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Former SeaWorld Trainer Speaks Out Following Death Of Third Killer Whale

Former SeaWorld Trainer Speaks Out Following Death Of Third Killer Whale

He worked at the attraction for 14 years.

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

A former whale trainer at SeaWorld has spoken out about the conditions the animals live in, following the death of three killer whales this year.

A female orca, called Kasatka, died last week, after she was put to sleep following a battle with lung disease.

The 41-year-old animal was the oldest killer whale at SeaWorld San Diego; animal charity Born Free said most killer whales kept in captivity don't live longer than 25 years.

Credit: PA

A former SeaWorld orca trainer, John Hargrove, spoke to the Daily Mail about his time at the attraction, telling the paper it was 'an abomination'.

He said: "They claim captive orcas help educate people, and for years I bought into it. But Kasatka lived in misery, in barbaric and horrific conditions, and died in agony.

"She lived out her days in a house of horrors - and I was complicit in selling the lie to the public.

Credit: PA

"The killer whales struggle to survive at the marine park because of the small pools they are kept in and tanks that are too small."

Hargrove, who left SeaWorld in 2012 after 14 years and turned whistle-blower, wrote a best-selling book about his experiences; he also featured in the documentary Blackfish, which centred on the treatment of the animals at SeaWorld and led to a drop in ticket sales to the attraction.

Credit: Blackfish

SeaWorld publicly dismissed the claims made in the film, calling it 'inaccurate and misleading'.

When approached for comment following Hargrove's latest interview, a spokesperson for SeaWorld told the Mail: "These allegations are the same distortions and mischaracterisations that have been made and discredited over the years. No one is more dedicated to the health and wellbeing of our animals than the expert veterinarians and animal care staff working with this family of killer whales every day.

"Our animal care programmes and policies are stringently regulated by US federal laws. The US Department of Agriculture has oversight of SeaWorld. Our park is inspected annually, often multiple times a year.

"We pass these inspections, maintaining the highest quality standards. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums said SeaWorld is meeting or exceeding the highest standard of animal care and welfare of any zoological organisation in the world."

Featured Image Credit: PA