Seaworld Killer Whale Trainer: John Hargrove / Bridgette Pirtle (waterwork)

When trainers were allowed in the water... Footage from 'Believe' and 'Shamu Rocks'.
Bridgette Pirtle was hired in 2001. She resigned in 2011.
John Hargrove was hired in 1993. He resigned in 2012.
Follow them on twitter:
@BridgettePirtle
@johnjhargrove
I don't own this video.

[@Hey_BK]

Aside from all the controversy, this is a very nice video and the music is nice too.

[@MichellesBikesnStuff]

I just finished reading John Hargrove's book "Beneath the Surface". This man and all trainers love these whales, they stay thinking the whales need them, otherwise the next person may not look after them as well. Its all so psychological. The corporation uses the trainers and the whales, they know the trainers love the whales with everything they have and use it on them. The hardest thing Hargrove ever did in his life was leave the whales, he could care less about seaworld, it was the whales, he understood them and he understood that they were unhappy and that captivity was not healthy. Orca's are a complex mammal with highly treasured famial relationships yet this corporation would steal their babies and ship them off to a new aquarium! Hargrove said the mothers NEVER got over it. Seaworld must stop its breeding program and if it had any decency it would build sea pens and allow trainers to show them how to hunt live fish then let them go. But no, they won't, and all the current whales will be captive until they die! Until they stop the shows, I will never step foot in their park again. Yea, they do great rehab work but its all cancelled out when I think of what they are doing to those amazingly majestic sentinent beings... the Orca!

[@dimitristsekeris1821]

Kasatka might have lost a daughter but she now has three more children, a husband and a granddaughter, so how is it justified to prevent one of the most fundamental functions of these living organisms, which is of course their reproduction?

[@BenDover-ew8tk]

Dimitris kapoios Should have just stopped at three more children. Orca don't have "husbands", anthropomorphism at it's finest by, of course, a pro cap.

[@tursiopss]

This guy didn't "leave the whales", he got fired from the orca team and everything he is been doing to boycott seaworld just looks like someone wanting revenge from being fired.

[@lizsays3324]

In the wild Kasatka would have lived her entire life with her family, her mother, aunts, sisters, brothers, and most important those 3 children and granddaughter. But because Seaworld owns her they have done to her what they have done to all of their orcas. Taken her babies and shipped them to other parks. And she mourned. The first baby they took from her, she made sounds the staff at Seaworld had never heard before. But they still kept breeding her and taking away her babies. So yes, stopping the cruel behavior of Seaworld is justified. Read his book. And learn about the research marine biologists have done about wild orcas. Then you will know all sides of the story.

[@lizsays3324]

I just read his book as well. It's amazing the tricks people have been able to teach orcas. But when he talks about how all the original orcas were captured as babies so none of the captive orcas have ever been taught acceptable social skills by adult orcas. Social skills that wild orcas developed over thousands of years that are essential to their survival, essential to their mental, emotional, and physical health. Just that one thing alone is so cruel. Captive orcas live such desperate, stunted lives and that turns amazing tricks into just another day at the prison factory.

[@katherenreizel4972]

I still cry when I watch these and see Tilikum and all of the whales that passed in captivity. When Believe was created, I had the great opportunity to see it. Love it, still. Thank you , John and your compatriots that feel the enormous power and intelligence of the Orca with loving respect.

[@JoeyMartz]

To hell with Tilikum.... RIP Keltie, Dawn and Daniel! Other Captive Orcas do not KILL their trainers save for Keto.

[@gonho1991]

​@@JoeyMartzTilikum was not trained for waterwork, this is the reason he killed his trainers. He simply had the tendency to see anything in the water as a mere toy.

[@StellaLunaStar94]

This made me cry. To know how short their lives are and how social and intelligent they are.

[@kimg1680]

Feel sad for the whales and dolphins trapped in these places. Please set them free ..... they deserve to return to where they belong.

[@tabriseventh]

if they set them free they will die, how do you feel about that? Please read about Keiko.

[@valmacclinchy]

@@tabriseventh Keiko had a few years enjoying life in a sea sanctuary. Better than dying in a pool w cement walls.

[@its_ezralol]

@@valmacclinchy No.He had 5 free years in the actual ocean joining a pod.....maybe to mate or to become social again.

[@valmacclinchy]

@@its_ezralol well that's good.

