Orlando, February 24, 2010. A trainer with 15 years of experience training and handling the Orca Killer Whales at the SeaWorld Orlando attraction was grabbed by Tilikum, Shamu. Dawn Brancheau, a 40 year old senior trainer, was seen petting and rubbing the animal just after an afternoon show when the whale came out of the tank and grabbed Brancheau, pulling her in and under water.
According to visitors who watched the show previously, it was clearly noticed the animal was behaving nervously during the performance and had rejected all commands from the trainers.
Tilikum, a 30 year old and 12,000-pound male Orca, is known to be the most aggressive of all whales at the Orlando branch and has been connected to 2 other fatal encounters in the past: the death of a trainer in 1991 (SeaLand in British Columbia) and another fatal accident in 1999 when a tourist evaded security to have his swim in the pool with the orcas.
For those who live in Orlando, have been to the Shamu show a number of times, Dawn was always present and you would look out for her. The love and romance between Shamu and Dawn was magical. You will be missed, Dawn Brancheau.
Video of female trainer and Shamu in SeaWorld Orlando.
