Death at SeaWorld
Shamu and the Dark Side of Killer Whales in Captivity
-
-
3.7 • 150 Ratings
-
-
- $12.99
-
- $12.99
Publisher Description
From the New York Times bestselling author of Evidence of Harm and Animal Factory—a groundbreaking scientific thriller that exposes the dark side of SeaWorld, America's most beloved marine mammal park
Death at SeaWorld centers on the battle with the multimillion-dollar marine park industry over the controversial and even lethal ramifications of keeping killer whales in captivity. Following the story of marine biologist and animal advocate at the Humane Society of the US, Naomi Rose, Kirby tells the gripping story of the two-decade fight against PR-savvy SeaWorld, which came to a head with the tragic death of trainer Dawn Brancheau in 2010. Kirby puts that horrific animal-on-human attack in context. Brancheau's death was the most publicized among several brutal attacks that have occurred at Sea World and other marine mammal theme parks.
Death at SeaWorld introduces real people taking part in this debate, from former trainers turned animal rights activists to the men and women that champion SeaWorld and the captivity of whales. In section two the orcas act out. And as the story progresses and orca attacks on trainers become increasingly violent, the warnings of Naomi Rose and other scientists fall on deaf ears, only to be realized with the death of Dawn Brancheau. Finally he covers the media backlash, the eyewitnesses who come forward to challenge SeaWorld's glossy image, and the groundbreaking OSHA case that challenges the very idea of keeping killer whales in captivity and may spell the end of having trainers in the water with the ocean's top predators.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Journalist Kirby offers another passionate industry expos (after 2005's Evidence of Harm), focusing on SeaWorld Orlando's popular orca display and its costs in happiness and safety for both the animals and the humans who care for them. The main issue at hand is trainer Dawn Brancheau's death, caused in 2010 by the orca and star SeaWorld attraction Tilikum, but Kirby's painstaking account takes its time before arriving at this central tragedy. In addition to the long history of previous violent incidents involving captive killer whales, Kirby teaches readers more than they ever expected to learn about such subjects as marine park management and orca social dynamics. This comprehensive background can sometimes be more diligent than engrossing, but the narrative goes into high gear with its concluding confrontation between what Kirby portrays as SeaWorld's corporate juggernaut, and the scrappy "anti-cap" (captivity) activists. From this latter camp, the book gives the most attention to disillusioned former trainer Jeff Ventre and, taking center stage as the story's heroine, marine biologist Naomi Rose. Kirby's exhaustively researched chronicle offers the definitive look at its subject, coming down squarely on Rose's side to conclude that the human use of orcas for entertainment does neither species any favors.
Customer Reviews
Great!!
This books is very factual and interesting. Many people who are saying this isn't accurate got their information from seaworld which isn't a trustworthy source. I have done my research and that research lines up with this book.
Truth
I've seen it from the inside. This is the truth. What they do to these animals in captivity is inhumane. Big money will always find a way to cover things up.
Filled with truth
As a San Diego native, a conservative, a big business, and zoo supporter, I believed in places like Sea World and the educational benefits they provide.
However, as I go through school (for a Marine Mammalogist degree), I wanted to look at the issue of killer whale captivity from both sides, as only then could I come to an educated, thoroughly thought-out conclusion. This book was part of that journey for me.
I have to admit that this author is a little biased, but how could he NOT be after all his research uncovered?
For me personally, this book was the tipping point on marine mammal captivity. Although I am still a conservative and a big business supporter, it's a shame when a bottom line becomes more important than the welfare of the people and the animals that rely you.
As someone who is studying to work with marine mammals, I truly believe that killer whales (and all dolphins) DO NOT belong in captivity - they are too intelligent and much too social to be enclosed in concrete pools. Just like a dog that is never taken for walks will develop neurotic behaviors (like chewing, obsessions, or aggression), dolphins and whales in captivity will do the same - they are meant to travel, hunt, echolocate, and socialize with members of their NATURAL-BORN pods (as all pods in different areas of the world socialize in different ways).
When all of these activities are restricted, depression, aggression, and neurotic behavior sets in. But unlike dogs whose unwanted behavior can be controlled, whales and dolphins are so large, so strong, and so intelligent that tragedies are bound to happen.
No matter your stance on marine mammal captivity, this book is a must-have for anyone interested in dolphins or killer whales, as it not only gives you a great insight into how these animals are kept, but also an insight into these beautiful animals minds.