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Horrifying moment orca came to viewing window with dead SeaWorld trainer in its mouth

Home> News> Animals

Published 09:25 2 Sep 2024 GMT+1

Horrifying moment orca came to viewing window with dead SeaWorld trainer in its mouth

SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau was performing with killer whale Tilikum in February 2010 when the orca turned on her

Poppy Bilderbeck

Poppy Bilderbeck

The horrifying moment an orca swam past the viewing window with its dead trainer in its mouth was spotted by a visitor at SeaWorld.

Dawn Brancheau worked with orcas at the Orlando resort for over 15 years, becoming SeaWorld's poster girl.

However, February 2010, would mark her last encounter with the animals, with the 40-year-old ending up being grabbed and pulled underwater while working with 12,000lb killer whale Tilikum - also known as ‘Tilly’ or by the stage name of ‘Shamu’.

Susanne De Wit was visiting the resort at the time of the incident and spotted the moment the orca swam towards the viewing window with Brancheau in its mouth.

An investigation into Brancheau's death was launched by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration - who later imposed a ban on trainers entering the water with whales during shows - and De Wit subsequently came forward to speak about what she saw.

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In a statement to the Orange County Sheriff's Office, De Wit said: "They told us he was playing with the trainer. Suddenly, I saw Shamu grabbing the trainer by the shoulder and pulling her down in the water near the window. It did not look normal.

Dawn Brancheau worked as a trainer for 15 years (CNN)
Dawn Brancheau worked as a trainer for 15 years (CNN)

"It was scary. He was very wild with the trainer still in the whale’s mouth. The whale’s tail was very wild in the water.

"The tour guide pulled us out and there was a full alarm. We then saw them throw a net into the water."

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A report into the incident also referred to an interview with De Wit, who had been visiting from the Netherlands, saying how she recalled seeing Brancheau’s legs as she moved ‘extremely fast’ while the whale ‘was shaking’.

Speaking to The Sun in 2021, Brancheau’s sister, Debbie Frogameni, said the family was still trying to understand what had happened.

Brancheau was killed by killer whale Tilikum (Getty Images/ Gerardo Mora)
Brancheau was killed by killer whale Tilikum (Getty Images/ Gerardo Mora)

"Some days, I think we are still processing her loss," she said.

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"Dawn was just so special to so many people and I'm not sure you ever get past losing someone like her.

"I think we do find some comfort knowing that she accomplished and experienced more in her short 40 years than most people who live long lives.

"But that doesn't take away what our family and the world lost that day."

In a statement to the outlet, SeaWorld said: "That tragic situation happened more than 12 years ago. Trainers have not been in the water training with killer whales for many years.

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"We have extensive protocols and training in place to protect the safety of our trainers and animals."

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.

Featured Image Credit: DAWN BRANCHEAU FOUNDATION / Twitter / @fasc1nate

Topics: Animals, US News, World News, Animal Cruelty

Poppy Bilderbeck
Poppy Bilderbeck

Poppy Bilderbeck is a Senior Journalist at LADbible Group. She graduated from The University of Manchester in 2021 with a First in English Literature and Drama, where alongside her studies she was Editor-in-Chief of The Tab Manchester. Poppy is most comfortable when chatting about all things mental health, is proving a drama degree is far from useless by watching and reviewing as many TV shows and films as possible and is such a crisp fanatic the office has been forced to release them in batches.

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