The Truth About SeaWorld

Dear Fans & Friends of SeaWorld and SeaWorld Employees,

We wish to express our sincere regret and heartbreak upon hearing the news that SeaWorld has laid off over 300 of its dedicated employees. We understand that in the world of business, things like this unfortunately happen sometimes. However, that doesn’t make it any less painful or difficult for those whose economic well-being and stability depended upon those jobs, especially during this time of year. Our thoughts and prayers are with every person who has been affected by this sad and unfortunate circumstance.

We also want to take this opportunity to say that our blog has always supported the dedicated men and women who train and care for SeaWorld’s animals. Part of why this blog and website was established was in effort to not only call to the public’s attention the important role these people play in animal care and conservation, but to thank them for being the true champions of animal welfare. The SeaWorld trainers and animal caregivers we encounter on a daily basis literally give every ounce of their being to ensure that the animals under their supervision are receiving world-class care. They perform their jobs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in blistering heat, frigid cold, rain or shine, and everything in between. We can honestly say that these people have not only earned our respect and our gratitude, they deserve it.

Although we understand that the corporate leadership of SeaWorld must at times make difficult decisions, we cannot in good conscience agree with or support the majority of recent decisions they have chosen to make. We will always support the core purpose of SeaWorld. We support their rescue and rehabilitation programs. We support their mission of conservation and education. What we cannot support is a corporate leadership and a CEO who we feel is not doing all he could be doing to stand up for and defend his company and his employees. We cannot support the decisions of a CEO who seeks to align himself with HSUS, an organization that has openly criticized SeaWorld. We cannot support the decisions of a CEO who has seemingly embraced the ideals of anti-aquarium, anti-captivity activists whose only goal is the complete extinction of SeaWorld’s animal population while he apparently disregards the advice of established animal care professionals from within his own company and the zoological community.

This blog and this website will continue to support the rescue, rehabilitation, conservation, and educational aspects of SeaWorld. We will continue to be a voice for all the good that SeaWorld does. We will always be a voice and advocate for the men and women who care for and train SeaWorld’s animals. What we cannot in good conscience continue to do is support the corporate leadership level of SeaWorld so long as it continues down what is certain to be an irreparable self-destructive path in their effort to appease radical animal rights extremists at the cost of animal and employee welfare. We respectfully call upon Mr. Manby to open a constructive line of dialogue with the SeaWorld fanbase, and to hear our concerns and grievances. We ask him to give ear to our voices and the voices of his employees rather than to animal rights extremists with a clear anti-SeaWorld agenda. We know that in the world of business, some concessions must be made, but we don’t believe that animal or human welfare should be compromised to do so.

As we stated, we will continue to support SeaWorld as we always have. We just ask for a platform to allow our voices in the SeaWorld fan community to be heard.

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We are thrilled and honored to bring you this exclusive interview with former SeaWorld trainer Bridgette Davis. Bridgette was a participant in the anti-SeaWorld film Blackfish, but has since become an outspoken critic of the film and its radical anti-captivity propaganda. Before we bring you Bridgette’s interview, we just want to take a moment to express our support for Bridgette. She is a very passionate and eloquent advocate for SeaWorld and the animals she devoted her training career to. We simply cannot say enough times how much we respect her for her moral integrity and honesty and humility. We applaud Bridgette for standing up for what she believes in, and for standing up for the truth about SeaWorld. Now, without further ado, we proudly present our exclusive interview with Bridgette Davis.

Do you think that the people associated with Blackfish intended to make an honest film based on factual events and scientific data?

–Initially, I felt they held the same respect and regard for the animals and the trainers. But, as I started asking the right questions, it became clear to me that the purpose behind the film was more selfish and packed with disinformation. It just revealed itself to me as this egocentric, misguided perspective from people who didn’t have the knowledge or insight to make such outrageous accusations. Their limited to no experience isn’t enough to judge what’s best for the animals. Events were exaggerated or simply fabricated. “Research” was biased and manipulated in ways to support their radical POVs. Longevity, tooth erosion, dorsal collapse were all exaggerated to support their agenda, not the truth. Some may have initially joined with good intentions, but later compromised their beliefs to fit into the radical agenda. Seeing how much the movie manipulates its viewers through craftily edited footage that is pretty out-dated and irrelevant, placing events out of context to mislead viewers, I knew the intentions were not for truth, but for exploitation and shock value.

