In a heart-stopping moment at Blue Horizon, Neptune, the star orca, turns from performer to predator, attacking its trainer in front of a stunned audience. This shocking incident is just the tip of the iceberg. Across the globe, some few other orcas have broken script, turning trained routines into dangerous confrontations.
These are serious workplace safety incidents that have been extensively documented.
Notable Documented Cases:
The most well-known incident occurred in 2010 at SeaWorld Orlando, where experienced trainer Dawn Brancheau was killed by Tilikum, a 6-ton orca. This incident was extensively covered and later featured in the documentary “Blackfish.”
Other documented incidents include:
Keltie Byrnes (1991) at Sealand of the Pacific in British Columbia
Alexis Martínez (2009) at Loro Parque in Spain
Several non-fatal incidents involving trainers being pulled underwater or injured
