, looked after the animals in their care well and that many of them enjoyed what they were doing. OK that might be a stupid thing to have thought as they didn't have the most important thing of all - their freedom. However, it didn't stop me loving seeing them and learning about them. Many of you might already know that I have always said my dream job would have been to work with killer whales - be that in the wild or as a trainer.

With the tragic news of the death of Dawn Brancheau today I guess so many things need to be considered by many many people. Me included. I think anyone who works with animals of any sort has to accept first and foremost that animals are wild. Any animal. Even our domestic cats and dogs can turn. At any time. People who interact witht hem must appreciate those risks. That said, however, it does bring into question the ethics of what is happening and I am doing some serious thinking about my views too.

That said, my thoughts and prayers go with Dawn's family for their awful loss. At the centre of this news story is a human .... and an animal .... tragedy.

I debated wether or not to post this page today of all days, but decided I would.

The picture was taken at Discovery Cove, one of the SeaWorld family, where there are dolphin interactions. The same ethical issues apply as they are in captivity and whilst their areas are huge they are clearly not free. The interactions don't happen if the dolphins are not in the mood to play and they make that very clear. However, as it is reward driven I guess they have to be in a  very bad mood not to join in.  Again i will be evaluating my views on this one too.

however, when the photo was taken it was one of the happiest moments of my life. For as long as I can remember I have had a love of and a fascination for dolphins and it really was a special experience for me - though maybe not for Natalie the dolphin.

The page was made using a new kit by Dawn Inskip called Rainy Days and Mondays and is on sale at her stores at PBP and catscraps.

My quote for today is

Somehow today doesn't feel like one much filled with laughter.

Today I am thankful for

having had the chance to see some truly beautiful creatures and having the conscience to stop and re-evaluate how I feel about it.

Comments

[Pat]

Can only echo your words Dolly. Thoughts and prayers for Dawn's family.

[Mary Bainbridge]

Oh Dolly that is tragic news.
I watch a programme yesterday about a Okra who got separated from the family and so make friends with people. They are social animals like we are and need company. Maybe seaworld isn't enough company for them.

[Alix]

i'm totally with you on this one Karen...and i had just watched the orca program too...such a sad sad story for both human and whalekind.

i think your page is beautiful