Orca Experts Go to SeaWorld

John Hargrove and Dr. Ingrid Visser know killer whales better than anyone --- they've both been swimming with them for decades. They're also both outspoken advocates for orca welfare and conservation. We went to SeaWorld with them, recorded some harrowing things, and caused a bit of a scene.
This video is the result of an ongoing killer whale project called Superpod. To learn more about our project, hit us up and follow our journey on social media.
/ superpod_doc
SuperpodDoc?...
/ superpod_doc
Created by Tessa Rapaczynski and Emily Rutan
Produced by Annabelle Grusq
Edited by Robert Murphy, Tessa Rapaczynski and Emily Rutan
Music by Theodore De Gunzburg
Special thanks to:
Ingrid Visser
John Hargrove
Golnar Fahkrai
Dylan Acio
Sansho Scott
David Sternbach
Kathy Cohen
Additional footage provided by Dr. Ingrid Visser, John Hargrove, & GoPro.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE:
Copyright © 2015 Tessa Rapaczynski, Emily Rutan and Annabelle Grusq.
NOTE:
This video is a critique of practices at SeaWorld that have been the subject of considerable public debate and controversy, and is a commentary on cetacean behavior in captivity. This video includes content copyrighted by others which is used by permission, or pursuant to the fair use provisions of Section 107 of the US Copyright Act, for the purposes of commentary, criticism, and education.

[@bibowski]

Seriously, at this point, how is SeaWorld still open?

[@bibowski]

+Whatsit Tooya KZbin comments are awesome :p

[@oldman6688]

Really though there's a reason why out of all the animal rights organizations only PETA is making completely unfounded claims like that they paint their orcas (said by schizophrenic old lady, must be true!). There's things SeaWorld could be doing better but if PETA actually cared they wouldn't have tried so hard to block the Blue World. For example I don't like the insemination program, but how do these activists expect SeaWorld to prevent them from reproducing? If they were on birth control you know they'd be up in arms. I think the ocean captures were horrible, but we can't forget that SeaWorld isn't directly responsible for any of those. I'm beginning to suspect that the reason PETA has latched onto SeaWorld so hard is because it's something the public cares about that doesn't make them look like complete fools like their tragic Chik-Fil-A effort.

[@bibowski]

+Whatsit Tooya why didn't you reply with that instead of your initial, weak attempt at humour? Anyways, even in your reply you stated twice that there is stuff seaworld is doing is wrong. Yeah, sure.. There are places in the world that need more attention, but if this has a chance of being fixed, then why not go after it?

[@oldman6688]

Dan John I think SeaWorld has the right intentions in mind. I have actually put in my two cents directly to them and in discussions about them. I actually worried about SeaWorld's conditions before Blackfish came out and before Tilikum killed Dawn Brancheau. I would just rather not throw my weight behind the convoluted statements of radical vegans who want this to be step 1 to eventually not allowing humans to have any dominion over animals at all. Note their silence on zoos. Zoos are almost universally understood to be helpful to the animals they "incarcerate" because in modern times zoo occupants are largely disabled or can not return to the wild for some reason, and those that can are frequently re-adapted. See, for example, the Panda program. But some vegans don't want to hear this, they want SeaWorld to give up their orcas, however impractical, and they want, it seems, to kill any species that wouldn't survive in the wild to prevent further "suffering" if their euthanization track record is any example for what they think of domesticated species. They shouldn't be non profit. You think I'm exaggerating? Look up Animal Rights Militia.

[@samwilliamson2217]

Because lots of people enjoy visiting? And like to see the animals?

[@BeemzAryo]

I cant even finish watching this video, imagining how said and frustrated they are. But as long as humans are watching these shows then most likely their suffering will go on.

[@debbie7866]

That is the sad truth of the matter. If people keep paying to be entertained in this manner, they company will keep raking in the bucks! I still see another of people still going. I thought after the movie Free Willie, people would get the message, but I guess not!

[@chatteyj]

@@debbie7866 I think a turning point has been reached in the west as word spreads and now seaworld says no more will be bred or captured to perform shows in these small tanks, so once the ones they have have died thats it. However my concern is that China and other asian countries start doing stuff like this, after all they still are quite barbaric eating dog and shark fin soup for example.

[@soldierinadream9380]

Makani was the orca who was bumping Kasatka, at this age he was already over 2 1/2 years old at this point, he was completely weened off his mother’s milk and was eating fish. Orcas will still head bump their mother’s to keep a close relationship with them, you see this in the wild and in captivity. I don’t 100% agree with seaworld but many people overlook the fact that they are not exploiting these animals for profit, the current day seaworld is a lot better than it was 10+ years ago. I would like to add that what the animals do in shows is a good way to gain exercise and they are completely voluntary they are not starved in any way, each orca has a diet that is unique to each animal, they are required to get that amount of fish every single day regardless of what training session they do or do not participate in. Seaworld is also a recuse rehab and release organization as well as a non profit one. These animals have grown up in sterile tanks and many of them would die if moved to a seapen or released into the wild. I would suggest that anyone who has watched blackfish also read into other things seaworld has done as the “documentary” is 100% biased but does hold truth to it. Again I do not 100% support seaworld but there are much worse places out there.

[@janjones4536]

u bet

[@colleengualtieri1739]

Why were they asked to leave the park? I didn't see any behavior to warrant being removed from the park. They paid to get in just like any other person who was there.

