The Orca Ocean

This page features agression towards other tank members and their trainers. This page includes both accounts of killer whales and other dolphins; large and small. The information here has been provided by Orcas in Captivity.

Some images on this site may be disturbing to views both young and old.

Agression Towards Tank Members & The Tank Itself

      Marineland of the Pacific, California (1960s): Pilot whale "Bimbo" described as "psychotic" by Dr. M.E. Webber, a physician with an interest in whale and dolphin research. "Bimbo" was released August 1967 - after seven years in confinement - following incidents of aggression toward other animals and keepers, and having broken observation windows. (Duane Valentry, Big Star All at Sea, Sea Frontiers, September 1969, pp. 219-223)

      Marineland, Canada (1967): Less than a month after arriving at Marineland Canada from California, a pilot whale known as "Baby Jane" was described as having suicidal tendencies. She charged head-on into metal holding bars while being prepared for a medical examination. The whale reportedly had "smashed into the wall of the tank with blood gushing from a gash in her head, withered wildly about and almost threw her massive body out of the water." (Baby Jane upset injures herself, St, Catherines Standard, September 9, 1997.)

      Miami Seaquarium, Florida (1970s): Orca "Hugo" broke observation window, causing significant water loss and nearly slicing off the end of his rostrum which was surgically stitched back on.

      Marineland of the Pacific, California (1985): "Corky II" broke observation window resulting in the loss of more than one-third water volume in tank.

      Saedyrasafnid Aquarium, Iceland (1985): Four orcas (one female, three males) were captured in 1984. At least two males and one female were present at Saedyrasafnid when one of the males died in January 1995 of "neck damages". No other details. (Sigurjonsson, J. and S. Leatherwood (1988). The Icelandic live-fishery for killer whales, 1976-1988, Rit Fiskideildar, Vol. 11, pp. 307-316.)

      Gulfarium, Florida (1985): June 4 - "Sampson", an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin died from "shock during treatment" six weeks after breaking an observation window and being sucked out over the broken glass, sustaining severe lacerations of the abdominal wall. (Necropsy report dated June 24, 1985.)

      Sea World, California (1987): February 2 - "Sundance", an Atlantic/Pacific hybrid bottlenose dolphin died after a collision inflicted by another male animal immediately following transport and placement in tank. Sea World was warned by Marineland staff that this animal was a subdominant male and should not be placed with other male dolphins. (Easton, N., 1987, August 9. The Death of Marineland, Los Angeles Times magazine, Vol. III No.32, p. 25. Sea World necropsy report dated 02/19/87.)

      Dolphin Research Center, Florida (1987): After an attack by a larger male dolphin, the five-month-old bottlenose dolphin, "Halley" was swimming erratically, bumping into objects and walls. Found dead three days after the attack, the necropsy report revealed severe trauma to both eyes, approximately 300 14 to 20 cm lacerations/punctures over the entire body, severe contusions and internal bleeding. The aggressive animal broke through several fence barriers to enter Halley's pool. (DRC necropsy report dated December 21, 1986.)

      Epcot Living Seas, Florida (1987-1990): Dolphins "Christie", "Tyke" and "Katie" died 10/03/87, 10/06,87, and 08/21/90 from various disorders. However Disney official Kym Murphy said the aggressive dolphin "Bob" may have contributed to all three deaths. (Necropsy reports dated 10/03/87, 10/06/87, and 08/21/90. Cindy Schroeder, Epcot loses 4th dolphin in five years, Orlando Sentinel, 08/22/90.)

      Sealand of the Pacific, Canada (1987-1989): Former orca trainer Eric Walters describes an incident when one of the orcas, "Nootka" was engaged with another in an aggressive manner. "During this time she swam at high speed into the module and collided with the side, striking her head. Her head was bleeding, and blood was coming out of her blowhole." (Eric Walters, Considerations for Keeping Marine Mammals in Captivity , Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, April 1990.)

