Does Sea World force their trainers to interact with the animals? Thanks to this idiot judge, the Shamu show may as well be watched at home. This is just another example of big government gone wild.

A couple years ago, I got to be in the water with the belugas at Sea World as part of one of their animal interaction programs... I wonder if they have stopped that as well. I know they have a new exhibit where you can wade in the water with rays.

I knew a couple that worked training dolphins. She bore the scars from an incident years earlier training a Siberian tiger that went bad. But, it didn't stop her from doing what was her heartfelt calling. And, she was a beautiful lady, inside & out. Have lost touch in the last 15 years, unfortunately. But, my point is that she CHOSE her way of life, knowing the risks, and took full responsibility for the incident that left her with lifetime scars, which did nothing to lower her self-esteem, as it would do to many. I respect and honor her courage, and understand her calling. Many don't understand that having these animals in these situations to entertain us aren't necessarily animal cruelty. Yes, it's totally out of nature for them, but if they're fed, entertained, and given as natural a lifestyle or existence as possible, the benefits from such are enormous. Were it not for these "GOOD" examples, most humans would never learn to appreciate the animal life of nature and would have little or no care or concern with regard to saving or helping it. These animals give to us an enormous amount of understanding, knowledge, example, and REASON to conserve, respect, and save them...and us. That's the reality...we save them, we save us. And, I've been in the water with JoJo, a wild dolphin on a Caribbean Island that would seek out the friendship, companionship, and adoration of humans. He LOVED playing with humans, and would show up and surprise the beach swimmers, or at depth with scuba divers. I loved watching him playing with the diver trying to get back on the boat! I was hanging at about 30 feet watching JoJo pull on the fins of the diver trying to climb the boat ladder, sometimes pulling the diver off, sometimes pulling a fin loose. You could see the laughter and joy in JoJo's eyes. I cherish those memories.

@Jimkata: Boy, did you hit that nail on the head PERFECTLY!!! We may seldom agree on a lot of things, but I'm in total agreement with you on this one. We are each and all responsible for our own decisions and actions, and it isn't OSHA or the government's business to make those decisions for me/us. I do understand certain areas where OSHA does belong, but this isn't one of them. Darn, I want to get back in the water in my scuba gear and play with so many of those critters that so many think are dangerous!!! Ignorance and arrogance are dangerous, knowledge is liberating, honest, and protection. And, history is the pathway to the future. Sorry, had to get my two cents in there while I was rolling!!!

How many people have been killed by bees? Do we forbid bee keepers from being near the bees? How many people are killed by stray dogs? Do we forbid ACS from handling them? What about circuses? Zookeepers? Pet stores that deal with potentially dangerous animals such as large snakes? Animal handlers and trainers know the risks of their jobs, yet they do them because they want to. Nobody forces them. Next thing you know, firefighters won't be able to do their jobs because its dangerous to go into a burning building.

No wonder the shows have not been so much fun! I didnt realize they were FORCED to not do what they love. As a kid, I loved watching the trainer interact with the animal, even wanted to do this as a career because it is so touching...I hope they lift this and allow the shows to be amazing and touching again!

Agreed!

This makes no sense to me either...

Why does the government need to be involved with this. The trainers know the risk and are not being forced to do this kind of work. Government needs to stay out of private enterprise. They need to stop telling business owners what they can and can't do, like the smoking ban...and I don't even smoke - I just know its wrong.