[@genetsandjazz]

+Colleen Gualtieri Yeah, putting up blatant anti-science propaganda against the park sure isn't bad behavior.

[@monicagilbert5973]

+Colleen Gualtieri Because they dared to ask questions and not follow the koolaid crowd. SW don't like scientists or those, like John, who know the truth.

[@colleengualtieri1739]

+genetsandjazz It didn't look to me like they were blatantly running around screaming we hate sea world and your park sucks. If you watch the video they were just speaking to each other in normal conversation. Didn't look to me like they were a threat who needed to be removed.

[@genetsandjazz]

Colleen Gualtieri They are filming for nefarious purposes, and anyone with any sense knows it.

[@artistemaudit]

+ANTI THREE That's a very valid point. I keep wondering why there is so LITTLE footage out there on the daily lives of these orca in Loro Parque, Marineland and Seaworld. Why do we SEE you little? I think transparency and continuitiy is important. A wild-caught orca like Morgan should be followed closely by videotape and her progress documented continuously so that we can verify how she is doing in a confined space. Likewise for the Seaworld orca. This would help everybody get a clearer picture of stereotypical behavious, daily routines, any abnormal things happening and it would certainly help in establishing a plan for what to do with these dolphinaria. The animals are clearly not thriving, but I would like to see more footage and for documentation to be available for the public.

[@SarahMariLucas]

There's nothing sea like about seaworld. period.

[@dorianTFF]

There's the salt water(though it's artificial, that still resembles actual salt water)

[@safiyyahvadala]

Theres the sea creatures...

[@GambitPSN]

How about the fact if or when you have children they can enjoy animal that they like. I mean god dam you people only see one side of the story

[@CharlotteWeb100]

Really? REALLY?

[@darkbakura8190]

If i have kids or not -my brain say me, that this animals dont belong in captivety. Are you such a bad human, that you can say: I can hold this animals in tanks and let them perform Tricks, just i and my kids can see them. And it is not important if the animals became any Problems. I have my fun, and just this is important. Poor man... really poor. But this is the Thought, which will be destroy the earth -no respect for any wildlife. I life now, i can do anything what i want, whre i want, when i want, also i do it. Its not really important what i do whith the earth, because i will die and then its not important. Woho -price for the best Thought... a sad Thought. Its so good, that this animals will be the last in all Seaworld Parks -so we have 4 Parks, they will have the last generation of orcas.

[@UseADamnCoaster]

I've recently taken an interest in orca, dolphins, whales, etc. Through learning about these beautiful, majestic creatures, I've come to realize that Sea World separating these orca from their pods, keeping them in captivity and forcing them to do tricks for paying customers is tantamount to abducting a child away from their family and keeping them locked in a small room, only letting them out to dance and juggle as entertainment for houseguests at your beckon call. It's cruel and despicable. Sea World needs to do the right thing, for once, and free the orca to the sea where they belong and deserve to thrive!

[@peggyblairjr3086]

Empty The Tanks...Do not buy a ticket...Thank You

[@Brandon-bq6df]

peggy blair jr annual pass holder ☺

[@amogus205]

Exotic Umbra oh wow be proud of yourself 🙄👍

[@ArtificialSoul]

Unfortunately the point is ... what will happen to those animals then? They are not used to live in the wild.

[@user-cm9sf7vs5h]

ArtificialSoul They're not used to living in the wild? Shit I wonder why?

[@vGREENARROWv]

Fuck.. just got 4 season pass and some encounters.. oh well

[@hiiloveu1521]

The depressed mother with her offspring really broke my heart. Some time ago my sister was diagnosed with depression and lately it has gotten even worse. Sometimes she looks like she just wants to lay down in her bed and die right there. It's really hard to get a small sign of emotion from her and I feel very helpless, because I love her and I don't want to lose contact with her. These animals did not deserve to be treated like this. What SeaWorld does is straight up illegal.

[@waaazzza93]

John was also a former trainer at sea world when dawn was killed. And you can tell he just loves animals so much he just didn't know any better back then and is speaking up now. As we all should

[@Blinkncali21]

No he wasn't I just read his book he only met Dawn once and that was in France when she was on vacation

[@elainewilliams5440]

So very sad SeaWorld should be so ashamed. It is just incredibly stupid to think these animals are in anyway happy to be in those tiny tanks preforming useless tricks for uncaring people. Breaks my heart.

[@MsTruthseeker999]

+Elaine Williams www.thepetitionsite.com/480/893/024/demand-an-end-to-the-capture-of-whales-and-dolphins-and-free-those-in-parks/

[@TheMightyN]

+Elaine Williams Hey don't forget we do that in Zoos too. And do you know the reason why? Because were driving these animals to extinction. Which has led to exploitation of creatures like Killer Whale. Our ancestors and grandfathers and grandmothers and our brothers started this phenomena now we have to clean up their mess. Through the countless of people that could careless...

[@mementomori4355]

Maggie Lou And each and every one of them should be closed down permanently

[@DaZombieSlyer]

Elaine Williams The ranks are not tiny

[@oaneschriemer2724]

Not uncaring, just ignorant

[@TheSUPERHAPPY1]

SeaWorld is done - it's just a matter of time

[@stevieup7603]

+TheSUPERHAPPY1 doesn't have to be, seaworld can do a lot of good, without having to keep animals like orca's in captivity, by allowing those who can survive out in the wild and those who can't towards a facility where orca's are helped i forgot what the place i called but they try to mimic the natural world as possible while still getting care from humans (some that are so scared really can't survive without it). if seaworld can go this route and still maximize profit given it's restrictions, then this would be a perfect example where eco friendly can be profitable more so then the exploitation of animals.