[@tlbryant88]

@@its_ezralol Keiko, the killer whale made famous by the “Free Willy” movies, has died in Norwegian coastal waters after suffering from pneumonia. ... The whale, who was 27, died Friday afternoon after the sudden onset of pneumonia in the Taknes fjord. He was old for an orca in captivity, though wild orca live an average of 35 years.

[@bobvoorhees4698]

I am so glad that they quit although they did the best show ever

[@Boerlady]

John was great,he was also strong enaugh to leave the orcas he loved because he cared for them.To tell the truth about that abusive company seaworld.He has my respect.

[@cassie2162]

If he was really telling the truth, then why would he contradict himself so many times?

[@yankees8112]

@@cassie2162 also why did it take him over 10 years to realise said abuse? He's full of it.

[@Kim_gs1206]

@@yankees8112 no he's not, that's what happens when you get sucked in young and then you don't leave because you care. I used to work at stable where they were really bad for the horses. I was 17 and stayed 6 years. In the beginning I didn't see it. Later I did and I felt guilty for leaving them. Not just me but other good people who worked there as well. We did all kinds of things in our free time and work time to make things as decent as possible for them. So they could have some time out of their boxes, extra care when being ill or injured etc. The owners and a part of the staff didn't give a shit, they just wanted to make money. Then there comes a point you can't take it anymore and you feel guilty as hell for leaving.

[@juliecook6057]

@@Kim_gs1206 Very well said !!

[@Kim_gs1206]

@@juliecook6057 Thanks! Some people are just so judgemental. It's way more complicated when you're own heart is in to it and there are innocent animals or people (elderly, mentally handicapped, children) are involved who cannot stand up or care for themselves.

[@cBearTV-]

Heart breaking, but change is slowly happening,these ex trainers have made such a difference,#BUT Most of all #Tillikum you changed human thoughts on #Captivity for ever,you our friend won't be easily forgotten,now swim free #Tilly🐳🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊

[@outoftime7740]

And don't forget John Hargrove, the man in the video, who spoke on the orcas behalf in front of legislators and helped to end Seaworlds breeding . Thanks John.

[@tinaanderson200]

It looks so scary and beautiful all at the same time SMH 😇

[@MrLadiesman216]

John & bridgette were 2 of the best!

[@dagmarq.7691]

Wunderschöner Film der zeigt die Liebe zu den Tieren ❤. Nur sie gehören nicht in so einen kleinen Pool😢

[@user-ud4tq6ed1o]

I cant imagine the raw power those trainers must've experienced being balanced so perfectly by those spectacular Orca-- i can see the underlying worry in their eyes also, especially John H who has been a really great advocate for Orca also-- its clear he saw early on the risk, but i have so much respect for his courage to speak out against Seaworld!! and his love of the Orca! It mustve been agony to quit, knowing whst he was leaving behind. I would've been in the fetal position...... keep on leading the good fight!

[@stephanierose9577]

What a beautiful video (the bond between the whale and trainer- not the captivity of these beautiful, majestic creatures) and what a beautiful man...wonder if he’s taken🤔 great video either way #freetheorcas

[@SamanthaN92]

Where did you find these clips???

[@adrianaadriana6523]

admiro vcs muito lindo..amo esse animal demais

[@francoiseperlaux2458]

Du grand spectacle, les dresseurs ont fait du bon boulot, ce qui demande des heures de travail mais pour les orques, vive la liberté !!! Quand tout va bien, sans accident ou sans décès...

[@sarahcollinsworth4290]

Amazingly beautiful

[@oksanagonchar188]

Красивое выступлегие!!!Браво!!!

[@flowerbomb188]

Truly amazing creatures the 🐋whales and the humans. Lol! I feel it's time to give them back to nature or don't capture to begin with. And Humans go back to gymnastics or 🏄‍♂️surfing. And buy a big dog.

[@dianethreadgold328]

Ask the owners why Dawn is dead, 😠😠😠😠

[@gailsykes8000]

I find this video obscene - how dare we, as humans, steal these beautiful creatures from their natural habitat and "train" them for our entertainment ?

[@debbiegubala5429]

I agree with you totally. Well said Gail.

[@valmacclinchy]

Read his book Beneath the Surface and you'll see this is a bittersweet video. John spoke out against SeaWorld.

[@larisaarkadiev1162]

BRAVO !!!!!!!

