Killer whale kills trainer at Orlando's Sea World:-( -Dawn Brancheau Rip

The best moments of Dawn Brancheau!!!
A veteran trainer at Orlando's SeaWorld was dragged under water to her death Wednesday in the jaws of Tilikum, the oldest and largest killer whale in captivity, as horrified onlookers watched.
The normally docile orca had killed twice before.
Tourists eating poolside at a daily event called "Dining With Shamu" watched the whale drown 40-year-old Dawn Brancheau.
Tourists in an underwater viewing area saw the whale swim by, flipping the bleeding trainer over and over in his mouth.
"It was terrible. It's very difficult to see the image," Brazilian tourist Joao Lucio DeCosta Sobrinho, 28, told reporters.
SeaWorld suspended its famous water shows as officials tried to figure out what had happened.
Witnesses described vastly different events: One said Brancheau was patting the whale when he grabbed her arm and dragged her into the water. Another said the big bull orca leaped up out of nowhere and began shaking her.
The whale "shot up in the air, grabbed the trainer by the waist and started thrashing [her] around," witness Victoria Biniak told Orlando's WKMG-TV. "It was violent."
Sheriff's spokesman Jim Solomons said Brancheau slipped and fell into the water with the 30-year-old, 6-ton Tilikum, who is not accustomed to people in his tank.
A number of park visitors said several of the whales had appeared unsettled earlier in the day and were not responding to trainers.
Tilikum, whose name means "friend" in the Native American language Chinook, has killed before - always unwittingly.
In 1991, a marine biology student and part-time trainer fell into his tank in Canada and was dragged under by Tilikum. The whale and two females blocked her from getting out of the pool and tossed her back and forth in the air between them like a toy.
In 1999, there was a case so bizarre it made headlines around the world: A man sneaked into Tilikum's pool at SeaWorld and his naked corpse was found the next day splayed on the whale's back.
Experts chalked up both incidents to the orca's misguided attempts at playing. The huge, scary-looking mammals do not generally attack humans.
Brancheau was aware of the dangers posed by the giant marine mammals.
"You can't put yourself in the water unless you trust them and they trust you," she told The Orlando Sentinel for a profile published four years ago.
The water park was closed until the weekend. Officials said they did not yet know when the orca show would resume.
"All of our standard operating procedures will be under review," park President Dan Brown said.
Experts said they weren't sure what set off the whale.
"What he did in the previous two incidents were not attacks - to him, the people were toys, and to a whale, being under water for 20 minutes is nothing. This sounds a little more like an attack," said Naomi Rose, a senior scientist at the Humane Society of the United States.
It was unclear what will happen to Tilikum.
"I dread to think of what they think their options are," Rose said.
Brancheau's sister Diana Gross said last night that her sibling "would not want anything done to that whale."
"She loved the whales like her children, she loved all of them," said Gross, of Indiana.
Rose suggested Tilikum be retired to a sea pen in Iceland, like Keiko, the killer whale Hollywood made famous in 1993's "Free Willy."
Rose said such tragedies prove that wild animals should not be kept in pens to perform for tourists. Killer whales are social and intelligent creatures but get stressed in pens, she said.
The orca show is SeaWorld's biggest draw, and crowds line up far ahead of the performances at Shamu Stadium, which seats 5,500.

[@sullyluther5519]

Kidnap a small child from his/her parents, lock him/her up in a small room for 20 years, forcing him/her to perform stupid tricks in return for food, and then expect to have a functioning, psychologically-sound being? No dice. Welcome to SeaWorld.

[@desolate2]

Amen!

[@cookiemonsta086]

PREACH

[@FazzyM]

remember i said, i would kill you last sully? .... I LIED !

[@misskj2737]

I find it amazing that humans feel they are above the laws of nature and that every creature wants to obey and befriend us. It's awful what happened to Dawn, and other trainers. I don't think they really thought about the nature of the beast and really believed they were forming bonds, and doing the right thing. Seems it is all now coming into light, and I hope people do stop attending these ridiculous shows.