[@mamalovesthebeach437]

+bird up if they can't survive in the wild they're better off dead . . . living like this is cruel and unusual punishment at best . . .

[@stevieup7603]

Darris B. Nelson sometimes Darris, human intervention is best to keep a population from going extinct not many developed countries reduce hunting, or have any legal limitations/intervention to reduce over killing. the area that i speak of allows those who can't live in the "real world" due to cruelty and let them live their remainder of their lives in peace.

[@meganrose7870]

+TheSUPERHAPPY1 SeaWorld is helping the planet.

[@8bennaboo]

+Megan Loves Animals SeaWorld is spreading a false view about the ocean, they are helping themselves.

[@debbiehite4737]

KEEP BEING THEIR VOICE!!!! I HOPE..... FULLY.... that captivity will end.

[@MsTruthseeker999]

+Debbie Hite Please do more than just hope. www.thepetitionsite.com/480/893/024/demand-an-end-to-the-capture-of-whales-and-dolphins-and-free-those-in-parks/

[@literallydale1265]

+MsTruthseeker999 The hope is (partially) over, they have stopped breeding the orcas, now we just need to shut down the program altogether.

[@debbiehite4737]

I HAVE BEEN SENDING POST CARDS AROUND THE WORLD ASKING PEOPLE TO SIGN THE PETITION AT : WWW.FREETILLY.NOW.ORG THE NUMBER OF SIGNATURES HAS REACHED 227,289K .... WITH SEVERAL HUNDRED SIGNING EACH WEEK! CAPTIVITY WILL END....

[@layla5852]

Debbie Hite no it will not. What’s the point. You can’t release an animal that’s been in captivity for 6 days. It’s against the law. Back then there was no laws when Keiko was released. And Keiko still does because he couldn’t adapt quickly so.... do more research.

[@mementomori4355]

Katina Productions The way to handle this is as follows. Large ocean borne pens for the remaining organisms at seas world (and other such places) to live out the rest of their lives (think semi wild) and then once the last of these wild caught or captive bred animals are gone, that will be the end of animal captivity for human entertainment purposes. After that there will be no more sea world and such, hopefully.

[@kathydittmer9659]

Heartbreaking!! Black Fish was so needed! The woman expert is spot on when she says people by and large aren’t cruel to animals. When it was revealed what goes on, it immediately impacted their business I believe. I will say, however, back in the 80’s, we took our kids, and there was that bit of conscience that was poking me in the brain saying, “this is sad for these magnificent creatures to be in a tiny fish bowl”. But I pushed it out of my mind until Black Fish. Technology has come so far, now I can get on KZbin and watch them in the wild without messing with my conscience. I believe the same about zoos. When an animal is injured and can’t be in the wild, zoos are ok.

[@caseyjara]

Absolutely brilliant video. Thank you for capturing and sharing this. There is no one I have met who is more passionate about orca or more concerned about their welfare than Dr. Ingrid Visser. She devotes her entire life to rescuing orca and bringing about awareness regarding the negative effects of captivity on orca. There is no one more brave than John Hargrove - he risked everything in writing his book Beneath The Surface and continues to educate regarding the truth about Seaworld and how orcas suffer in captivity. Heroes, both of them.

[@awuma]

+Diane Fraleigh Yes, true heroes. Of course, Dr. Visser does a lot more than being such an effective advocate. She is a scientist who has enormously increased our understanding of orcas, and through her discoveries has greatly helped to protect them. It is tragic that humans are so dangerous and harmful to cetaceans, even with no intention to harm them.

[@Lipsmacker6]

+Diane Fraleigh It's blowing my mind how some people are saying that Dr. Visser isn't an expert or she's an embarrassment to the scientific community. This is typical of SeaWorld.

[@AnaHallie]

Have you read Death at SeaWorld: Shamu and the Dark Side of Killer Whales in Captivity by David Kirby?

[@elizabethfort657]

And I've watched some of her videos, Dr.Visser she is really devoted to them Orca's I was reading something about the the killer whales in Captivity and came up on a story about SeaWorld impregnate the mother whales with their son sperm and impregnating the the sister with her brother sperm now that's wrong on all level's

[@tbow7785]

I went to Disney in Florida back in 1989! My parents asked if I wanted to go to SeaWorld? I said No! I knew then it was so unnatural and just cruel to keep them there in those oversized bathtubs!! I was a huge fan as a kid of National Geographic’s & Wild Kingdom aka Mutual Of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom to! This was before we had Discovery & Animal Planet.. Now I know that a lot of if not most of the trainers that worked there loved those animals! And most didn’t really know better then! Key Word.. Then! Today we know so much that there’s just no room for excuses! Back then researchers and scientists did know a lot more than the trainers did but SeaWorld had them brainwashed, however this was pre-internet and pre-social media days!

[@gabbidurham]

John was in Blackfish wasn’t he? That film was so powerful and opened my eyes to the horrors of SeaWorld

[@sheilamiller8785]

Yes he was he was the whistle blower that came out against SW

[@HunterJumper-ow2oo]

Yes, and he's also written a book called "Beneath the Surface" It's a good read!

