SeaWorld Orlando fined after trainer hurt by killer whale: OSHA
FILE: A general photo of an Orca show at SeaWorld Orlando during the 2020 pandemic. Photographer: Zack Wittman/Bloomberg via Getty Images
ORLANDO, Fla. - A trainer at SeaWorld Orlando was hurt by one of its killer whales during a training exercise in 2024, according to an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor, resulting in a $16,000 fine by OSHA.
OSHA announced the fine last Friday in an online news release.
What happened?
What we know:
The incident happened during a training exercise in September 2024 at SeaWorld Orlando, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
"A U.S. Department of Labor investigation found that the trainer was not properly protected from hazards while working with the whale," OSHA said in a statement.
"The department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigated the incident and issued a general duty clause serious citation for allowing employees to work in close contact with the whale, exposing them to the potential for bites, struck-by, and drowning hazards."
What we don't know:
It was not immediately clear what the training exercise was, how the employee was hurt, nor the extent of the employee's injuries.
FOX 35 reached out to OSHA for additional information on the investigation, as well as to request the investigative report. A spokesperson told FOX 35 to submit a Freedom of Information Act request, commonly referred to as a FOIA.
How much is the fine?
OSHA issued a "serious citation" against SeaWorld Orlando under the general duty clause, and proposed a fine of $16,500.
Has SeaWorld responded to OSHA's fine?
SeaWorld Orlando has not yet publicly responded to the citation or fine from OSHA. FOX 35 has reached out to SeaWorld Orlando for comment.
What's next:
SeaWorld Orlando has 15 days to respond to the request and has three options:
- Accept the fine and pay it.
- Request an informal conference with OSHA's area director.
- Contest the findings before an independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
SeaWorld's history with OSHA
Dig deeper:
OSHA’s Inspection Reports indicate that SeaWorld Orlando has received six safety complaints since August 2022.
One of the most notable incidents involving a SeaWorld killer whale occurred in February 2010 when trainer Dawn Brancheau tragically lost her life after being pulled into the water by Tilikum, a 29-year-old male orca.
Following the incident, OSHA cited SeaWorld in August 2010, initially issuing three violations with fines totaling $75,000. The company disputed these citations.
By the conclusion of the lawsuit in June 2011, SeaWorld agreed to pay a reduced fine of $12,000 for two safety violations—failing to install standard stair railings on two stairways and exposing trainers to potential struck-by and drowning hazards during performances with killer whales.
Where is SeaWorld Orlando?
SeaWorld Orlando is one of three SeaWorld theme parks in the United States. There are two others in San Diego, California and San Antonio, Texas.
SeaWorld Orlando is home to several animal and marine animal exhibits and encounters, including a dolphin show and orca show. It's also home to number of roller coasters and attractions, including Mako, Manta, and its newest, "Expedition Odyssey," Penguin Trek, and Ice Breaker.
SeaWorld Orlando Rescue
In addition to the theme park, SeaWorld Orlando has rescue teams that help stranded manatees, sea turtles, and other marine and wildlife, including in Florida. More than 41,000 rescues have been tackled by SeaWorld Orlando, according to its website.
Rescued manatees recovering at SeaWorld Orlando
Two manatees -- an orphan calf, and a beached manatee at New Smyrna Beach -- were rescued recently and are now receiving care at SeaWorld Orlando. FOX 35's Amanda McKenzie stopped by SeaWorld Orlando to check in on the manatees' care and progress. Both have a "long road ahead of them," a keeper said, but the goal is to release both of them back into the wild.
"In partnership with state, local & federal agencies, stranding networks, zoos & aquariums, and many others, SeaWorld Rescue Teams are on call 24/7 to help ill, injured or orphaned animals in need of expert care with the goal of rehabilitation & returning them to the wild," reads SeaWorld's website.
SeaWorld itself is considered controversial among some animal rights groups and activists. It was the focus of the controversial 2013 documentary, that highlighted the 2010 death of a Dawn Brancheau, a trainer who was pulled underwater by Tilikum, a killer whale there. Tilikum died in 2017.
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The Source: The information in this article comes from the U.S. Department of Labor and the department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).