tagged w/ killer whale
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Luna the killer whale is about to become an international star. (Photo: Collider)
The trailer for a new documentary about an abandoned killer whale and the humans he befriends has hit the web and none other than the godfather of marine mammal protection, Ric O’Barry, has given the film his personal seal of approval.
Narrated by Ryan Reynolds and set in his hometown of Vancouver, British Columbia, The Whale tells the saga of Luna, a wild killer whale. After losing contact with his family off the coast of British Columbia, Luna turned up alone in a narrow stretch of sea between mountains, a scenic fjord called Nootka Sound.
According to the film’s website:
Because orcas are highly social creatures who spend their lives traveling with their pods, Luna attempts to find a surrogate family among the area residents, much to their delight. But as word spreads about Luna, people become torn between their love for the lonely young whale and fears that human contact might harm him.
“Fun and moving and unforgettable,” reads a quote from O’Barry. “Everybody should see this film.”
O’Barry shot to international fame in 2009 as the star of the Academy award-winning documentary, The Cove. In the film, he and other activists document Taiji, Japan’s annual drive hunt, in which 2,000 dolphins are lured into a shallow cove and either killed for their meat or captured and sold to an aquarium.
While called killer whales, orcas are technically categorized as dolphins.
The Whale opens next month in select theaters: September 9 in Seattle, September 16 in New York, and September 23 in Washington, DC.
http://www.takepart.com/news/2011/08/05/the-whale-debuts-trailer-wins-high-praise-from-ric-obarry?fb_js_fbu=0Luna the killer whale is about to become an international star. (Photo: Collider)... more
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In a new study, nearly a year in the making, former SeaWorld trainers Jeffrey Ventre, MD and John Jett, Ph.D, take us deep behind the scenes of Marine parks and their ability to provide environments adequate for keeping killer whales alive in captivity.
And is captivity causing Orca whales to lash out and/or mistakenly kill trainers? There are so many questions about captivity, what it does to animals, does it generate bizarre behavior, lessening quality of life, etc.?
Dr.'s Ventre and Jett take a hard look at captivity and Orca health and behavior in this important study.
The practice of keeping killer whales in captivity has proven to be detrimental to the health and safety of animals and trainers alike. On Christmas Eve, 2009, trainer Alexis Martinez was killed by a male captive bred orca named Keto, who was on loan from Sea World to a facility called Loro Parque, in the Canary Islands, Spain. Two months later, on 24 February 2010, trainer Dawn Brancheau was killed by Tilikum, an animal involved with two previous human fatalities. Medical Examiner (ME) reports described massive trauma to both Dawn and Alexis. Neither death was accidental.
Log onto The Orca Project to read the entire article, print out the report and make comments.In a new study, nearly a year in the making, former SeaWorld trainers Jeffrey Ventre,... more
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Killer whale dies unexpectedly at SeaWorld Orlando
By the CNN Wire Staff
October 5, 2010 3:37 p.m. EDT
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
* 25-year-old Kalina died Monday after a sudden illness; cause is yet to be determined
* She is the third adult whale to die at one of SeaWorld's parks in four months
(CNN) -- A 25-year-old killer whale unexpectedly died at SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida, the park said in a statement Tuesday.
The whale, named Kalina, died Monday evening after a sudden illness, according to the statement.
The cause of death will be determined by a necropsy, the park said, adding that the results could take up to six weeks.
The park said Kalina "showed no signs of illness as recently as Friday" and had a normal appetite Sunday.
"She began exhibiting signs of discomfort Monday afternoon and died suddenly in the evening," the statement said.
Kalina is the third adult whale to die at one of SeaWorld's three locations in four months. In September, 12-year-old male killer whale Sumar died suddenly at the San Diego park, and 20-year-old Taima died while giving birth to a stillborn calf at the Orlando park in June.
The average life expectancy for male killer whales in the wild is about 30 years, while females generally live about 50 years. The average life span in captivity is significantly less.
Photo: KalinaKiller whale dies unexpectedly at SeaWorld Orlando
By the CNN Wire Staff
October 5,... more
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Killer whale dies at San Diego SeaWorld
By the CNN Wire Staff
September 7, 2010 7:46 p.m. EDT
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
* Killer whale dies at SeaWorld in San Diego, California
* Sumar was lethargic Monday; cause of death won't be known until necropsy is complete
* Sumar was able to exhibit about 100 "behaviors"
(CNN) -- A 12-year-old male killer whale, who showed signs of being ill only the day before, died Tuesday afternoon at SeaWorld in San Diego, California, the park announced.
The cause of death for Sumar won't be known until a necropsy is complete, SeaWorld said. Results may not be known for several weeks.
"It's a very sad day," spokesman Dave Koontz told CNN. "He was a great young killer whale. He was sharp."
Sumar, who weighed about 5,000 pounds, had been at SeaWorld San Diego since 2001, coming from an Ohio park. He was one of seven killer whales at SeaWorld and was able to exhibit about 100 "behaviors," Koontz said.
The killer whale had no medical history or problems with behavior, the spokesman said, adding that there was no evidence of communicable disease. "He had a great disposition."