[@RR-ku5cb]

To everyone who says that the calf is too old to be trying to nurse... You are correct. In the wild, the calf would start learning how to hunt, dive deeply with his mother, travel vast distances with the pod and learn new things about its environment. At Seaworld, all they learn is how to do meaningless tricks and dance to loud music for a few fish. After performing, all they can do is float motionless in the water, stare at walls or swim in endless circles. Do you think that a calf can transition from being a calf to maturity normally when all the natural occurrences that it would experience in the ocean never happen. Its learning and natural development are completely stunted, almost as if it's in a state of perpetual infancy. Dr. Visser even states that this is stereotypical behaviour that many animals in captivity exhibit. Orcas are extremely intelligent and have complex emotions. These sentient mammals can never grow in a normal way when everything around them is synthetic and unnatural. Stereotypical behaviour is exhibited when an animal is bored, under stimulated, depressed, and agitated. Yes this calf is too old to be nursing, even the mother doesn't want it to nurse. Orcas, are not domesticated pets. They are wild creatures that are totally unequipped for life in a concrete tank which makes them aggressive and despondent.

[@TheCursedCat1927]

2:50 "My supervisor wants you to leave the property" Beacuse they are telling the Truth wich of course is bad for those Parks -_- Heartless people who care only about 💵

[@Sketchanie_Art]

I'm curious as to what the manager had to say about kicking them out. I don't really understand why they did anyways?

[@NikkiWithAK]

Because the guy in this clip was against Seaworld in the documentary Blackfish so they must of known he was there to create more bad publicity for them which they didn't want. So they kicked them out

[@chloelee5117]

which show us that sea world is terrible.

[@owonapikins]

Nicole Carrick but don't they have the right of free speech or are they in somewhere other than America?

[@NikkiWithAK]

YoshiWorld1 Gaming They do have the right of free speech but not when they're at Seaworld trying to make a scene

[@owonapikins]

Nicole Carrick ah

[@lucassosa3519]

*Sea world is honestly done, they keep lowering their ticket prices because no one is going, BYE BYE SEAWORLD!!*

[@its_ezralol]

@Sarah Arshad VIII-C-A We all can’t wait.But I’m just going to ask,what’s going to happen to the orcas?

[@sarahhaniaxoxo]

@@its_ezralol Ty 4 asking; the orcas that were wild caught (Corky, Ulises, ect) would be sent to a much larger tank to get healthy and learn the basics of a sea pen and after, like, 2 or 3 years, they would be retired to a netted off cove in Iceland/wherever they were captured (from). The ones *born* in the captive environment would spend more time in that 'bigger tank' (probably 4 or 5 years) before retiring to (their home) waters. In an attempt to breed for greed, $laveWorld have crossbreed orcas- so you get orcas like Orkid who have (in her case) an Icelandic mother and a Northern Resident father.They have no social status, as they're neither from Iceland or from other waters. I'm still wondering about what should be done to hybrid orcas. Have a good day X

[@nell7817]

Also, SeaWorld deletes all the negative comments from their social media and KZbin videos so the section is full of 'oh they're so cute' and it just makes me sick

[@motherofdragons7048]

this made me cry. just the sight of that orca floating listlessly in the pool whilst it's calf was trying to feed had me in tears. huge respect for anyone who speaks out against seaworld

[@mdolphins4779]

SeaWorld needs to do the right thing and put these animals in a large sea-pen. These animals probably wouldn't survive in the open ocean, but a sea-pen would be a vast improvement over their current, artificial and prison-like environment.

[@countdooku3853]

You don't understand that even if you put these animals in sea pens they won't be able to survive cause most of them were born in captivity

[@zoegreen4147]

Aku sea pens mean that they will be in the ocean and will also be in human care

[@geocostello5928]

Kim Jong Un do your research. A sea pen means they will be cared for by humans that actually understand orcas. By people that genuinely care about them.

[@hannahburke7328]

@@geocostello5928 Being In A Sea Pen With Large Space Is Better Than Swimming In A Cramped Concoction Of P*** S*** And Chlorine. 🌊

[@chatteyj]

@@hannahburke7328 I agree a sea pen isn't perfect but its ten times better than a lifeless swimming pool full of chlorine.

[@ayah1211]

The tank isnt big, and deep enough for the poor whales.

[@whirls007]

How deep is it?

[@kxkstudios1729]

whirls007 The show pool is 36 feet deep, the other pools are about 26 feet deep all the way down to 15 feet for the rising bottom floors. None of the whales are over 25 feet long. In San Antonio the show pool is 40 feet deep.

[@dilloncookson9641]

KatinaxKyuquot Studios And how deep is the ocean?

[@kxkstudios1729]

Dillon Cookson Stop comparing the ocean to captivity. We cannot make a pool 1000s of feet deep.

[@eduardofreitas8336]

We cannot and so we shouldn't. It is a very veeery confined space for a species that usually range hundreds of miles and is constantly seeking new stimulli and novel experience.

[@sk8boarder15]

Thank you John and Ingrid for putting yourselves out there to help these animals. The work you do is important and so needed. Thank you.

[@alexalorraine1753]

I'm like rly fuckin curious even if the calf isn't nursing anymore do you all not see the stereotypical behavior of bumping against it's mother??? And the mothers behavior just screams depressed and boredom and psychosis'??? I didn't know SeaWorlds ass is so comfy that's the only reason to explain why your heads are in it.