[@breannanicole8132]

nothing was shown

[@KCandy560]

I Understand how devastated the family must be for their loss but if this doesn't prove why WILD animals shouldn't be captured, i don't know what will....

[@finlaybuchanan]

This is no life for these amazing animals. It just seems so wrong on so many levels to keep them captive and use them for entertainment. It's like keeping a goldfish in a small cup of water considering their size and what they should be experiencing in their natural habitat.

[@johnswinburn8252]

Having these creatures held in captivity and made to perform stunts is just WRONG. Seaworld should be boycotted until they return these wild animals to their natural environment.

[@keepsmyattention]

They've got that exciting Music, that Makes ME NERVOUS!! SHOULD AT LEAST HAVE SOOTHING MUSIC! FOR THE WHALES!!!

[@MrMoneylovers]

This makes me so mad!! These whales have never once injured a human in the wild. But if they have been held captive for so long of course they will eventually become agitated!!!! i just cant stand the fact that seaworthy allows for these creatures to live like this in these conditions.

[@kyleprice7325]

I'm gonna cry 😓😭😭😵

[@jocelynwarburton1362]

+Maya Seccombe They have attacked humans in the wild, so don't start with that bullshit.

[@cat48155]

Girl you are insane. In the wild some orcas starve to death, they would eat a human in a second.

[@kurtcocaine4712]

Yes they have they have attacked humans in the wild a ton if they see one they will kill it they are a manly hunting species

[@aphoenixflame8473]

For all those saying that Dawn deserved it: Dawn was a woman who cared for the Orcas even if she did know they are one if the most dangerous animals. Watch the documentary Blackfish, it covers her story. Almost all trainers at sea world disagree with keeping Orcas in small concrete pools but think to themselves 'If I'm not here who will feed this Orca, care for her? Protect her?' And so they say to take care of them. IT IS THE HIGHER UPS IN SEA WORLD WHO ARE TO BE BLAMED FOR THIS. Tilikum is a beautiful animal who deserves so much more. Before I learnt how horrid seaworld was I visited with my family when I was six. But even then I found it horrifying. Even Tilikum was in the finally. Anyone who thinks this is morally right is wrong. The only thing is these Orcas would not be able to survive in the wild. Although some may have chances, this has been tried before with the Orca which acted as Free Willy. Keiko was released back into the wild but due to Pneumonia. For this I think they should be released into much LARGER OCEAN ENCLOSUREs (Section off a cove or something idfk) so they can still be monitored. If you disagree please feel free too leave your opinions. But no arguments please at , arguing and calling will get us no where in the discussion except to a build up of anger

[@TruuMoo]

Agreed. The documentary even said that Dawn was the trainer that everyone wanted to be. She took care of the whales the best she could. She didn't deserve to be killed whatsoever.

[@aphoenixflame8473]

I see your point, but in her mind set she thought what she was doing was right, despite it being obvious how disgusting it is keeping them in those tiny tanks. I'm sure on the Blackfish documentary most of the trainers and keepers only stayed so that the Orcas were 'cared' for.

[@MyTVfanatic]

Blaming the trainers for the treatment of killer whales is like blaming an employee at a restaurant because of the treatment of the animals that were killed beforehand for their food.

[@jangofett320]

u right doe

[@Lightning920705]

Show BlackFish to everyone and destroy SeaWorld, let them think of another way to make profit without harming others (including animals)

[@JDJD-mw9rr]

I'm sure all that loud music didn't help

[@jean-marccloutier4309]

Poor Whale from ocean to cube, the music, the horror, I would go insane and flip out.

[@maximnoise]

it`S sad , that she died , but would be great for the whale to get freedom back !!!!!!!!!!!!

[@kayleightuck]

I don't know why I didn't notice this before when I was a kid watching dolphin shows. When I started clicker training my dog(which is where the dog does whatever you train it to do because it expects a reward) I realised that this is exactly what is happening with these creatures. They only do what their told because they're expecting food for it, not because it's fun and they enjoy having humans riding on them and making them do stupid tricks.. they've become programmed to behave in this way and their mind is so concentrated on their reward. It's so ironic that they have waves as images on their screens, trying to create an ocean-like illusion. Well this isn't a fucking ocean, it's a swimming pool.