"Trainers had noticed that Sumar was acting lethargic yesterday (Monday) afternoon. Park veterinarians began a regimen of antibiotics to help try to stabilize his condition while they attempted to determine the cause of his illness," a SeaWorld statement said.
"His condition worsened today and a decision was made to cancel the 12:30 p.m. Shamu show, so that trainers and veterinarians could continue to devote their full attention to Sumar. Despite these efforts, Sumar did not survive."
Sumar's trainers and support staff were devastated by the sudden loss and are sharing stories, Koontz said. "The loss of any animal is difficult, but that was even more so."
Orlando, Florida-based SeaWorld was recently fined $75,000 by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for three safety violations, including one classified as willful, after an animal trainer was killed by a whale in Orlando in February. SeaWorld, which also has a location in San Antonio, Texas, said it would contest the violations.
The last killer whale to die at the San Diego venue was Splash, who was sickly when SeaWorld adopted him. He was nursed back to health and lived 15 years until 2005.
No public memorial for Sumar is planned, although fans will be able to comment on the park's Facebook page, Koontz said.
SeaWorld said its shows would resume on schedule Wednesday.Killer whale dies at San Diego SeaWorld
By the CNN Wire Staff
September 7, 2010 7:46... more
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SeaWorld has been fined $75,000 by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for three safety violations, including one classified as willful, after an animal trainer was killed in February.
In a statement Monday, Cindy Coe, OSHA's regional administrator, said that SeaWorld knew of the inherent risks of allowing trainers to interact with dangerous animals.
"Nonetheless, it required its employees to work within the pool walls, on ledges and on shelves where they were subject to dangerous behavior by the animals," Coe said in the statement.
SeaWorld denied what it called "unfounded" allegations by the U.S. Department of Labor agency and said it would contest the citations.
"OSHA's allegations in this citation are unsupported by any evidence or precedent and reflect a fundamental lack of understanding of the safety requirements associated with marine mammal care penalties," a SeaWorld statement said Monday.
In February, a 12,000-pound killer whale at the Orlando, Florida, SeaWorld pulled trainer Dawn Brancheau, 40, underwater and killed her as horrified park visitors watched. An autopsy report showed Brancheau died from drowning and traumatic injuries to her body, including her spine, ribs and head.
The OSHA statement said the whale involved was one of three also involved in the death of an animal trainer in 1991 at a Vancouver, British Columbia, water park.
The agency's investigation "revealed that SeaWorld trainers had an extensive history of unexpected and potentially dangerous incidents involving killer whales at its various facilities, including its location in Orlando," the OSHA statement said. "Despite this record, management failed to make meaningful changes to improve the safety of the work environment for its employees."
OSHA issued one "willful" citation -- defined as a violation committed with plain indifference or intentional disregard for employee safety health -- for "exposing its employees to hazards when interacting with killer whales," the statement said.
A second citation classified as "serious" was issued for failing to install a stairway railing system on one side of a stadium stage, the OSHA statement said, adding that such a violation is when "death or serious physical harm is likely to result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known."
A third citation considered less serious involved a failure to put weatherproof enclosures over outdoor electrical receptacles, the statement said.
In response, the SeaWorld statement said its internal review reached a different conclusion. Without providing details, the statement said the conclusions were "drawn from decades of experience caring for marine mammals."
"The safety of SeaWorld's killer whale program was already a model for marine zoological facilities around the world and the changes we are now undertaking in personal safety, facility design and communication will make the display of killer whales at SeaWorld parks safer still," the SeaWorld statement said.
It noted that killer whales at SeaWorld "are displayed under valid federal permits and under the supervision of two government agencies with directly applicable expertise: The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the U.S. Department of Commerce National Marine Fisheries Service."
The SeaWorld statement also said its trainers were "among the most skilled, trained and committed zoological professionals in the world today."
"The fact that there have been so few incidents over more than 2 million separate interactions with killer whales is evidence not just of SeaWorld's commitment to safety, but to the success of that training and the skill and professionalism of our staff," the SeaWorld statement said.SeaWorld has been fined $75,000 by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration... more
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This great re edit shows what would happen if Free Willy was a horror film. All we need now is a killer whales vs sharks flick.This great re edit shows what would happen if Free Willy was a horror film. All we... more
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"ABBA was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I thought Neil Young said rock and roll would never die." Stand-up comedian Chris Martin opens for The Recliners March 19, 2010 at Cafe Diem in Richmond, VA.
Chris Martin Comedy"ABBA was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I thought Neil Young said... more
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Security cameras were rolling when a killer whale at SeaWorld's Florida park grabbed a trainer by her hair and pulled her underwater, leading to her death. Now SeaWorld and the family of Dawn Brancheau are fighting to keep videos and photos related to her death out of the public eye.
