AT 11:25 A.M. ON DECEMBER 24, 2009, Estefanía Luis Rodriguez’s cell phone rang. Rodriguez, 25, is an earnest, friendly young woman who works as a pharmacy technician near the coastal town of Puerto de la Cruz, on the north coast of Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands. She glanced at the caller ID and saw that it was her fiancé, Alexis Martínez, a killer whale trainer at a nearby zoological park called Loro Parque, one of the largest tourist attractions in the islands. Loro Parque displays everything from birds and dolphins to sea lions and, as of 2006, four orcas it had been loaned by SeaWorld.
Rodriguez and Martínez, 29, had been together seven years, after meeting at a friend’s party, and had moved into an apartment together three months earlier. She adored Martínez, who was handsome, generous, funny, and, in his spare time, played guitar in a band, Inerte. He’d been working nonstop with the killer whales at Loro Parque’s Orca Ocean to prepare for a special Christmas show.
When Rodriguez answered, however, it wasn’t Martínez on the phone. The caller was Orca Ocean supervisor Miguel Diaz, using Martínez’s phone. He told Rodriguez that Martínez had been involved in an incident with a killer whale but that he would be fine, that he was being taken to the University Hospital in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, about 20 miles away. Rodriguez immediately called Martínez’s family and then joined his mother, Mercedes, to rush to the hospital.
In the car, Rodriguez was deeply apprehensive. For months, Martínez had been telling her that all was not well at Orca Ocean, that there was a lot of aggression between the killer whales and that they sometimes refused to obey commands, disrupting training and the shows. After starting in Loro Parque’s penguin and dolphin displays, Martínez had begun as a killer whale trainer in 2006. As he gained experience, according to Rodriguez, he began to fret about safety, and he twice contemplated leaving the job. Preparing for the Christmas show only added to the stress. “I’m so tired,” Rodriguez recalls Martínez telling her. “That’s OK, everyone is tired from work,” she’d responded. He shook his head. “My job is especially risky, and I really need to be well rested and ready. With everything that is going on, something could happen at any time.”
On the road to La Laguna, Rodriguez and Mercedes worked their cell phones, and their sense of foreboding increased. Mercedes’s brothers and others had heard that Martínez wasn’t at the hospital at La Laguna but at Bellevue, the local hospital in Puerto de la Cruz, five minutes from Rodriguez and Martínez’s apartment. Confused, Rodriguez called Miguel Diaz. He again said that Martínez was at the hospital in La Laguna, but a short while later he called Rodriguez back to confirm that Martínez was at Bellevue. When Rodriguez and Mercedes finally arrived at Bellevue—at around 12:30 p.m., after about an hour of errant driving—they found Wolfgang Kiessling, Loro Parque’s president, already there, along with legal representation.
It was at Bellevue that Rodriguez and Mercedes learned that Martínez had, in fact, been killed, by an orca called Keto, during a training session. Rodriguez was in a state of shock, overwhelmed by sorrow and disbelief. Martínez’s body had been wrapped tightly in a shroud, and only his head and face were visible. Rodriguez says that no one from Loro Parque would tell her much, except that there had been an accident and Martínez had drowned. In the days and weeks that followed, she asked Martínez’s fellow trainers for more information, but she says they offered only evasive answers. Not until months later, when Rodriguez and the Martínez family learned the details of the autopsy, did they become aware of the full extent of the trauma and bite marks Martínez had sustained, suggesting a much more violent incident.
Rodriguez believes that Martínez’s death had been obscured and covered up. Keto’s attack on Martínez occurred at 10:25 a.m. Diaz called Rodriguez an hour later, and the autopsy report gives an estimated time of death of 11:35 a.m. “They had time to talk and prepare the body,” Rodriguez says of the more than two hours that passed between the incident and her arrival at the right hospital.
