Whats comical is alot of this crap is spewed by an anti Seaworld page on facebook. One of the members of this page is a lady with serious mental problems. She claims she goes to Seaworld almost every week. And when she is there, she spends the entire day at the underwater viewing area. From 9:00am until park closing. However, this is impossible, because Underwater viewing for the Killer whales doesnt open until 10:30am. And that side of the park is blocked off by Seaworld staff until then. But anyway, she claims she feels Tillys spirit and Tilly talks to her when she's stands up against the glass and he swims by.
She is joined by a guy who was at the Shamu Believe show the day of the accident. and because of this, he thinks he's some sort of all knowing being who now knows everything about the accident and everything about killer whales. He wasn't at the Dine With Shamu experience where the accident occurred. Rather, he was "close by" so obviously he knows exactly what happened.
The guy is in it for publicity. Showing the members of the page the emails he has sent to news publications and stations. And emails he sent to the government. He has requested to be on talk shows to be interviewed about events of that day. Though again, he saw nothing but claims he knows. And he gets pissed off when he gets no responses from the newspapers or stations or government. I wonder why? Maybe because he's full of crap?
Anyway, the point of this is these two are the ones fueling most of the Bull that is spewed against Seaworld. The only people that listen to their claims are organizations like PETA and a website about killer whales who is obviously anti Seaworld. These organizations in return publish the lies where everyone can see them like Seaworlds facebook page or websites like this. And they twist it in a way that seems believable. Instead of saying "So and so said Tilly talked to her and said he is sad." The twist it to say "So and so spent the entire day at underwater viewing and watched the trainers being abusive to Tilly." which simply isn't true. How come these reports of abuse come from these crazy people but not the average park guest? So and So also claims she knows what happens after park hours. Because Tilly tells her. Which obviously is a load of bull.
For people who are against Seaworld. You can feel the way you want. Thats fine, but check your facts for yourself and dont listen to claims of people who are in it for their 15 minutes of fame. Whether you think whales should be in captivity or not, dont turn a blind eye to the facts. The fact that Seaworld does great things for these animals. I'll be completely honest, a few years ago I wasnt sure that these whales should be in captivity at Seaworld. But then I was given the opportunity to see what goes on between shows and after park close. I saw things that normal people dont get to see. And that completely changed my opinion. I saw the whales happily swimming and playing with each other. The trainers interacting with the whales in fun and unique ways. I saw the bond and the love between the whales and trainers. Including Tilly. With all but 4 of Seaworlds 20 something whales being born in captivity and the 4 that were not born in captivity being rescued by Seaworld from other abusive marine parks, just think what a disaster it would be to release them. Even to a "coastal Sea Pen"
They cant fend for themselves after all these years under human care. And ontop of that, how many diseases are in the ocean that their bodies aren't accustomed to? To those who think a coastal Seapen is STILL a good option, claiming the whales will have more room to move around. That too is false. Here is a picture of the Seapen where the star of the movie "Free Willy" was put for years after his release. This thing was probably as big than Seaworlds pools maybe a bit smaller. Have a look at this website. This was probably created by a fan of his, but if you scroll down, there is a picture of his Seapen and what it looked like.
http://www.btinternet.com/~friendoftheorcas/sherie_new/keiko.htm
Oh but he was in the ocean so it was better. Again, go back to the whole thing about disease. When Kieko was released on his own into the ocean he died shortly after due to pneumonia.
Oh and the whales "Caretakers" will still interact with the whales. But when Seaworld trainers do this its apparently selfish and not in the best interest for the animals. Its also "abusive" But here is Keikos Seapen Caretaker having some fun with Keiko in his Seapen. I guess because the guy is standing on this nose its ok because its in the ocean.
http://blog.oregonlive.com/breakingnews/2008/05/medium_keiko.JPG
The point is, that a Seapen is like Seaworld. But smaller. And Seaworld uses the shows to keep the whales entertained and stimulated. In a Seapen, they sit there. And sometimes a caretaker will stand on the whales nose.
I just want to encourage all to find facts for yourselves and not believe what everyone says. Your opinions are yours. Thats fine. If you see the crazy lady in underwater viewing, don't encourage her
And for those who say.... "Oh I have seen Tilly all alone and floating in underwater viewing." Ok. Well research the facts and find out why male killer whales are seperated from the female whales. And again, you dont see what happens after park closing. He may be put with the other whales. Who knows? Find the facts out for yourself.