Link: http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/03/19/sea.world.trainer.video/index.html?hpt=T1Security cameras were rolling when a killer whale at SeaWorld's Florida park... more
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SeaWorld Whale Attack Video Could Be Released to Media
Scroll Down To See Actual VIDEO…
SeaWorld Whale Attack Video Could Be Released to Media. The death of Dawn Brancheau, the SeaWorld whale trainer killed by a bull orca whale, could be released to the media. Police tapes which showcase the deadly whale attack could be handed over to various media outlets, meaning that anyone who wants to see the attack for themselves will be able to do so quite easily.
GRAPHIC CONTENT: SeaWorld Killer Whale Attack Video…Watch Real VIDEO Here…
http://ctpatriot1970.wordpress.com/2010/03/09/graphic-content-seaworld-killer-whale-attack-video-watch-video-here/
Immediately following the incident, there was a frenzy to find coverage of the whale attack. Videos on the Internet promising to be the whale attack actually turned out to be coverage of the incident or family videos taken immediately prior to the tragedy.SeaWorld Whale Attack Video Could Be Released to Media
Scroll Down To See Actual... more
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Killer Whales and Jail
Audio, Donny Lumpkins & YO!Radio Crew,
Mar 05, 2010
This week on YO!Radio -- teen pot smokers at risk for mental illness. PLUS, Erricka X on iconic artist Jean-Micheal Basquiat and the YO!Radio roundtable discusses dwindled support for Democrats among young people, the killer whale killing at Sea World, and Lil Wayne's latest career-poppin' venture: jail. Malcolm Marshall is a producer, Donny Lumpkins, Rupa Dev and Ann Bassette are content producers for YO! Youth Outlok Multimedia.
www.youthoutlook.orgKiller Whales and Jail
Audio, Donny Lumpkins & YO!Radio Crew,
Mar 05, 2010... more
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Just one of the things Conor Knighton checks out in his weekly roundup of the week in media. Also includes: Rick Sanchez, Jake and Vienna on the finale of 'The Bachelor,' Robert Pattinson, and the health care debate.
infoMania is a half-hour satirical news show that airs on Current TV. The show puts a comedic spin on the 24-hour chaos and information overload brought about by the constant bombardment of the media. Hosted by Conor Knighton and co-starring Brett Erlich, Sarah Haskins, Ben Hoffman, Bryan Safi and Sergio Cilli, the show airs on Thursdays at 10 pm Eastern and Pacific Times and can be found online at http://current.com/infomania/ or on Current TV. And make sure to check out our facebook profile for special features at http://infomaniafacebook.com.Just one of the things Conor Knighton checks out in his weekly roundup of the week in... more
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if this was a dog or horse, it'd be shot. i believe the same should be done here. but no, because it's a whale, it's to be saved. sorry but i do not agree. set it free, or put it down. those should be the only two optionsif this was a dog or horse, it'd be shot. i believe the same should be done here.... more
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ORLANDO - A SeaWorld trainer was killed Wednesday when an orca pulled her into the water as she was talking to visitors.
The same orca, or killer whale, has been tied to two earlier deaths in 1991 and 1999, according to the Humane Society of the United States, which has campaigned to keep marine mammals out of theme parks.
Orange County Fire Rescue spokesman John Mulhall said paramedics were called to the Shamu Stadium at the theme park resort where they found a worker who could not be revived.
More at link.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35566392/ns/us_news-life/ORLANDO - A SeaWorld trainer was killed Wednesday when an orca pulled her into the... more
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"Yesterday we saw a pod that was in less of a hurry. One of the whales, probably an adult female, was lolling in front of us. I wanted her to know we were there, so I tossed a snowball out to her. My throw was off: it tapped her on the side, and the dry snow vaporized with a muffled “pat.” In response, she hesitated, and then, to my surprise, she started pushing around a piece of ice that was a couple of feet across. At one point she flicked it with the end of her snout, and it broke in two.
She disappeared for a minute and brought back a replacement chunk of ice — about the size of a volleyball. This time, when she arched her head back and snapped it forward, the ice flew out of the water and several feet ahead. For five minutes she motored around the small pond in front of us, repeatedly launching her ball of ice, before she lost interest and went on her way. I had to wonder: Did I just show a killer whale how to throw snowballs?""Yesterday we saw a pod that was in less of a hurry. One of the whales, probably... more
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Seven Puget Sound killer whales are missing and feared dead in what could be the biggest decline among the sound's orcas in nearly a decade, say scientists who carefully track the endangered animals.
"This is a disaster," Ken Balcomb, a senior scientist at the Center for Whale Research on San Juan Island, said Friday. "The population drop is worse than the stock market."
While the official census won't be completed until December, the number of live "southern resident" orcas now stands at 83.
Among those missing since last year's count are the nearly century-old leader of one of the three southern resident pods, and two young females who recently bore calves.
The loss of the seven whales, Balcomb said, would be the biggest decline among the Puget Sound orcas since 1999, when the center also tracked a decline of seven whales.
Seven Puget Sound killer whales are missing and feared dead in what could be the... more
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Saving Luna, the film about the life and death of the young killer whale who became separated from his pod and took up residence in Nootka Sound, is one of 10 feature films picked by Telefilm Canada for screening at the Cannes Marche de Film in the south of France later this month.Saving Luna, the film about the life and death of the young killer whale who became... more
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