I asked Patricia Delponti, director of communications and public relations at Loro Parque, about the incorrect information Diaz had given Rodriguez. “As soon as the accident took place, we called his family’s home but got no answer,” she explained in an e-mail. “Therefore, we took Alexis’s mobile phone and called his girlfriend, whose number was in the address book. This call was made right after Alexis was taken to the hospital by emergency services.”
Comments
Brilliant piece of work, Tim! Hopefully the people responsible for those orcas and their trainers will start thinking.
Flag ThisGreat article. Clear and compelling information that control over a captive orca is a total illusion. No safety measures would be able to offset these risks and it is time to end these shows and orca captivity.
Flag ThisAll the excuses and pretend "scientific" talk from the orca prison staff try to obscure the fact that orca captivity is torture of a mind and body made for so much more. Lack of autonomy, intellectual and sexual frustration, family disruption, linguistic confusion and communication deprivation - all the issues that Tim mentions - must be obvious to the money obsessed staff at every level. Captive breeding of orcas must be halted. In my view anyone employed by these facilities is equally responsible for injury and death. Prison guards ("trainers") are complicit in the atrocity and are blinded by power and money and their own dominance needs.Thank you Tim for continuing your focus on orca captivity.
Flag ThisLack of autonomy, intellectual and sexual frustration, family disruption, linguistic confusion and communication deprivation - all the issues that Tim mentions - must be obvious to the money obsessed staff at every level. Prison guards ("trainers") are complicit in the atrocity and are blinded by power and money and their own dominance needs.Thank you Tim for continuing your focus on orca captivity.
Flag ThisLack of autonomy, intellectual and sexual frustration, family disruption, linguistic confusion and communication deprivation must be obvious to the money obsessed staff at every level. Prison guards ("trainers") are complicit in the atrocity, blinded by money and their own dominance needs.
Flag ThisI hit send before attaching my name. I'm "Anonymous" re "All the excuses", and didn't intend to hide my identity.
Flag ThisGreat article shedding some light on one of SeaWorld's biggest mistakes. If only compassion and understanding for their animals' social structure could over rule their narrow minded business-oriented view.
Flag ThisGreat article shedding some light on one of SeaWorld's biggest mistakes. If only compassion and understanding for their animals' social structure could over rule their narrow minded business-oriented view.
Flag ThisStupendous article - it really helps paint a clearer picture of what's truly going on at that park. I'll be interested to see if Rokeach comments to defend himself, considering he refused to comment about the incident...
Flag ThisEvery part of this story says these captive orcas are stressed to the breaking point. Marine circuses display once magnificent orcas, now broken and traumatized since capture or from birth, who valiantly try to perform as asked until at some point they are driven literally mad by dominance, deprivation, barren tank walls and arbitrary, fragmented social lives lacking cohesion or stability. Here's a description of how animals are often treated, as commodities and specimens for experiments: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/bear-in-mind/201107/the-anatomy-animal-madness .
Flag ThisGreat to see this incident brought to light, though too late to save Dawn Brancheau's life. I am still angry from watching Thad Lacinak deny knowing about Alexis' death on CNN's Larry King show, when Ric O'Barry brought it up after Dawn's death. Larry believed Thad over Ric, & after the break stated CNN was unable to prove the trainer's death at LP had taken place. Hopefully CNN will now right this wrong & do a story on Loro Parque, & become better judges of who to believe in the future.
Flag This"FINDING OUT WHAT GOES ON behind the scenes at a marine park is surprisingly difficult." No not really, actually it is fairly easy, unless of course you are looking for conspiracies, bad deeds and proof for the majority of the garbage claimed by those against captivity.......then yes, that is difficult to find. "In my experience, SeaWorld officials are selective about allowing media access to their current trainers." Again, false at least for legitimate members of the media. "Many of their former trainers still work in the marine-park industry, where SeaWorld has enormous influence, or are reluctant to speak openly about their work. " Has it occurred to you that we are not reluctant to speak openly about our work, just reluctant to speak with someone looking to defame a good company. Many of us have spoken with plenty of people in the media, we just not have done so in a manner that would fit with your claims and therefore you mark us as remaining silent. Sad, but this article misses on so many levels, most of all the fact the a majority of the current and former trainers (those that have left on good terms) are supportive of SeaWorld and all they do.