Are there any scenes in Blackfish that were presented truthfully and accurately as they would actually occur in a SeaWorld park?

–All the footage hijacked from the Believe DVD, footage of Dawn’s interviews, footage from the Dream Big 5k, Holly’s first perimeter ride, my footage from a night show… That’s the real SeaWorld. Caring, compassionate, dedicated trainers giving their all for the animals they love. I also believe that, at the end of the film, that really was the first time those guys went whale watching. The rest, false accusations from trainers mostly inexperienced, out-dated and irrelevant. Their very limited perspective from a brief time in animal training at SeaWorld was inflated and misrepresented.

In your assessment and opinion as a former SeaWorld trainer, how much of Blackfish is truth-based fact and how much is fiction?

— Very little is true. Their insight and criticism of Dawn’s final session is not only disrespectful, but misinformed. They have no understanding of modern day safety protocols with killer whales. Their insight from the small experience they had decades ago is misinformed and absolutely irrelevant. To have anyone argue that what they experienced decades ago is relevant now is arrogant and quite ignorant as well. On top of having a very limited understanding of killer whale training, you have a manipulative representation of killer whale researchers who are more accurately “activists masquerading as scientists.” (Credit to Eric Davis of Unofficial SeaWorld Podcast for that description. Very appropriate and very accurate.)

Longevity estimates are manipulated. Contradictions are prevalent throughout the film. Lori Marino gushes on the social capacities of these animals, but most of those trainers didn’t value or believe in the capability of the animals to connect with their trainers. All of these faults are disguised within clever edits and a beautiful soundtrack. At its very core, the film was exploitive. In pursuit of superficial Hollywood success, Blackfish further exploited the lives of Dawn, Keltie and Alexis all to perpetuate a radical activist agenda that would spawn a movement that supports actions that represent a death sentence to animals. Itʼs anything but a fact-based documentary. Itʼs opinion-driven fueled by outdated experiences and contrived scientific studies. Events recalled by former trainers are exaggerated or, even worse, fabricated. It is a tool of animal activist propaganda that takes advantage of a mainstream audience that lacks the knowledge of a more appropriate, truthful and current depiction of animal training and zoological facilities operating today.

This, in turn, encourages those within its gullible audience to leap for the Blackfish bandwagon before they truly have a well-grounded, accurately depicted understanding of the issues at hand. Blackfish is misleading in that it is takes you on this journey that focuses on Dawn, how she was an inspiration in so many ways throughout her life, and you are lead to believe that now, this anti-SeaWorld, anti-captivity spin zone that has materialized following the filmʼs release is a part of Dawnʼs story. That couldnʼt be further from the truth. The film exploited the positive impact and the lasting impression Dawn had on the lives of so many animals and people by twisting it into an egocentric, self-serving purpose of promoting the activistsʼ disorganized and irrational ideas of rehabilitating the animals. Itʼs important to approach such discussions as captivity pragmatically. I truly feel that the audience is starting to lift the wool from over their eyes and beginning to take responsibility of their knowledge and understanding of the issues. They are asking questions that reveal the truth stripped of the emotional ploys of the film. They realize again, like the sad saga of Keiko, that Blackfish is yet another manipulative tactic by animal activists at attempting to gain mainstream support for their poorly-founded, extremists ideas that serve to spell a huge setback in the area of animal welfare.

If you had it to do all over again, would you participate in any way with Blackfish? Why or why not?

My first steps into Blackfish were truly honorable. At that time, I was lead to believe that this film was being created with the intentions of accomplishing a positive change for the animals I cared for during my career at SeaWorld while honoring the memory of Dawn and the powerful impact she had on the lives of the animals and so many people. Initially, I hoped to speak about opportunities to provide something even greater for the animals and how I felt SeaWorld could make a more powerful impact on the lives of both the animals and the trainers. As I started to form these connections amongst those involved with the film, I began to feel prompted to compromise my own core values that centered around my love and respect for the animals in order to fit into the agenda of Blackfish. My conscience began to bother me as I felt a disconnect between my core beliefs and that which I was saying and doing to fit into the agenda of the film.