[@prozie286]

Never play with wild animals. They aren't called "wild" for no reason.

[@DawnFire05]

My mom was going to take her class on a spring break field trip to Seaworld and they were going to have an interview with Dawn, but she was killed the week before.

[@lifehackboutique5567]

maybe they wouldnt became agressive is you stop putting them in bathtub!

[@adanvivero702]

If they aren't going to release the orcas.. At least build them a 50X much larger tank & i do mean 50x & provide a ton more food. They don't deserve a small space like that with limited food.

[@ninjabacon8824]

Adan Vivero I myself have been researching the topic of seaworld, and have yet to reach a conclusion. However, the food for the orcas cost money. Combine that with the water bill, employee pay, construction, food, and not to mention the roller coasters they have at seaworld, and you have a large amount of money that needs to be payed. They just don't have the time, money, or space to build an orca tank that big. Something should be done, however.

[@pogu7710]

They're trying to upgrade the pools Tilikum and the others stay in.

[@adanvivero702]

smh at what I said. I was fed with Blackfish bullcrap during this time.

[@pogu7710]

Crap... Oh gosh here it comes... '-'

[@sambrown8686]

Get sea world shut down its absolutely disgusting

[@shynicewiley653]

I just watched the documentary on this and it makes me sad how they showed Dawn feeding and playing with the sea animal not knowing that she was going to be die a couple of minutes afterwards ... RIP Dawn :) It was just truly sad how they tried to blame the incident on her in the beginning due to the fact 'her ponytail was too long'.

[@thelaw5931]

It did not show it

[@Curi0u50ne]

SAVE THE WHALE!

[@CollCrofter]

If I was locked up in a small pond when I was supposed to be living in the sea I would be killing everything in my angry/frustrated/sad/lonely path.

[@nishajones2177]

Yea, whales shouldn't be held in captivity, but that doesn't mean the woman deserved to die. -_- Those of you who says she deserved it, need to get a life.

[@ventingshow4995]

She didn't deserve it, but the reality is that Orcas (coined 'killer whales') are pretty much the Apex Predator in the ocean. They will win against a Great White Shark.

[@xtina1fan]

She didn't deserve it, but he doesn't deserve to be held captive. The death wouldn't have happened in the first place if he was in his natural habitat. It's a sad situation for both parties, but it's fucked up that Seaworld would continue to put people's lives at risk.

[@susiee.honeybee]

It was not her fault she was killed at all. The real villain in this situation is Sea World, and unfortunately the trainer had to suffer the consequences.

[@LovliLiane]

It's so horrible. How would you feel if you were locked into a small cage and teased with food, had no social life. Sea world should be shit down for there inappropriate behavior.

[@Stretchable0]

orca's are incredibly intelligent creatures. the way people exploit that just to make some cash is outrageous. i have no sympathy for trainers who die doing this.

[@samle45]

everyone applause, the man is standing on one of God's living creations; a living, breathing, emotional, animal! Bravo.

[@Pressthe8]

Especially if you were taken from your home and family (which is a very traumatizing experience just being rounded up) and then put in a little pool like this and forced to preform. I'd lash out too or even just get to the point where I would just kill myself (which some captive whales have actually done, like Hugo in Miami, who rammed his head into the wall until I believe he died of internal bleeding).

[@chellieomful]

BOYCOTT DEVIL SEAWORLD

[@Sakima636]

Tilikum killed Dawn because he is frustrated, bored, and not accustomed to people in his tank. When something does fall in, naturally he is going to be possessive of it. It's like giving a hungry dog food then trying to take it away. Only in this case, it was Dawn, and Tilikum became possessive of her obviously. Im not saying Tilikum was trying to eat her, im just saying that since Tilikum never gets anything in his take because of his "possessive tendencies" that when something does fall in

[@TheDenise530]

I would probably just buy sea world just so I can release the animals :)

[@Devio42]

Ironic how *humans* named these whales 'killer'

[@CrazyNewYorkCity]

Sea world tortures these animals so they get angry and do this because they get deprecated from there family and home it's just not fair for them to live in a small pool with little food :(

[@kajani5706]

what the fuck these stupid humans do???? like whales were some sort of puppets or so? If you want to see REAL whales, go outside to the ocean. this makes me so mad!!!!!!!!!!!