Flag ThisRe: " Anonymous/07/18/11 3:13:PM" --- "most of all the fact the a majority of the current and former trainers (those that have left on good terms) are supportive of SeaWorld and all they do. " Ugh ... ALL THEY DO?! You mean you can't even see whats wrong with this deadly circus?
Flag This" Showcasing Killer whales" straight from their greed filled mouths.
Flag ThisWow this is a horrible article considering there are no true sources, Sure seaworld sent them 4 your orcas and knew that maturing bulls can be a handfull. I figure a seaworld trainer would know how to handle an orca especially if they can read the whales body language. Its not Keto's fault its Brian's fault. if he noticed something strange, he should have caled alexis in and suspended the session.
Flag ThisAmazing article, well written and thought-provoking. Marine parks should be ashamed of themselves. I cannot imagine the stress and suffering these poor creatures endure. Well done bringing the truth out to the public.
Flag This@annonymous (the trainer) so nice of you to lend your voice to this story. I find it odd that you didn't use your real name to defend your brethren of trainers (if you really are one.) I don't doubt that you cared deeply for these majestic creatures during your tenure, but its the corporations behind the curtain who don't seem to realize the behavioral issues are THE problem at hand. Man cannot expect to control a beast who, in the wild, is a keystone predator. For any man (or a corporation) who thinks he can control them by not rewarding them with handfuls of dead fish or nose rubs is sorely mistaken. @arlene: you need to educate yourself. Its not as simple as "its not the trainer's fault" but rather looking at what caused the animal to snap. And this article does a great job of outlining several of those issues. Just because you like to watch orcas do silly tricks for you & your family doesn't mean you know exactly what happened. Not even the experts know. Duh! Education is the key. These creatures are not for our entertainment & all orca parks should halt all breeding programs & close down. They are a disgrace to those of us who embrace the beauty & majesty of the orca. Thank you Tim for bringing this to the forefront. I hope you follow this up with the OSHA ruling in September.
Flag ThisAbsolutely superb article revealing some behind the scenes of keeping orcas in captivity, the stressors these animals must endure and the dangerous situations for both the orcas and the trainers. Thank you for bringing light to what has been going on with the orcas at Loro Parque and what really happened to Alexis. The captive breeding needs to come to an end. These majestic creatures should never have to or continue to endure the stress that surrounds captivity. Well done Tim!
Flag ThisAbsolutely superb article revealing some behind the scenes of keeping orcas in captivity, the stressors these animals must endure and the dangerous situations for both the orcas and the trainers. Thank you for bringing light to what has been going on with the orcas at Loro Parque and what really happened to Alexis. The captive breeding needs to come to an end. These majestic creatures should never have to or continue to endure the stress that surrounds captivity. Well done Tim!
Flag ThisThis is top-quality writing and reporting on a vital subject. I commend Tim Zimmerman (and anyone who assisted him) for investigating and reporting this valuable piece. You honor Alexis Martinez, in particular, whose death might have been overlooked without this reporting. I hope OSHA is reading this.
Flag ThisThis is top-quality writing and reporting on a vital subject. I commend Tim Zimmerman (and anyone who assisted him) for investigating and reporting this valuable piece. You honor Alexis Martinez, in particular, whose death might have been overlooked without this reporting. I hope OSHA is reading this.
Flag Thishmmm, my comment was published by Outside on your original article, and your follow-up only seems to confirm my statements. You can't trust horses on dry land, much less a 6,600 lb predator in an element we are not designed for. An orca is a 6,000 lb grizzly bear- sure you can feed it and train it a little, but when things go a little wrong for the orca, a lot goes wrong for the trainer. The actions entailed in killing Mr. Martinez are relatively insignificant to the whale, but very significant to us. If trainers know the risks they are taking and want to swim with the dolphins anyways, hey- it's your life. But no one should ever enter the pool with the belief that they somehow "control" an animal 60 times their size, nor should they ever forget the primary purpose of a large corporation like Sea World- to generate profits through entertainment. Science is a distant second consideration. Great reporting my friend.