I began to learn how to ask the right questions, and with them the inconsistencies within the stories entwined in Blackfish were revealed to me. Slowly, unsettling answers revealed that the message of Blackfish was no longer one of hope and inspiration. Instead, I felt it shift towards frivolous accusations and fabricated stories in a craftily edited attempt to paint SeaWorld as evil. My message of truth, respect and opportunity was absent as the filmʼs message had morphed into one that exploited two tragic losses in the interest of perpetuating an activist agenda.

I never intended on becoming involved with a film set on villainizing SeaWorld. Being with the whales at SeaWorld was the best time of my life. During my association with the film, I was operating in a fluid environment, filled with uncertainties and conflicting emotions and values. In the past few months, I have returned to my own core values. The relationships I had with the animals and my time at SeaWorld were integral in instilling these values of honesty and respect within myself. By no longer compromising my own experiences and beliefs, I hope to better represent a more respectful role that not only speaks out for the animals, but also those of SeaWorld being unfairly criticized as they continue dedicating so much while caring for the animals. These trainers sacrifice every day to give their best and they deserve to be viewed as compassionate heroes. The ten years I spent caring for the animals represent the culmination of a dream that started when I was 3 years old. I will never be anything less than proud of my time at SeaWorld and all the things I accomplished caring for the animals. SeaWorld blessed me with an opportunity that not only allowed me to live my dream of connecting with and caring for the killer whales but also to share that dream and inspire others to pursue the same.

I feel like I gained a unique insight to the corruption that plagued that movie. Sharing that helped dispel the fallacies in the film, but that association I had caused a lot of hurt and confusion for so many people who I admire greatly. Compromising my own beliefs to fit into a group of people I hold no respect for cost me relationships I’d give anything to gain back. My mistake in being involved with that briefly wasn’t worth the pain I caused to people I always saw as family.

What would you say to someone who decided not to visit SeaWorld because they just watched Blackfish?

–Iʼve always been very open and honest about my what Iʼve experienced these past couple of years. I believe that by sharing first hand knowledge I acquired during my brief involvement with the film will reveal a more appropriate depiction of what honestly motivated those involved in making the film and what continues to motivate them now. Itʼs all very self-serving. The strongest examples of animal welfare experts are those dedicating their lives to the animals each and every day. They are sweating in wetsuits, not parading on red carpets. SeaWorld is about actions and proactive initiatives. Those opposed to SeaWorld have nonsensical answers, only confusing, poorly constructed, half thoughts fueled by anger. SeaWorld contributes to making a positive difference. Only the subjects in the film benefit in any way. Why would you want to support something not at all about what’s in the best interest of the animals?

I honestly believe that, by sharing my experiences from my ten years at SeaWorld, I can use these experiences as a way to encourage others to take the same path and dedicate their own lives to caring for animals responsibly. Being with the whales at Sea World was the best time of my life. Those pictures represent a culmination of a dream that started when I was 3 years old. I loved the whales and continue to love them. I will never be anything less than proud of my time at Sea World and the things I accomplished with the whales. It was a magical time that allowed me to live my dream and share it with others.

Do you think the criticism of SeaWorld by people who appeared in Blackfish is justified, or was SeaWorld judged unfairly in the film?

— SeaWorld was an easy target. Frustrations from shortcomings of some of these trainers were displaced and projected onto a park that’s setting the bar in animal care and their facilities. If people asked the right questions, they’d realize they are listening to individuals who hardly, if ever at all, worked with killer whales. These same people have a brief blip in the timeframe of SeaWorld’s existence. Most people wouldn’t hold someone’s opinion as valuable when s/he had just a few months worth of experience. Their insight isn’t anything important or groundbreaking. Add to that it happened nearly three decades ago… Their take on SeaWorld would have been a history book that was burned and banned long ago. SeaWorld is constantly evolving to be bigger, better, stronger and a leader in animal care. These trainers in Blackfish are just a brief footnote in a long-discarded textbook at the bottom of a bookstore bargain bin.

What is your opinion of SeaWorld’s Blue World Project? Do you think it will improve or enhance the daily lives of SeaWorld’s Killer Whales?

–I’m ecstatic! This is what SeaWorld is about. Growing for the better and giving the best to the animals in there care. But, wait! There’s more! SeaWorld is also donated a massive amount of money towards research and conservation of the dwindling population of the Southern Residents.