      Sea World, Florida (1988): Aggression escalated between the two male orcas "Kotar" of Icelandic origin and "Kanduke", an older transient. Both animals reportedly beached themselves and made crying sounds repeatedly. Kotar reportedly bit Kanduke's penis inflicting injuries sufficient to close shows for two days. "Kotar" was transferred to Texas in 1988. (Personal communication. Kanduke's necropsy report dated 09/20/90 indicated a 10 cm /4 inch penile scar.)

      Sea World, California (1987): June 22 - Witnesses John Fitzrandolph and Deborah York reported observing aggressive behavior by "Kandu V" towards "Corky" in a complaint written to NMFS. Fitzrandolph described the event, "...the two killer whales collided violently. In but a couple of seconds, we witnessed blood boiling from a 2 1/2 to 3 foot slash along the lower abdomen...of the whale." (Letter from John Randolph to NMFS dated August 24, 1989.)

      Sea World, California (1989): Sea World officials said "Kandu" had repeatedly exerted her dominance since "Corky II" was brought to the park from Marineland three years ago. (H.G. Reza & Greg Johnson, Killer whale bled to death , Los Angeles Times, August 23, 1989.)

     Sea World, California (1989): Sea World veterinarian Jim McBain said the whales usually emerge from their social skirmishes with minor rake marks from rival's teeth as was the case in previous combat between "Corky" and "Kandu". (Dennis Georgatos, Killer whale's death sparks new debate over captivity , Times Advocate, August 27, 1989.)

     Sea World, California (1989): Joanne Webber, a former killer whale trainer injured in 1988, described "Kandu" in court documents as, "exhibiting the extreme characteristics of aggression when frustrated. She does occasionally bite and aggressively rake other whales.." (John Lamb, Questions persist at Sea World after death of Kandu, San Diego Tribune, August 23, 1989, p. B-1.)

      Sea World, California (1989): August 21 - During an afternoon show performance, "Kandu V" initiated aggressive behavior towards the larger orca "Corky", opening her mouth very wide and striking Corky broadside. As "Kandu" returned to the north back pool, she took her first observed breath exhaling large amounts of blood. The impact had fractured her upper jaw and lacerating arteries. The hemorrhage persisted for 45 minutes until death. (Sea World's necropsy report filed with NMFS dated September 11, 1989.)

      Vancouver Aquarium, Canada (1991): "Hyak II" died February 16, 1991 - 12 days following a fight between the other male orca "Finna" on February 4, 1991. (Pamela Fayerman, Orca death feeds controversy over capture, display of whales, Vancouver Sun, March 4, 1991, page one.)

      Sea World, Texas (1991): May 5 - "Kahana" died violently from injuries resulting from a collision with the pool wall, including multiple fractures of the mandible and skull, lacerations exposing portions of the brain, and severe hemorrhage. Sea World attributed the collision to a panic response caused by pain due to a 3 cm by 6 cm (<1" by 2 1/2") intestinal tumor. Following an investigation of the death, National Marine Fisheries Service notified Sea World that the cause of death would be recorded as "severe trauma." (Necropsy report dated July 3, 1991. Letter to Sea World from NMFS dated October 9, 1991.)

     National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland (1991): December 23 - The beluga whale "Anore" died from traumatic injuries believed inflicted during a training session by an Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. (Necropsy report dated January 22, 1992.)

      Sea World, California (1995): July 10 - A five-year-old orca ripped a gash from his chin to his lip exposing a six-inch strip of of tissue, apparently when he ran into a tank wall or gate. Trainers reported that the young male had been swimming quickly around the pool with a six-year-old female, although no park officials witnessed what actually happened. (Killer whale gets cut on chin, San Diego Union-Tribune, July 12, 1995.)