[@katherinehenry3210]

At first I was like, "I'm going to Sea World! I want to see killer whales!" Then I was like, "I grew up in Washington state. Maybe I'll go see them there instead. Same price with the added bonus of gorgeous scenery!"

[@jetson2075]

Her name is Dr Ingrid Visser and she has swam with wild orca in New Zealand since the age of 20. She has an excellent video called gopro orca rescue.

[@Samantha10887]

That momma and baby orca got me crying , this whole thing is so toxic and disturbing to say the very least :,,(((

[@paetynparman8896]

Incredibly heart breaking to see a mother too depressed to feed her child.

[@philorcinus5869]

"orca experts" but said orca experts can't even tell when a calf is old enough to stop nursing (Makani was two years old here and calves are usually weaned at that age or even earlier), and don't understand that the belly bumping also is an affectionate behavior that even adult orcas perform sometimes...

[@amyjo18]

This makes me sick to see those poor whales behave like that.....so very SAD. I hope one soon all Sea Worlds are closed for good. God BLESS this man for following his heart and conscience and bringing this out in the open so people become aware of what is really going on.

[@emilyblair2973]

Animals are like us we don't want to be taken away from our babies or bored out of our minds or stuck in one little room its COMMON SENSE 🗣 WE NEED MORE PEOPLE TO SPEAK OUT ABOUT THIS

[@saint013]

I commend you both on your efforts to bring attention to this sick and unethical treatment they endure on a day to day basis. #freethemall #notankbigenough #seaworldsucks

[@paulinel1028]

Dr. Ingrid Visser. Thank you for all your hard work and promoting animal welfare. You have inspired my three children to do all they can in school to raise awareness of how wrong it is to keep orca and other sea creatures in captivity.

[@DavidandClara]

Was honestly scared this was a incognito promo video for seaworld.

[@jimmyfarrow5143]

Great video, Seaworld is a disgrace.

[@MsTruthseeker999]

+Jimmy Farrow www.thepetitionsite.com/480/893/024/demand-an-end-to-the-capture-of-whales-and-dolphins-and-free-those-in-parks/

[@lizmuller8579]

Being a sheep that doesn't know what you're talking about, just reading information and watching movies, is a disgrace.

[@jimmyfarrow5143]

+Liz Muller Thanks a lot for your comment. You don't know anything about me so I don't know how you can call me a sheep. Congratulations.

[@wheezeofdarkness3559]

Jimmy Farrow Sarcasm on point.❤️😂

[@danseabreeze1404]

Of course I feel bad for these Orcas but they at least have room to move and have other Orcas to interact compared to poor Lolita (former name Tokitae), taken from her family in the 70's and still alive and alone where I live at the Miami Seaquarium. Her "home" has been labeled the concrete bowl because she has to breach in place to avoid getting hit by the side walls. The bottom is only deep in the middle and rounds upward like a bowl constricting her space. In the middle of that round bowl is an island where the workers stand giving her even less space. She's been captive in that very same "whale bowl" for close to 50 years. No one can observe her like here because they've closed the underground area to view her from the glass display, she is always alone unless there is a show going on. Wikipedia's current second picture shows her pushing a trainer up out of the water but this image has to be a widescreen shot or an image that somehow makes her tank look bigger because I've been there in person and it is not as large as it looks in that image.

[@Sketchanie_Art]

Also to all those who mentioned Keiko and his death and how it was a waste of time, here are some fun facts: He thrived for more than five years having gained over 3,000 pounds. He mixed it up with wild orcas and manifested physical signs of attempts to mate. He left his trainers, followed a wild pod, and traveled on his own from Iceland to Norway, having fed himself for over six weeks and arriving as a fat, well-fed whale.

[@user-ot7jd9dt7t]

Sketchanie (formerly StepHunny) exactly, he died happy (in the wild) he never died in a tank

[@kaylinoni1598]

Sketchanie (formerly StepHunny) just because an animal gains weight or tries to mate does not mean its "happy". Edit: oh never mind i thought you said he was happy on captivity!

[@lydiamarshall8201]

He only died because of a lung issue which was most likely formed as a result of not ever being exposed in captivity to wild bacteria

[@Crazy--Clown]

Sketchanie (formerly StepHunny) Also all of he's growths, sores & deep cuts vansished.

[@ILaunchNukes]

He was starved, traumatized, and forced to be wild and he wanted nothing but human contact.

[@scottgaskill4896]

I give John Hargrove alot of credit for speaking out.

[@charlotte-wp3ki]

It’s been 4 years, nothing’s changed. We are still trying to fight but it seems like no one cares anymore, yes there are other human problems going right now but this is very important to.

[@dakotagrapesoda2501]

i cant wait for this documentary hopefully it impacts the public im routing for you guys

[@maggiephilip4966]

i’ve seen orcas in the wild, it use to be super super common to see them when i was younger. Sadly, we don’t see them anymore :(

[@LitheFider]

I used to love going to SeaWorld. But knowing now how poorly the orca do in captivity, how they split up complex family groups creating trauma and nerotic behavior, SeaWorld and other parks only care about the money they make and not doing whats best for them (and lied in thr past about so many things just to keep a good public image), I can't buy a ticket to a place that supports that. It's awful. Right now I worry most for Lolita at Miami SeaAquarium. Shes been captive soooo long and is so alone and in such a small tank. She deserves retirement. Her owner is selfish and cruel to have refuted so much protest and offers to buy her to give her retirement. Like how circus animals have gone out of favor surely this too will soon be gone.

