SeaWorld accused of painting over injuries on performing killer whales

SeaWorld has faced its fair share of controversy in recent years, and now they are being accused of ‘essentially roasting’ the performing killer whales who live in their parks.

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by Ellie Hooper |
Published on

Joyce Kuhl, a grandmother from South Carolina, has claimed in a law suit the whales are being kept in 8ft holding pools that expose them to sunburn, and that they are then being painted to cover up their wounds.

Ms Kuhl accuses the amusement park of keeping the whales in water that is so chlorinated it is stronger than household bleach.

Dawn Brancheau, who was killed while performing with killer whales in 2010
Dawn Brancheau, who was killed while performing with killer whales in 2010

The law suit also details allegations of forced breeding, keeping whales in conditions that cause them to be hyper aggressive and that the whales often bang their heads against their tanks and wear their teeth down due to boredom and frustration.

In 2013, documentary Blackfish premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, which told the story of the deaths of several Killer Whale trainers.

Dawn had a succesful career as a trainer at SeaWorld before her death

One such death, Dawn Brancheau who was killed at SeaWorld Orlando in 2010, raised questions about how the large mammals were being effected by life in captivity.

Since its release, attendance has declined drastically at SeaWorld Orlando, Dan Diego, California and San Antonio.

The company have announced plans to double the size on the orca enclosures in coming years.

Watch the trailer for highly commended Blackfish below:

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