[@beautygurlbrittany]

dont blame the trainers blame the people that run see world the trainers are just there because the love sea creaters and get paid

[@ZooGirl101]

I miss Dawn, she was amazing :(. and by the way, Tilikum isn;t the oldest killer whale in captivity. He is the largest, but not the oldest.

[@nureinherz]

These are amazing animals, could it be that they are not well the way they are kept there? That they really should be free? Because I think that whale absolutely loved the woman and was just cracking up at some point for some reason.

[@alexcrowder1673]

I love how the description states that "the normally docile orca has killed twice before" Maybe he's not so docile then? Stop feeding this thing SeaWorld trainers lol.

[@cassieartino9615]

I saw that too and looked it up. In 91 the whale was in a small tank with two other pregnant females, who I believe we're his mates and a student who was working part time slipped into the tank and all three whales ( trying to protect themselves and their offspring I assume) kept her underwater. The second death, well is this mans own fault. He visited sea world the day before, stayed after closing and slipped past security. Then tried to get into the tank and swim with the whale. First off this whale doesn't know who you are so he is probably going to attack and that man never should have tried to do that. Ever.

[@michaeldelossantos8560]

Oh Tilikum, joy to someone The world saw you fight, Some would say it's might! Oh sweet Tilikum see the light in your sight. May you soar in the clouds, Your fame is bound in a shroud Oh Tilikum you gave a good fight, Tilikum I love you, swim towards the light

[@bruhbruh3215]

they kidnapped the whales so what do you expect from it??!!!

[@gepseyhottie]

The poor baby he lost the only person that would swim with him and on his side its not his fault you try being in captivity since you were 2 and see if you stay sane the only tank big enough for him is the performance tank.

[@quadwayne]

So sad that someone had to die again,but when you take wild animals, that for thousands if not millions of years have traveled thousands of kilometres yearly in the search of food and mate, then to put them in an extremely small space and expect them to not be frustrated and sometimes lash out in ways that humans would not consider normal is ludicrous. We see pictures of bears and monkeys chained up and cry "wolf" but a wale in a tank is a tourist attraction.

[@Kimmy1621]

@mileywilys - she didn't just drown - he was brutal with her - multiple fractures - her jaw, sternum, three ribs, a lacerated liver... and other things too horrible to print. he is a wild animal and the trainers do know the risks - but no one could foresee such a violent ending to such a wonderful person. I don't know how anyone could look at this whale the same way as before.

[@roradunn]

Before you say it was dawn ' a thought. Watch blackfish the movie. Tilikum was envolved in other deaths and you can't exactly point a finger because he was the biggest whale kept in captivity and he should of not been there. At all. Sea world weren't even meant to use him in shows. Only for mating.

[@KyrisTV]

its called a killer whale for a reason.

[@deanomontano4910]

there called killer whale cause they kill ther own kind whales and kill seals sea lions and pangwins i dont kno if i spelled that right but there other name is whale killers to kill other whales i also heard that they were the reason that the megalodon dosent exist anymore

[@cookiemonsta086]

killer whales are actually very friendly, but they aren't meant to be kept in captivity

[@deanomontano4910]

true true

[@rockdude492]

It's called a killer whale because they kill seals with super-intelligence and efficiency. The only recorded attacks on humans (ever) come from when they have been held in captivity.

[@cookiemonsta086]

yeah, i just watched Blackfish and it tells you a bunch of facts on killer whales. they are very friendly in the wild but when held in captivityis when it becomes a problem.