[@sandradavis456]

I ready his book i cried i cant understand how sea world could treat animals this way the tanks need to be emptied EMPTY THEM TANKS!!!

[@nojive131]

Seriously, just think about it for a minute and realize how harsh that is. It's not like you're keeping a hyperactive dog indoors. It's an animal that lives in the vastness of the ocean and moves around in a way that humans can't imagine, and an aquarium of that size is the human equivalent of being locked in a one-square-foot cell for the rest of your life.

[@adrianaadriana6523]

lindo de mas

[@lbabytutorials4852]

Who is the blonde? She’s so good!!!

[@bellathebestautisticgirl247]

Marine mammals 🐬🐬🐬🐬

[@horse-lover68]

Poor John Hargrove!!! His book " Beneath the surface and the truth after Blackfish" is amazing. He gave everything to help these animal's!! It is such a sad story. If I would have to leave the horses I know and than hear they are dead when I warned the owner's over and over!! #empty the f..tanks!! Give these orca's in a seabay with human care so that they can feel the ocean and have more room,...see fish again,...Because SW crossbred them they can never be freed (they bred orca's who never would see each other in their natural habitat)- they have no own dialect/language, no social structure, nothing!! But a sebay with human care IS THE SOLUTION!! But SW is to greedy to do that!! F..monster's,!!

[@dollycau9099]

LET THEM LIVE FREE IN THEIR OCEANS !!!!😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡

[@leonardhughes4521]

I wonder if these trainers ever saw orca the killer whale.

[@outoftime7740]

Great movie

[@808natee]

why does hargrove hate seaworld takara saved his life

[@xannah1531]

808natee he left because of seaworld and that the whales live a horrible life there. It was the hardest thing to do for him, leave the whales he loved so much. He now speaks out about whales in captivity. Amazing!

[@charlotteautumn4177]

Because Seaworld is ruining Takara's life. And all of the other orca that they are holding captive.

[@tursiopss]

he hates seaworld because they fired him from breaking safety protocols around orcas. He was send to work with sea lions but considered they are not as impressive as orcas so he didn't like that. He was just there to be part of the show, never really cared about animals welfare, didn't show up to go against seaworld until he found out he could make money out of it by being on a film and writing a book.

[@valmacclinchy]

@@tursiopss I've read his book and it's obvious he loved the orcas very much, and was very upset at their mistreatment by SeaWorld. Beneath the Surface is an eye-opening account of his time spent at SeaWorld. Outstanding book. Orcas belong swimming free in the ocean, not trapped in concrete prisons.

[@outoftime7740]

@@tursiopss stop the bullshit.. you Seaworld lover. No one cares about your freaking entertainment

[@chloetroub1428]

This is what I fell in love with.

[@alexyoutubechannel8175]

Who are the whales in this video?

[@sepnyte9422]

I know one of them is Takara. I'm not sure which one the other is. I think it's Tuar.

[@HitominekoFantasy]

@@sepnyte9422it’s keet not Tuar.

[@HitominekoFantasy]

Takara and her half brother Keet.

[@Siimply_Staa]

poor orcas yes they are dolphins not whales and they are captive i like seeing the shows yes but i want them to be in the wild not in captivity and they are my favorite animals

[@gabrielguimaraes728]

1:00, In water with Ulisses ???

[@summerwilson4984]

It's probably Kyuquot because they are in the Texas park

[@machspinbitchproductions973]

Gabriel Guimarães that's Keet

[@summerwilson4984]

+UniqueFlameGirl Keet left San Antonio before this footage was taken

[@machspinbitchproductions973]

that's Keet in the video, Ky stopped doing waterworks I think after Shamu adventure. This is during Believe

[@janegoldy6385]

Hmm, I thought that Ky was in minimal waterworks the whole time?

[@virginiaoliva8655]

Stop you have not done nothing for the Orcas like John Hargrove did, and you can tell Tilikum really loved him!!!

[@nathanbingham439]

he never did water work with tilikum. He worked at a different park. Tili was in Florida and john San Diego

[@MandalorianDragonTrainer]

He never worked with Tilikum. Mr. Hargrove worked at SeaWorld’s San Diego and San Antonio locations as well as Marineland Antibes. Tilly only ever lived at Sealand of the Pacific and SeaWorld Orlando.

[@titifolol]

Let them go sea world they are not yours...you stole them off Mother Nature and she is in League with God and God does not pay debts with money....