[@aquamarine0023]

Thank you John and Dr. Visser! Thank you for having the courage to speak out and to speak the truth and fight for these beautiful magnificent animals!

[@leighdicken7648]

The mother and calf broke my heart.

[@dawndanner6672]

It makes me sick we still have these huge animals in these small tanks! Who the hell thinks making these animals do tricks for our sick pleasure has anything to do with conservation?? 😍🐳🐬🐋

[@Superpeppepower]

I remember going to the zoo and seeing seals do this type of behavior- they just swam in circles again and again. I thought it was normal... Now, knowing this, it kinda breaks my heart.

[@carlyshlapak2476]

Seaworld literally brings me to tears. I find it so heart breaking that humans can be so selfish. My heart breaks whenever one of my friends goes to seaworld or the ga aquarium. Captivity MUST END.

[@mark_girardeau]

These people are nothing short of amazing! Helping animals, unlike sea world who has their marketing tools to make you think sea world is good. I hate sea world because I love animals

[@gailsasao4159]

I visited Sea World as a child and as an adult. I loved Sea World because I got to see marine creatures up close. At the time, I would have never seen them up close otherwise. However, thank you very much for bringing the plight of these magnificent marine mammals to my attention over the years. I have watched other videos showing these intelligent Orca in their wild home doing their Orca behavior and now I truly understand that they belong in their wild, native homes and not in a park or zoo. It's so sad to see these beautiful creatures with psychological issues from living year upon year in a sterile park environment. They belong in the wild ocean with other sea creatures and plants and talking to one another.

[@ur_local_equestrian_flickr2536]

Finally someone makes a point about how bad captivity is

[@venkat7739]

There are actually some people speaking out, that's a good thing

[@kingerbee1]

It is so sad that humans are doing this to animals! i have seen them wild and free and these is nothing like it! Do not go to these places they do not care about there animals all they care about is the money.

[@laurakelly2131]

Seriously they're being told to leave when the staff clearly know what they're doing to the poor animals😠

[@trinitybrown3546]

Exactly🙄

[@whirls007]

Such uninformed crap!

[@bobholly9555]

You uneducated idiot can say nothing regarding the welfare and treatment towards animals you have most likely only been told about by those hypocritical people known as PETA. SeaWorld is perhaps one of the best places for those whales, and, you are just unaware. Oh.. But.. It's like, your opinion or whatever so it's OK to say it on a bullshit video and I am just a asshole who needs go suck on a pair of balls.. Yeah.. Listen, kid, go do your research before letting your head be filled with lies.

[@somethingsweeter7765]

Bob Holly, I have seen your comments a few times through this feed. It's clear you don't agree with the video but not once have you presented a single argument to show you are right. All you have done is swear. This makes me feel that you actually have no argument, YOU are the person in the wrong and have no idea what you are talking about.

[@whirls007]

You are uninformed!

[@SweetflyRachel]

I used to go to Sea World when I was younger. I still have one of their prize stuffed animal orcas. I thought the animals were happy and living well. Now I am NEVER going back there again.

[@koholakai]

Thank you for documenting +SuperpodDoc !

[@yeah2853]

Its honestly horrible to think that these orcas were taken from their family and home put in a tiny cage and made to do tricks if you did that to a human you'd be in jail

[@solarslayer612]

So glad changes are being made with orcas and dolphins. How silly we are for allowing this in first place

[@Lzz4100]

I'm currently in Orlando florida for a holiday (vacation) and after seeing the killer whale show I can't help but feel really sad at first I was amazed and so happy but I just want them to be free they don't deserve this they should be free living their life with their pods I can't wait for sea world to be no more

[@Mike007_]

Oh man i cant watch this...this baby and her mum argh... 😓 Dr. Ingrid Visser is the best, no one do so much for Orcas then she is doing. Today she have a orca rescue program in New Zealand. Today, 184 orcas live around New Zealand. Its totaly heartbreaking what your seeing in her new GoPro Videos on her own YT Channel. Orcas are much smarter then we tought.

[@weareroyals6793]

WE JUST NEED TO SHUT THESE DAMN PLACES DOWN, WITH THE DAMN CIRCUS, WEN YOU PAY TO SEE THIS CRAP YOU ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM, THIS IS SO SICK

[@rconr1899]

I went there and as soon as I saw them act like that I was 2 so my instinct was to cry non-stop to get my family to leave

[@rconr1899]

+thederpy seal it worked perfectly =)

[@angiemiller8708]

+thederpy seal good

[@rconr1899]

Angie Miller my family could not figure out why i was screaming and crying

[@angiemiller8708]

Oh still i get it

[@whirls007]

+Amythetimelord mental problem?

[@Hapadam]

This video hurts my heart... I have loved animals since I was able to understand what an animal was. All animals deserve the best possible life. SeaWorld is not one of those places.

[@Inniebin]

This was awesome to watch. I am so so looking forward to more from you and I am really looking forward to the finished Documentary! What you are doing is so important - keep up the good work!

[@jennybates]

Harry Styles made this point, 'do you love Dolphins? Then don't visit SeaWorld!' I'm not a 1 Direction fan, but, I agree with him!