We know that SeaWorld has pledged $10 million to help sustain wild Killer Whale populations. Have any proceeds from Blackfish been used to aid in protecting wild Killer Whale populations?

— From what I was told, questions regarding this were not allowed in any of their Reddit AMAs. Avoidance at its worst. Standard response from the activist brigade seems to be,”No comment.” As far as I know, to this day, no animals were helped in the making of this film.

Do you think SeaWorld cares for their animals to the best of their abilities?

— It’s an honor and a privilege that very few get the opportunity to be a part of. Being a trainer is about genuine passion, selfless sacrifice, and endless dedication each and every day. I will never be anything less than proud of my time at SeaWorld and all the things I accomplished caring for the animals. Being an animal trainer, you are blessed with an opportunity to not only live out your own dream but also to share that dream with thousands of others and hopefully inspire them to pursue the same dream of devoting their best to caring for the animals.

SeaWorldʼs care and research is the pinnacle of the industry. I was fortunate to be a part of several different research projects throughout my ten years there. From visual acuity to respiratory capacity, there was ample opportunity to add to our knowledge of killer whales through the research projects made possible by facilities like SeaWorld. Since I was young, the most impressive contributions to our understandings of the cetaceans all came from zoological facilities like SeaWorld. One of my favorite revelations is one that came recently from a SeaWorld park. Because of their dedication to research, we now know that killer whales are capable of learning different dialects of communication. Unbelievable.

As far as care, you will never meet anyone more dedicated to their job than the trainers and zookeepers of SeaWorld. Each and every day centers around providing the very best for the animals in their care. It is a responsibility that, as a trainer, you take to heart. There is not a moment in your life that you are not prepared to drop anything you are doing to answer to the needs of your animals. The passion and love for the animals fuels a trainerʼs drive to do the best and give everything they can to the animals each time they step poolside.

Many anti-captivity activists have called for SeaWorld to relocate their whales to sea pens. Do you think that would positively or negatively affect the whales?

— There is absolutely no benefit for the animals. It’s a death sentence! Most photos I’ve seen of sea pens are smaller and shallower than SeaWorld’s facility. It’s more like one of the most misguided, horrible ideas ever on so many levels. These ideas of sea pens being introduced haphazardly to Congress are done so on a whim to capitalize on this so-called “Blackfish effect” without thorough thought or consideration to what’s truly in the best interest of the animals. These so-called animal welfare acts are in all actuality a death sentence for the animals they involve. Bills are being presented in a way that seems more like incomplete sentences in their attempt to tell the masses that whales need to be re-released, even though they don’t know exactly the who, what, when, where, why or how of the situation. It’s again a very egocentric way of force-feeding their radical activist agenda to the gullible masses without any legitimate rhyme or reason. I’m relieved AB2140 has been pushed aside. Sea pens would compromise the safety and well-being of not only the animals, but also the trainers. The sad reality of the situation is that this isn’t the first time that our generation has seen such a gross misrepresentation of animal welfare. Keiko is an excellent example of how attempting to re-release an animal at any cost causes more harm to the animal than good. I, personally, loved reading Mark Simmon’s book, Killing Keiko. It provides much needed insight into what truly happened during the attempt to re-release the star of Free Willy once the message of the project’s activist influence took precedence over what was in the best interest of the Keiko’s well-being. With Keiko, we have a disheartening example of what extremes these self-proclaimed scientists are willing to go to, all in the arrogant pursuit of proving their point. I certainly pray that society continues this trend in seeing through this and steps forward to prevent such a sad chapter of our history from repeating itself.

In your years of experience as a SeaWorld trainer, were you ever told to force an animal to perform or instructed to withhold food from an animal who refused to perform?

— Never.

If given the opportunity, would you return to your job at SeaWorld?

I loved my job. I love my SeaWorld family. I love my memories and the relationships I was blessed to have with so many amazing animals. As amazing as that chapter of my life was, I’m excited to see what the next one has in store for me. SeaWorld has a phenomenal team of trainers and zoological care staff doing great things now. The animals are in wonderful, caring and capable hands. That and Kansas would make for quite a commute.

Our thanks again to Bridgette for taking the time to participate in this interview. We hope that our readers found it to be as insightful and eye-opening as we did.

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An Exclusive Interview with Former SeaWorld Trainer Bridgette Davis!

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Our Statement on John Hargrove

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