[@ashleyrowe6418]

Why do they lock up poor animals what a shame

[@shawnlilly3741]

Why is sea world a thing

[@MrHolymakinaw]

Humans that do this to animals like this....some between 8000-12000 lbs....deserve everything they get from them. Certainly can't blame the poor animal for acting like an animal. We snatch them out of the wild, cage them up, make them crazy, and sometimes they kill us. I don't like to hear about anyone dying such a brutal death, but they had it coming. Just like trainers who make bears or lions go crazy and perform for the rest of us....they really get what they deserve. And eventually, it'll happen. Always does.

[@Devorantem]

This isn't a best friend, this is a wild animal that knew no better. An animal that is [forced] into a large swimming pool to perform tricks for crowds. This is not the way any wild animal should have to live its life.

[@Novinte]

It's like putting your head on a tiger's mouth, he kills your ass, and people say. Tiger went crazy... NO! Tiger went TIGER!! killer went killer, surprise surprise!!

[@formonthills]

Helping marine life is great, but they should not be held captive for entertainment.

[@grahepo]

from the perspective of the orcas, those so called trainer are their captors and tormentors deserving retribution

[@CamilaGarcia-ph2xl]

Ok, some of you guys are saying "thats what they get for capturing them" or "Good job she they deserved it" you guys need to calm down!! Yes, of course its sad that the killer whales get forsed to make shows, but the trainers have nothing to do with this!! They feed the whales, && keep the safe 24/7! Its not the trainers falt, she worked at sea world because she knew she was going to take care of the animals && love them unconditionally!! She was trying to be nice to the whales && make them happy!! Plus, everyone nows it's absolutely terrible do take animals away from the habitat, but its going to be the same thing, people can still go in with guns at the ocean && kill the whales,fish,dolphins,turtles,etc. The trainers have nothing to do with the killer whales getting taken away from there habitats!! They don't deserve to die, && dont get me wrong, i also think sea world is a horrible place && should be shit down for animal cruelty!! So, think before you say!!

[@nyihtet9492]

That grammar though.

[@lindarobinson6053]

These magnificent creatures should not be kept in captivity for the entertainment of people and making money for the parks who keep them. Yes, there are dangers from humans even in their natural habitat, but at least they are happy, free to swim the ocean, not made to perform for the amuesment of us humans.

[@creativo36]

Saludos cordiales desde Chile a la familia de la srta. Dawn (QEPD) y para tranquilidad de ellos, mucha gente, niños esoecialmente la recordarán por su labor educativa y de entretención. Cuando vean el mar azul también el cielo azul, que s donde está ella ahora. Nuevamente mis respetuosos saludos. Byee

[@johnharter371]

its so sad and scary that we make famous an animal that has killed people many times though they are beautiful beauty sometime should be left in nature

[@6235river]

I know you made this comment 3 years ago and I understand your point, but jfc a human being lost their life. The least you can do is be a bit more sympathetic. I hate the fact that the animals are in captivity, but we have to acknowledge the fact that someone died and their death shouldn't be overlooked.

[@roller4312]

i admit, never before have i watched this kind of a show with more interest.

[@lordteapot9740]

here's a thought; don't get in the water with large carnivores.

[@jennaleonard1028]

I have heard that they only freed the animals if they do the tricks right....

[@althelas]

Set the whales free and shut down this horrible places.

[@TheDarkRuby]

Die dieren moeten gewoon in de natuur leven, je moet ze geen trucjes leren!! Maar, wel zielig voor die trainer... R.I.P.

[@LiLxGHiT369]

Tilikum said he had enough...

[@jadyngabriela9899]

actually the real name is orca so and they dont hurt unless u make them mad and i worked with tilikum befor and he is the sweetest whale u could ever meat

[@justinbieberfan1591]

nice footage but R.I.P Dawn

[@ajsnowflake2209]

R.I.P Dawn Brancheau I saw your daughter on AnimalJam

[@JaneFokster]

The average age in the wild is 50, so that is still twice as long.

[@MissCutebitch100]

The trainers where all told never to swim with Tilikum because of his size ad what his history was

[@MajorAlenko]

RIP!