[@sheilamiller8785]

Yes or swim with dolphin programs, zoos or circus

[@jennybates]

@@sheilamiller8785 i have a zoo, about a mile away from me. I hate the fact that such places exist. But, not all zoos are about the cruelty we see.

[@Lipsmacker6]

"If you know what you are looking at then it's painful to watch." Dr. Visser Such a simple yet brilliant comment.

[@ewanharding9356]

Just imagine how it would feel for us to be stuck in captivity wishing our lives would just end! How people respect animals sometimes makes me so frustrated😡

[@jhemmingway806]

If I can have one superpower, it would be to speak to the orcas and help them go back to the wild without SeaWorld noticing

[@jodimariekeys3522]

Set them free they don't deserve you guys and your company

[@brynnrumfallo428]

Jodi Marie Keys You can't set them free they will die

[@laurenwarner3531]

Brynn Rumfallo finally someone who understands they would die

[@saerenka7064]

@@laurenwarner3531 there are projects of sanctuarium which would enable all the whales to go back to wild/live semi natural life. They wouldn't just set them free.

[@deepbluechick821]

So much respect for both of ya

[@ammcroft]

I have felt the anxiety that comes from being trapped with no way out and no end in site, just bored and depressed, unable to really take care of my baby at the time, and it is a suffering I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. What does this mother have to look forward to teach her baby? With their highly developed memory and intelligence, a place like this is like putting a human in solitary confinement for life. You would go completely mad and try everyday with all your will to not kill yourself, because all hope is gone.

[@kendyldillon3432]

We have SHARK WEEK to get awareness about sharks.. We need ORCA WEEK so we can get awareness out about these poor animals being in SeaWorld and how they act in the wild so we could protect them cuz they are being killed to...

[@vonfaahquard8532]

keep up the good work guys.

[@darkbakura8190]

Whe change together so much -no more orca breeding! It hurts to see this video -the Scene with mother and Calf is so sad... but we will never see this again. All Seaworld parks have from now the last generation of orcas -also no SW orcas in some years.

[@yyelloww212]

I HATE everyone who goes or ever went to a SeaWorld and considered it fun. It's disgusting, it's terrible, it's watching animal torture and paying for it. Haven't we seen enough with Keiko? Wasn't that single story sad and tragic enough?All these creatures are so magical, so gorgeous, so smart... I don't know how anyone can watch them in these 'bathtubs' and don't break down at how awful it is to see them trapped here instead of swimming free in the ocean. I have the same issues with circuses. And you know what? Every time one of these 'clowns' goes 'crazy' and attacks their trainers, I cheer for them. I don't feel sorry for the people who work there and torture them every and all day long AT ALL.

[@horse-lover68]

You are amazing, thank you for the video. I hope you 2 are working together?? That would be so cool, best wishes from Austria

[@aeubis]

How is sea world still open..

[@Mercurychyld1]

My heart goes out to these beautiful, amazing creatures. I personally will never step foot into another one of these Sea World type shows. Just like many years ago, I stopped going to animal circuses. Shame!

[@mikep03]

This "Trainer" worked at SeaWorld for 19 years and is just now having a change in heart???

[@AdriOnFilms]

It amazes me that no one thinks about how the fin flips over because of not enough water pressure, proving it effects them, then what is going on with the rest of animals bodies? These amazing animals need to be freed as well as many other species!

[@hannahsanchez1951]

I don't think it's right for kids to grow up thinking that it is normal for such beautiful creatures to live their lives in cement cages

[@noeditbookreviews]

I'll never understand how a person can find pleasure in slave watching.

[@kimberlydunlap5577]

I completely agree! I also did not see any reason for them to be asked to leave, there was NO rude behaviour towards anyone! I'm so completely fed up with them! Stop buying tickets & taking your children. It's just a matter of time before it happens again!! I'm so tired of the way that some people act like just because we are human we have the right to treat animals and the planet anyway we please. We are destroying our oceans by removing this beautiful animals. STOP and think about the repercussions of what you do & the long term damage that may not be able to fixed or repaired.

[@daveth121864]

You said it all when you said "We need better education." As oversimplified as this might sound, this needs to start in the schools, bringing up a whole generation of people who will not stand for this. And we need to take inspiration from movements like Woodsy the Owl, whose "Give a Hoot Don't Pollute" slogan on Saturday morning TV made throwing trash out of your car window a simply unacceptable practice. That movement began by exposing grade school kids in the 1970s (my generation) to this message. I think it's remarkable what pressure from kids can have on their parents. Kids were influenced by Woodsy, and they shamed their parents when the parents littered. It succeeded in changing attitudes and social behaviors, because once that message became part of our social DNA, the littering did not return - at least not like it was in the 50s and 60s.Why do families go to Sea World? In large part, I think it's to impress their kids. And in defense of the parents, they think it's likely to be fun AND educational. But how many families would go to Sea World on vacation if the kids actively said they did not want to go? Very few, I'd think.John and Ingrid and this whole group are doing such fantastic work, but as a lifelong corporate press agent, I think this effort needs to be segmented to reach different audiences. All with the same overarching message that ZERO cetaceans belong in captivity, but with nuanced messages to reach a variety of different generational audiences. Of course, that should be easy enough to do with a budget of about $100 million and a staff of 2500, right? Yeah, I know...I know. But without writing off the whole population of cetaceans already in captivity, we should be focusing on a moratorium of any new captures, as well as captive breeding. Sadly, the US government is not likely to be very supportive if this effort, at least for the next four years. Unless you can get Ivanka or young Baron and his mother interested. Hmmm....However you decide is the best way to go about it, keep up the good work, John, and Ingrid, and Emily, and Tessa and Annabelle, and Ted.

