SeaWorld is once again under fire after the U.S. Department of Labor fined the Orlando park for a serious safety violation involving a captive killer whale.
According to Taylor O’Bier, the fine comes after a September 2024 incident where a trainer was injured during a training session with an orca at SeaWorld Orlando.
Following the incident, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) launched an investigation and found that the employee had not been “properly protected from hazards.”
OSHA issued a “general duty clause serious citation” and highlighted multiple risks, including potential bites, being struck by the animal, and even drowning. The agency proposed a fine of $16,550.
SeaWorld now has 15 business days to either comply with the citation, meet with OSHA officials, or contest the findings in front of the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
This latest injury adds to a long list of controversies surrounding SeaWorld’s treatment of captive orcas and the safety of its staff. Despite growing public scrutiny and past tragedies—where trainers lost their lives working with these massive, intelligent animals—SeaWorld has continued to operate orca shows, sparking outrage among Animal rights and environmental groups.
The dangers of forcing wild animals to perform for entertainment are well-documented, yet these parks continue to prioritize profit over the wellbeing of both animals and staff. This incident is a sobering reminder of the risks involved in keeping such powerful creatures confined for human amusement.
If you love animals, don’t Support companies that exploit them for entertainment. Choose cruelty-free destinations, spread awareness, and Support sanctuaries that focus on rescue and rehabilitation instead of performance.
This article by Nicholas Vincent was first published by One Green Planet on 28 March 2025. Lead Image: Image Credit :Tinseltown/Shutterstock.
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