Flag ThisI have always been fascinated by killer whales and the chances I've had to see them at 2 different Sea World facilities have been memorable and thrilling. Seeing trainers in the pool has caused me to sit through multiple Shamu shows in a single visit. I won't diminish the losses of life but there are many occupations where passionate people take what to me are enormous risks and many are injured and sometimes worse. All the trainers have freely chosen their work and as the best are better trained to evaluate their decision to work with such incredible animals. Respect their choice; applaud their bravery.
Flag ThisI have always been fascinated by killer whales and the chances I've had to see them at 2 different Sea World facilities have been memorable and thrilling. Seeing trainers in the pool has caused me to sit through multiple Shamu shows in a single visit. I won't diminish the losses of life but there are many occupations where passionate people take what to me are enormous risks and many are injured and sometimes worse. All the trainers have freely chosen their work and as the best are better trained to evaluate their decision to work with such incredible animals. Respect their choice; applaud their bravery.
Flag ThisMostly a very well researched and written article, although fairly biased. I enjoyed learning more about what happens behind the scenes, and the risks these trainers take. It was a bit of a let-down to read the conclusion that.... it's dangerous to work with Orca's and we need to decide if it's worth it. Somewhat of a 'duh! moment. Realizing that there is danger is part of what makes the show so incredible to watch, and contemplate what goes into the training of these animals. I know that most people who train animals are interested in far more than simply 'entertaining' other human beings. Whether the 'corporation' behind this is there to make money is irrelevant to the fact that the more people that are exposed to these handful of captive creatures, be it seal, dolphin, elephant or any other, the more chance there is of people protecting those which do live in the wild. It is a tragedy that lives were lost in trying to work with the Orca, and there is little doubt that there will be more unfortunate tragedy in years to come. Lives were lost in the pursuit of space, in pursuit of freedom, and pursuit any and everything worth living for and learning. How many people died riding their bikes or motorcycles to work last year to help save the earth from global warming?
Flag ThisMostly a very well researched and written article, although fairly biased. I enjoyed learning more about what happens behind the scenes, and the risks these trainers take. It was a bit of a let-down to read the conclusion that.... it's dangerous to work with Orca's and we need to decide if it's worth it. Somewhat of a 'duh! moment. Realizing that there is danger is part of what makes the show so incredible to watch, and contemplate what goes into the training of these animals. I know that most people who train animals are interested in far more than simply 'entertaining' other human beings. Whether the 'corporation' behind this is there to make money is irrelevant to the fact that the more people that are exposed to these handful of captive creatures, be it seal, dolphin, elephant or any other, the more chance there is of people protecting those which do live in the wild. It is a tragedy that lives were lost in trying to work with the Orca, and there is little doubt that there will be more unfortunate tragedy in years to come. Lives were lost in the pursuit of space, in pursuit of freedom, and pursuit any and everything worth living for and learning. How many people died riding their bikes or motorcycles to work last year to help save the earth from global warming?
Flag Thisanother great feature Tim. Waterparks need to realise that captivity is an experiment that didn't work. but they won't. $$$$$$.
Flag ThisThrilling as watching orcas in captivity is, they are sentient beings with complex social structures. Thank you for the article. I hope it proves to be one more nail in the coffin of our delusional belief we are a superior species and are excused from whatever we do to our fellow creatures.
Flag ThisUncanny! I believe Julie = Russ Rectum. $$$$$$$$$$$
Flag ThisThis is a great article, Tim you keep doing an awesome job investigating these incidents! Killer whales do not belong in captivity!!!!