[@OvieKovy]

Are you suppose to like or dislike this video, because it doesn't deliver what it says but its still a great whale video?

[@sunnydizzle79]

this is so terrible but these animals should be free.

[@elizabethhall6822]

I JUST LOVE ANIMALS IN CLOUDING KILLER WHALES.

[@iluvtilly2]

Was this going on when the incident happened?

[@coolbloxgames2981]

Till this day Those acters never go with the killer whales AGAIN...

[@Kara315]

Trust me people do complain about whales and any animal in captivity.

[@stephendeseoso3633]

Anyone claiming that these animals want to be in captivity and enjoy their live should watch the documentary Black Fish. Every SeaWorld around the world should be closed and the owners of SeaWorld should be in jail for what they have done. The trainers know that the animals are mistreated, they only stay to try and minimise the animals suffering. It is the SeaWorld owners who don't care about the animals, only the profit.

[@carefoot08]

When did they get killed I don't even think they did

[@RibbonsAndRedRoses]

It doesn't matter what the trainers do with them behind the show. They don't belong in a fish bowl swimming in circles and doing pirouettes for roaring crowds just for human profit. That fact will never change.

[@lolyuser1]

R.I.P dawn brancheau

[@ashboeder]

Stop saying the whale is killing the trainer they're doing what they're supposed to do and that was part of the scene

[@sabrita1031]

seriously, like how much is it gonna take for people get the point that whild animals dont belong in captivity? like do we need to get the humans who are doing this and put them in a closet-sized cage in the middle of the ocean and only feed them when they do a flip??

[@Jeannemariepleasant]

This business is heartbreaking and tragic. It should be illegal to keep these beautiful and intelligent animals in captivities. Depriving them of food so they will entertain us. If you want to be entertained by these beautiful animals, then take a boat out into the ocean and watch them in their natural environment, in family pods. In this video, you don't get to see them taking their babies away from their mothers to be sold to another park for profit. The mother having a nervous breakdown and crying out for her baby. Or the baby crying for its mother. They keep all of that fun for after hours, when the park is closed. Please do not buy a ticket to these parks and encourage this industry to exist….. Have mercy and be a voice for these wonderful animals.

[@keniamerino9577]

I love killer whales there so cute

[@jazzylioness6802]

May she rest in peace... :(

[@jenbee3955]

Actually, no they aren't. Any type of whale attack is kept very hush hush by park management , and trainers are rarely ever informed of the true risks of working with these animals. The trainers hired know little to nothing about orcas and orca behavior. The park hires them, really, for their personality and ability to swim.

[@sswright6969]

thats not the first time that whale has killed someone either

[@justinbieberfan1591]

nice footage but R.I.P Dawn Brancheau

[@time4jenny]

@MrSaturd I know right it's got the word killer and that's why it is sad. I hope her family is ok

[@sosoobeidat6340]

These whales do 3 shows a day. We dont even know if they take breaks.

[@lornatherecker28]

Obviously the fact that this lady died is upsetting, but to be honest she's the one forcing an animal to do tricks day in and day out. Not doing tricks means no food for a Cetacean in captivity. Would you not get fed up with performing for food in a little concrete box?

[@eprooo]

i keep you in captivity and after... you tell me how you feel

[@Summer2027]

Hating, tsss. Those animals are so happy here, you have no idea what the trainers all do with them behind the show.

[@sweetiecrisp]

how did she die

[@blitzfultime]

what this poor orca endured, tilli was a time bomb waiting to happen.

[@alliemilee]

I always wanted to work there but now I dont think so

[@6442388]

Bestfriends can become our,worst enemies

[@XxpapaXsmurfxX]

I agree its not the whales fault, he or she is being held 'captive' but you can't say its not sea worlds fault..

[@00Londoner00]

japanese are waiting outside the seaworld attraction with their fishnets and boats and seaguns lol

[@saradagher2522]

You don't know what you're talking about. There's absolutely nothing good about keeping them in captivity.