      Sea World, Florida (1998): August thru November - The following attack was described as the "culminating incident" of repeated agression between mother and calf orcas. Another source described the mother as "actively pursuing the calf aggressively and tries to get it out of the tank and pursues it on slide-outs". "Taima" swam under her three-month old calf "Sumar" during a summer preformance, swatting the calf with her tail and tossing the calf out of the water onto the trainer platform. The mother then slid out and pinned the calf against the wall and began biting him. Guests were evacuated from the show area while trainers pulled the mother into the back pool by a harness. Sometime afterward, mother and calf were permanently separated into different pools due to "poor parenting" and the calf was transferred to California 7 months later

Agression Towards Trainers & Other People

      New York Aquarium (1968): When water level was lowered for pool cleaning, "Lupa" sent trainers scrambling from the pool, snapping her jaws threatening. (Edward R. Riciuti, , New York, Walker & Co., 1973, pp. 227-228.)

      Flamingo Land, UK (1969-1970): "Cuddles" became so increasingly aggressive that keepers had to clean the pool from the protection of a shark cage. (Edward R. Riciuti, Killers of the Sea, New York, Walker & Co., 1973, pp. 227-228.)

     Marine World (1970s): Trainer Jeff Pulaski, accustomed to riding "Kianu" during performances, was thrown off and chased out of the tank; Dave Worcester was dragged to the bottom of the pool by "Nepo". (Don C. Reed, Notes from an Underwater Zoo, Dial Press, 1981, p. 250.)

     Sea World (date unknown): Secretary Annette Eckis, wearing a bikini, slid off the back of an orca she was riding for a publicity stunt. The orca seized her leg and swam around the tank refusing to release the screaming woman until familiar divers entered the pool. (Edward R. Riciuti, Killers of the Sea , New York, Walker & Co., 1973, pp. 229-231.)

     Unknown location (date unknown): Karen Pryor writes, "I have since heard... of at least one killer whale which launched an unprovoked attack on a favorite trainer, in normal circumstances, savaged him very badly, and nearly killed him." (Karen Pryor, Lads Before the Wind, New York, Harper & Row, 1976, p. 220.)

      Miami Seaquarium (date unknown): Trainer Chris Christiansen received seven stitches in his cheeks after placing his head within the jaws of "Hugo", closing his mouth on a mis-cue. Trainer Manny Velasco recalled both "Hugo" and "Lolita" becoming aggressive, lunging at trainers on the platform. (Edward R. Riciuti, Killers of the Sea, New York, Walker & Co., 1973, pp. 232-233.)

      Marineland of the Pacific, (date unknown): Unidentified male trainer was seized by the leg and held at the bottom of the pool until the man almost lost consciousness by "Orky". (Edward R. Riciuti, Killers of the Sea, New York, Walker & Co., 1973, pp. 228-229.)

      Marineland of the Pacific:, (1978): May 2 - Trainer Jill Stratton, 27, was nearly drowned when "Orky" suddenly pinned her to the bottom of the tank and held her underwater for four minutes.
(Cathleen Decker, Trainer Leaves Hospital, Isn't Angry with Whale, Los Angeles Times, May 1978.)

      Vancouver Aquarium (date unknown): Trainer Doug Pemberton described "Skana" as the dominant animal in the pool. "She is capable of changing moods in minutes". He described "Skana" and "Hyak" as "moody", and recalled that, "Skana once showed her dislike by dragging a trainer around the pool. Her teeth sank into his wetsuit but missed his leg." (Cranky killer whales put trainers through their paces, The Province, May 5, 1978.)

      Marineland, Canada (1986): There have been reports of trainers being held underwater by the mammals. In 1986, one trainer was taken to the hospital when he fell off Kandu and was dragged by the leg around the pool during a stunt. Nootka whacked one trainer in the head with his pectoral during a similar trick. According to a former trainer, the whale often leapt out of the water to strike trainers by the pool in the chest. (Enzo di Matto, Mahem in Marineland , NOW magazine, October 10-16, 1996, Vol. 16 No. 6.)

      Sea World (1984 & 1986): "Kandu V" reportedly took two female trainers in her mouth on two occasions in 1984, then pinned a male trainer against a wall at Shamu Stadium in November 1986. (Dayna Lynn Fried & John Wilkens, Kandu bled to death , San Diego Union Tribune, August 23, 1989.)