Flag ThisWhen is the last time anyone heard of a wild orca attacking a human, though humans swim/snorkel/dive with them all over the world? Why does this not occur to so many people when they are saying, "Well of course they're dangerous; they're wild animals...". What makes them dangerous is captivity. Though they are considered the top predator in the sea, their diet is based on the unique culture of their individual population not some basic instinct to attack, i.e. transient orcas do not eat fish, resident orcas do not eat mammals...and none of them eat humans. As far as trainers being fully aware of the risks, if you read the interview with former SW trainer Samantha Berg by The Orca Project, you will see that not all trainers were made aware of the violent histories of certain whales they were working with at SeaWorld. http://theorcaproject.wordpress.com/2011/02/18/exclusive-interview-former-seaworld-trainer-samantha-berg/
Flag ThisWhen is the last time anyone heard of a wild orca attacking a human, though humans swim/snorkel/dive with them all over the world? Why does this not occur to so many people when they are saying, "Well of course they're dangerous; they're wild animals...". What makes them dangerous is captivity. Though they are considered the top predator in the sea, their diet is based on the unique culture of their individual population not some basic instinct to attack, i.e. transient orcas do not eat fish, resident orcas do not eat mammals...and none of them eat humans. As far as trainers being fully aware of the risks, if you read the interview with former SW trainer Samantha Berg by The Orca Project, you will see that not all trainers were made aware of the violent histories of certain whales they were working with at SeaWorld. http://theorcaproject.wordpress.com/2011/02/18/exclusive-interview-former-seaworld-trainer-samantha-berg/
Flag ThisI saw the film "Saving Luna" about an Or-ca that tried to be friendly with the deadliest race of killers on earth, humans! He died or maybe committed suicide for his efforts!
Flag ThisTim, this article is great! I've been trying to show my friends and family just how awful captivity is for these very intelligent, social and family oriented marine mammals. I think research is great and SW does do some great things for animals, but they also exploit others. I just don't see how someone can be pro-captivity when they know full well how social and intelligent these creatures are. I'm sorry, but if a trainer feels like they are filling the void for what should be a whales family then they are somewhat delusional. If forcing a person into slavery because one can and will is wrong, then why is it ok to take these mammals from their families because one can and will? Yes, we have learned many things about Orcas from marine parks, however, I think it's clear that we've also learned that they don't belong or do well in captivity, except for in a few very rare cases.
Flag ThisI just can't get over how eerie it is that Brancheau and Martinez are posing in the same photo like that.... I desperately hope these kinds of parks come under further scrutiny as time goes on.
Flag ThisCaptivity is wrong. Would this happen if the Orca was where it should be in the Ocean? No, they would be free and doing their own thing in there home, the Ocean. People need to see and understand that cetaceans shouldn't be held captivity in places like sea world who just portrait what they want you to see, which is forcing poor whales and dolphins to perform. Don't go to a dolphin/whale show! If you really want to see dolphins and whales, try and see them in the wild, at their lovely home, the ocean!
Flag ThisThanks for this. Outside has been in the forefront of revealing the captivity industry for many years. As a dog trainer whose goal is reliable results for my students, I am constantly encountering the propaganda of wannabes who insist that pet dogs and working partners must be trained as if they were killer whales, with manipulation. The wannabes claim that this "positive" operant conditioning methodology is reliable and "kind." Against a background of a magnificent social apex predator confined in a social and sensory-deprivation chamber, subject to food deprivation, and frustrated to the breaking point, it is clearly neither.
Flag ThisI hate to state the obvious, or oversimplify things, but perhaps we ought to stop keeping whales in swimming pools & making them do tricks for overfed, imbecilic tourists & waterpark visitors. I feel badly for the family of the trainers, but I feel worse for the orcas.
Flag ThisI hate to state the obvious, or oversimplify things, but perhaps we ought to stop keeping whales in swimming pools & making them do tricks for overfed, imbecilic tourists & waterpark visitors. I feel badly for the family of the trainers, but I feel worse for the orcas.
Flag ThisGreat investigation and reporting. If only more could read and understand about all marine parks (and zoos) and how immoral they are!
