Wildlife charities have condemned keeping dolphins and whales in captivity after a killer whale killed its trainer at Sea World in Orlando, Florida.
Witnesses said the male orca, named Tilikum, grabbed trainer Dawn Brancheau by the waist while she stood on a poolside platform and dragged her into the water.
Brancheau, 40, had been working with orcas for 16 years and was described by the park's manager as one of its most experienced trainers. She was giving a talk to visitors when the killer whale attacked her.
Tilikum was also one of three orcas blamed for killing a trainer at Sealand in Canada in 1991. The female trainer drowned after falling into the killer whales' pool.
Wildlife campaigners say the incident is a sad reminder of the inappropriateness of keeping orcas in captivity.
Danny Groves, spokesman for the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS), said: 'WDCS believes orcas are unsuitable for captivity. It places them under considerable stress. They live short lives and are liable to aggressive behaviour towards humans and other orcas that is never seen in the wild. The tragic events are a reminder that orcas are wild, strong and often unpredictable animals.'
Suzi Morris, UK director for the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) said: 'WSPA believes it is tourism that keeps these cruel and unnecessary attractions that use animals for entertainment in business. The only way to stop this industry and force it to change is to stop paying and contributing to their success.'
