SeaWorld Loses Appeal

SeaWorld has failed to overturn a ruling that could mark the permanent end to trainers at its facilities in the US being able to work with orcas in the water ever again.

SeaWorld had until the end of business on Monday July 16th to respond to an original citation issued by US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in November last year following the tragic death of SeaWorld trainer, Dawn Brancheau in February 2010.

By not acting, the commission has upheld the original verdict of judge Welsch that could fundamentally change the cruel captivity industry forever. The judge ruled that SeaWorld trainers were prohibited from conducting water work with all orcas unless protected by physical barriers or decking systems that provide a similar level of protection.