Flag ThisThank you Tim for another great article. It leaves me wondering- what's the next step? Can we influence the OSHA proceedings to do the right thing? Restrict water activities rather than spend $$$ on elaborate mechanical safety measures (prone to failure)?
Flag ThisThank you Tim for another great article. It leaves me wondering- what's the next step? Can we influence the OSHA proceedings to do the right thing? Restrict water activities rather than spend $$$ on elaborate mechanical safety measures (prone to failure)?
Flag ThisI spent two days observing the orcas in Loro Parque in 2007 as I was studying Animal Behaviour at the time, out of the 6 shows I attended, 4 were dry as the whales were very agitated before, during, and after training sessions. After each show, the orcas were made to practice routines which could be the reason why they get so agitated so quickly- anyone would get cranky without a break realistically. As I had only started my studies at the time, I did not posess enough knowlege to pick up on the orcas behaviour. However, the trainers explained to me how they decide whether to have a wet or dry show, so they obviously knew how fickle each orca can be. These deaths have been a long time coming and will continue to occur unless we put a stop to this multi-million dollar empire. For the whales, R
Flag ThisI spent two days observing the orcas in Loro Parque in 2007 as I was studying Animal Behaviour at the time, out of the 6 shows I attended, 4 were dry as the whales were very agitated before, during, and after training sessions. After each show, the orcas were made to practice routines which could be the reason why they get so agitated so quickly- anyone would get cranky without a break realistically. As I had only started my studies at the time, I did not posess enough knowlege to pick up on the orcas behaviour. However, the trainers explained to me how they decide whether to have a wet or dry show, so they obviously knew how fickle each orca can be. These deaths have been a long time coming and will continue to occur unless we put a stop to this multi-million dollar empire. For the whales, R
Flag ThisAnother amazing article - great job! I hope this gets the attention it deserves in the OSHA hearings. Short of an outright ban on shows, which probably isn't in the interest of animals now in captivity or the public, my feeling is that if Sea World was compelled to video record all large mammal training and shows and report ALL large mammal training “incidents” involving its animals (regardless of where the animals are located), then perhaps animal behaviorists and the scientific community could help the marine parks better understand what is going on, with a focus on designing better living environments for the captive animals, and a safer work environments for trainers.
Flag ThisWhile I do believe that animals should enjoy their natural habitat whenever possible, this is not always in the best interest of the animal. Natural selection will happen but if we are able, we have a responsibility to help and protect all creatures. While I enjoy the shows that demonstrate and teach the capabilities of these animals, maybe we should put an end to more captive breedings unless it is imperative to the survival of the species. Captivity is beneficial in that we now know that we have the means and knowledge to help a species in danger. We need to take into account more carefully the social aspect, as very clearly presented in this article, as a primary concern for captive animals. Problems were recorded on many occasions and every incident needs to be looked into as a way to continually better the system of captivity and the safety of all beings involved. As for the trainers...I applaud their efforts because they truly care about these animals and are teaching about them, and interacting and caring for them in a way they know how. I would like to see more suggestions as to how to teach about animals and inspire deep interest in their protection instead of only comments that these shows should stop. And a textbook will not cut it. Many professions require putting your life on the line. As long as you know the risks, and you and your employer take all known precautions, you must be willing to accept these risks to do your job. Thank you for this incredibly revealing, well written article.
Flag ThisAs a university student studying animal behaviour I observed captive killer whales at Sealand in Victoria, BC. After the show I noticed that the whales proceeded to swim back and forth across the pool over and over again. I asked the trainer if this was not classic "pacing" behaviour. I was rebuked by both the trainer and the prof. Less than a year later, one of those whales killed Keltie Byrne, a classmate of mine.
Flag ThisAs a university student studying animal behaviour I observed captive killer whales at Sealand in Victoria, BC. After the show I noticed that the whales proceeded to swim back and forth across the pool over and over again. I asked the trainer if this was not classic "pacing" behaviour. I was rebuked by both the trainer and the prof. Less than a year later, one of those whales killed Keltie Byrne, a classmate of mine.
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