SAN DIEGO--SeaWorld--whose safety practices have been under
scrutiny since an animal trainer was killed in 2010 by an orca at
its Orlando, Fla., park--has now been cited for not adequately
protecting its killer-whale trainers at its park in San Diego.
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health issued
four citations this week that carry nearly $26,000 in fines.
SeaWorld Entertainment Inc. said in a statement that the citations
show a "fundamental misunderstanding" of what is needed to care for
orcas and that it plans to appeal.
According to the citations, the park hasn't kept employees aware
of the dangers posed by orcas, and it required them to sign an
annual confidentiality form that discouraged trainers from
reporting hazards for fear of reprisal. They say employees ride and
swim with killer whales in the park's medical pool--although
keepers haven't been allowed in the Shamu Stadium pool during orca
shows since the Orlando death. It also cited SeaWorld for allowing
trainers to be with orcas in shallow areas on the edges of pools
known as "slide outs."
The theme park also is accused of not effectively training its
employees and supervisors to safely interact with killer whales.
The citations stem largely from an inspection on Oct. 29.
The company's safety practices have drawn fire since SeaWorld
trainer Dawn Brancheau was killed in 2010 when killer whale Tilikum
grabbed her and pulled her into a pool.
SeaWorld was cited for violating federal safety workplace rules
following an investigation into Ms. Brancheau's drowning that found
the park had exposed its trainers to recognized hazards when
working in close contact with orcas during performances.
The company said in a statement that it has since made
improvements to its killer-whale program, including fast-lifting
pool floors that could help to quickly separate trainers from a
killer whale.
It noted that the San Diego park citations "were not
precipitated by any workplace incident, accident or injury, and
they reflect a fundamental misunderstanding of the requirements of
safely caring for killer whales in a zoological setting."
The safety of its employees and welfare of the animals is a top
priority, the company said.
Copyright 2015 Associated Press
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