      Sea World (1984): Trainer Bud Krammes was seriously injured in an undescribed accident. (Nancy Cleeland, Trainers take their lumps from whales, San Diego Union, December 3, 1987, p. A-15.)

      Sea World (1985): Trainer Georgia Jones was grabbed by her leg by an orca during a performance in San Diego. (Killer Whale Turns Against Trainer, National Enquirer, January 15, 1985.)

     Sea World (1987): Numerous San Diego newspapers reported on a "white paper" disclosing at least 14 trainer injuries of various severity while working with orcas within a five-month period in 1987. Only a few of the incidents were were described in the media. (Janny Scott, Waves of trouble at Sea World , Los Angeles Times, December 20, 1987, p. 1)

      Sea World (1987): September 27 - Trainer Mark McHugh was bitten on the hand while feeding an orca between shows. (Killer whale injures trainer, Daily Breeze, October 1, 1987)

      Sea World (1987): September 30 - Trainer Chris Barlow, 24, was hospitalized with minor injuries after being rammed in the stomach by an orca during a performance. (Killer whale injures trainer, Daily Breeze, October 1, 1987.)

      Sea World (1987): March 4 - Trainer Jonathan Smith, 21, suffered cuts, a ruptured kidney, and lacerated liver after being seized by two orcas, repeatedly dragged to the bottom of the pool and smashed against the tank bottom during a performance. Smith had less than one week experience working with orcas. (Robert Reinhold, At Sea World, stress tests whale and man, New York Times, April 4, 1988, p. A-1.)

     Sea World (1987): June 15 - Trainer Joanne Webber, 29, suffered a fractured neck when one one orca landed on top of her and pushed her to the bottom of the pool during a practice session. Webber had five years experience working with orcas. (Ex-trainer suing Sea World for neck injury, San Diego Tribune, June 15, 1988, p. B-3.)

      Sea World (1987): November 21 - Trainer John Sillick, 26, suffered fractured vertebrae (T1 to T12), a fractured femur, and a fractured pelvis after one orca breached on top of him while riding on another orca during a performance. Sillick had less than two years experience working with orcas. (Robert Reinhold, At Sea World, stress tests whale and man, New York Times, April 4, 1988, p. A-1)

     Sealand of the Pacific (1989): April 1 - Trainer Henriette Huber fell into the whale pool after "Nootka" closed her mouth on her hand while scratching Nootka's tongue. Several stitches were required to close the puncture wound. (Barbara McLintock, Whale bit me - ex trainer, The Province, May 3, 1991.)

      Sealand of the Pacific (1989): Head trainer Steve Huxter was pulled into the whale pool by his leg when attempting to retrieve a tourist's camera from "Nootka's" mouth. Trainer Eric Walters pulled Huxter out. (Dirk Meissner, Safety worries led to Sealand resignations, Times Colonist, February 22, 1991, p. A-1.)

      Sealand of the Pacific (1991): February 21 - Trainer Keltie Byrne, 20, slipped into the whale pool and was carried into the middle by one orca, and repeatedly submerged as the other two orcas joined in. After futile attempts of rescue, Byrne drowned. (Dirk Meissner, Whales pull trainer to death , Times Colonist, February 21, 1991, p. A-1.)

     Sea World, Texas (2004): July 26 - Trainer Steve Aibel, was pushed under water repeatively during a show. The orca, Ky, refused to let the trainer leave the water and continued to push him under despite the other trainers bribing him with food if he left alone. After several minutes, Ky stopped his attack and Aibel was allowed to escape. Not once during the attack did Ky open his mouth, which in orca body-language is a threatening posture. Aibel believes that Ky was just being rambuncious because he is near breeding age. An intereating note: orca attacks (on humans) in captivity are somewhat common, but never occur in the wild. To see footage of the attack, click here.

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