[@keldog009]

All the people saying that Dr. Visser and Hargrove are "retarded" for talking about stereotypic behavior because it's Makani are missing the point. Although other males have nursed for much longer than average in captivity anyway (Taku wasn't weaned for like two years or something and ended up impregnating his mother, Katina, later in life. Good job Seaworld). It doesn't matter if Makani is actually nursing or not. He's bumping her because he's bored and looking for stimulation. If he were a wild orca, he wouldn't be doing this because he'd be sufficiently stimulated by his natural habitat. You don't need to be a marine biologist to understand that these behaviors aren't normal. You also don't need to be a marine biologist to figure out that they'd be much happier in sea pen since they can't be released. The sea pen would be significantly larger than their current tank, more stimulating because they could interact with the ocean/other animals, and would still allow them to interact with people without the daily onslaught of noise/shows. Anyone who says that these experts want to release them into the wild is pushing Seaworld's agenda and hasn't actually read or listened to any anti-captivity content. ' Poor Makani is going to live a life of forced breeding (maybe even inbreeding with Seaworld's record) and will likely die before he reaches 20. Ya'll pro-captivity enthusiasts don't really care about the orcas. You care about entertaining YOURSELVES. They're awesome creatures but they're not dogs. Hell, they're treated worse than dogs. Would you permanently confine your dog to a kennel? The AKC and any other organizations that promotes the breeding of domesticated animals is explicitly against inbreeding and breeding animals with aggressive behaviors. Why is Seaworld allowed to do this when it isn't in the best interest of the orcas? Money, of course. It's truly the root of all evil. I'm assuming that this actually is Makani. I'm skeptical but I can't identify all of them by sight (yet).

[@Maralkalinian]

If this documentary is ready by Phinfest '16 I would be happy to show it!

[@countdooku3853]

I don't support captivity but I think the real question we should all ask is what do the whales/dolphins really want and need

[@latisamedic7303]

Count Dooku they need natural stimulation in sea pens seaworld could do that atm they are in literally pools with just blank walls no rubbing rocks or anything for these por whales and they say its because the orcas would hurt themselves but in reality its just because it would cost them more to clean it wouldnt hurt them they have a natural sense to scratch and enjoy

[@orcawithdrip827]

Count Dooku They need/want natural stimulation, actual healthy food to eat, their families and wide open spaces to swim.

[@thesenate5913]

"Let's make apex predators that are extremely intelligent do silly tricks, what could go wrong?"

[@ladykarma5946]

I want to be just like Ingrid when I grow up !!!

[@haileylorentz6465]

FREE THE ORCAS! FREE THE ORCAS!

[@kingpantera9628]

Hailey Lorentz umm if anything your worse than sea world you want to kill those orcas by freeing them

[@orcawithdrip827]

Obama Ghost Seapens exist.

[@chrisbarone515]

I'm so glad my family and I don't go to SeaWorld anymore. I feel sorry for these orcas. 😢

[@jackdirocco5846]

Great video emily and tessa❤️

[@princessbubblegum6755]

I’ve been studying killer whales for 11 years and currently publishing a book about them. When I was 8 I got to meet some of the trainers at SeaWorld and I asked a bunch of questions when all they knew is that they speak in clicks and their names.

[@CoreyMillionaire2029]

That's ALL those trainers knew about orca dolphins? Not their diet, lifespan, social structure, or cultures?

[@mariemarq6092]

This made me cry. Seeing that calf trying to eat but the mother is so depressed and can’t feed her baby

[@domenaggarl5801]

The truth and only a very small part of it. It makes me cry

[@flowergirl79]

Quick question. Is Sea World still open? Mainly SW Antonio and SW San Diego. Anyone knows??

[@gorrilaboy22]

I don't know why, but many people still argue that seaworld is good because they went there and liked it.

[@user-ot7jd9dt7t]

Bob Holly you were dropped as a baby right?

[@Crazy--Clown]

gorrilaboy22 What a dumbarse comment....You are a fuckwit

[@kimberleygeorge6931]

I don't get how people can still sit there and say that keeping all these animals in captivity is good for them and are educational? It ruins them, it's a shame on the orcas who are emotionally scarred and stay in that tank 24/7 and who are only fed if they do what they are told, we wouldn't like it if that was us

[@kimberleygeorge6931]

Its just horrible, I wish people would learn and understand

[@whirls007]

Wrong Kimberly! Get the facts!

[@orcawithdrip827]

whirls007 You’re the one that needs education! SeaWorld is just a horrible place for orcas.

[@kylevansteelandt3971]

One time in 2022, Me and my mom and my sister went to Sea World, and I told my sister about orcas in captivity and how I feel about it, because it's just wrong. Dead wrong! And yet, my mom does not understand it. People who have never seen the two superior movies "Blackfish" and "Free Willy" will still go to Sea World and not care about what anyone else says about bringing wild orcas to captivity. Not only that, but also after our trip, I thought to myself: it's 2022 and people are still keeping the orcas in captivity at Sea World, and they have never seen Blackfish nor Free Willy. There is no hope.

[@SuperAwsomeSauce101]

Jurrasic World needs Dino experts checking in them too