[@MandalorianDragonTrainer]

Mr. Hargrove worked at SeaWorld for about 20 years, even traveling to other marine parks overseas teaching other trainers, but was let go in 2012 for violating safety protocols-he didn’t resign. (He was also one of their best waterworks performers, and leaves barely 2 years after waterworks were banned, interestingly). Not a year later he launches a career against SeaWorld. You don’t spend nearly two decades working for an organization that abuses animals as badly as Mr. Hargrove claims. There are plenty of trainers (Wendy Ramirez, Ken Peters, etc.) who’ve worked for SeaWorld even longer and still work there to this day. Most trainers and ex-trainers still stand proudly by their work. You’d be hard pressed to find even 10 that don’t, most of whom only spent two or three years with SeaWorld. Brigette Pirtle, the other trainer in this video, has even recanted her statements in Blackfish and regrets her role in it.

[@outoftime7740]

Ya such b.s. if it wasn't for John who spoke on the orcas behalf in front of legislators, he helped to end Seaworlds breeding. Thanks John.. that's caring. And if it wasn't for John, we would have never known about Alex Martinez death who was killed by SW orca Keto. It was John who blew that horrible tragedy open when he spoke about it in Blackfish. When John got back from France, after spending 2 years there training the orca trainers there, with Seaworld orcas. He went back to the San Antonio park and all SW cared abou5 now, was inseminating the orcas. Something John couldn't do. Then John injured his ribs and was out for a month. Then shortly after that he reinjured his knee really badly and was out 3 months.. his Dr told him that he better quit doing what he was doing. Or he wouldn't have a knee anymore. So he resigned. Get your bogus story straight, you animal abuse lover.

[@outoftime7740]

Bullshit, bullshit and more bullshit.

[@MandalorianDragonTrainer]

@@outoftime7740 can you please stop going to every video I’ve ever commented on and replying to me? This is the third notification from you I’ve gotten today. I have a degree in this. I work at a marine park in the veterinary department. I’ll have my doctorate of veterinary medicine less than two years from now. Everything I’ve said is true, and I’m going to trust my colleagues, professional mentors, and peer-reviewed research over what someone on the internet says. Mr. Hargrove has a poor reputation even amongst anti-captivity activists, due to his history of racist behavior and profiting greatly off his supposed exposure of SeaWorld’s poor practices.

[@outoftime7740]

@@MandalorianDragonTrainer The only little thing Seaworld could come up with was John’s drunken night and made a comment about a black person. Yippie skippie..like you have never done that. Well pretty soon you won’t have a job left when all orca/dolphin captivity will be no more. Canada passed the law and soon the U.S. will too. So go find a real job and stop supporting the worst animal torture in the history of mankind. 172 orcas dead since the day they started taking them. Pretty damn shitty.

[@horse-lover68]

​@@MandalorianDragonTrainer Oh now you want to censor free speech!! Did you pay John H for the copyright?? This is NO public area??? Typical SW!! 👎👎👎

[@lbabytutorials4852]

Jon always said he wanted to be the star of the show it just so happens after the death of dawn And Alex is only 60 days apart from each other and them having to stop the believe show taking five dollars out of their paycheck he quits in 2011 and joins blackfish

[@valmacclinchy]

Have you read John's book, Beneath the Surface? He goes into great detail what it was like at SeaWorld, all the lies and deception. It's eye-opening.

[@lbabytutorials4852]

@@valmacclinchy I tried ordering it twice and I never got it

[@outoftime7740]

Know what you are talking about before you open your mouth. Seaworld trainers always got paid peanuts. There was definitely no money to be made doing that for a career. For 14 years John was in the water with the orcas. He took a lot of abuse on his body. When he came back from France after 2 years over there training the trainers at that park. He came back to San Antonio park and he says, all SW cared about now, was inseminating the orcas. Which John had a problem doing. Then he had a rib injury and he was out for a month. Then shortly after that he reinjured his knee and the dr.s told him he better quit doing what he was doing. So he resigned. If it wasn’t for John, we would have never known about Alex Martinez death by Keto in Spain. He was killed 2 months before Dawn. And the U.S. had no idea this happened, until John spoke about it in Blackfish. John is a great person and thanks to him for speaking on the orcas behalf, John helped to end SW’s breeding. Thanks John, you rock!