We are 2 of the former Seaworld trainers featured in the documentary BLACKFISH.

Do you think that the fact that the killer whale was kept in a confined space was why it killed three people?

I think that may be a contributing factor, but there are a lot more reasons that probably contributed. No one can say for sure - Samantha

Thank you all for your interest in the film as well as your thoughtful questions! For all of you who have taken the time to write words of encouragement for us speaking out on this issue, it is much appreciated! - John and Samantha

After reading "Death at SeaWorld" I have become interested in the intelligence of these animals. Do you feel the Orcas "know" they are in captivity and miss their families?

Edit: By the way, thanks for doing this AMA. I can't wait for the movie!

5 of the whales at SeaWorld that are still alive were caught from the wild. The whales are definitely intelligent enough to know that they were taken from the wild, but the ones born in captivity probably don't know the difference. - John

Lolita, who is at the Miami Sea Aquarium, was captured 43 years ago off the San Juan Islands and still recognizes the calls from her pod - Samantha

What does the floppy fin in captive Orcas mean?

The big contributing factor is how often the animal is stationary at the surface. Because of captivity, they rest at the surface for abnormally long periods of time. The heat from the sun is contributing factor as well. Wild killer whales swim 80-100 miles per day. Lastly, nutrition is also a factor. Frozen fish does not have the nutrients that fresh fish have. - Samantha and John

Are you against any Orcas being kept in captivity? What about other marine mammals such as dolphins?

Yes, I am against orcas and other animals such as dolphins and sea lions being held in captivity. - Samantha

I am against any animal in captivity for entertainment purposes. - John

I can't wait to see this movie - thank you for making it! I cried when I watched the trailer.

Did either of you ever have a scary moment while in the water with orcas?

I have been in multiple water work aggressions, but I would not classify it as a scary moment. You just have so much faith in your relationship with those animals and your behavioral abilities to work that whale through that and turn them around and get out safely. - John

What can the average person like myself do to put an end to animals in captivity for entertainment purposes? On a similar note, do people ever protest outside of Sea World? Are they allowed to?

Second question, what do you think of places like Monterrey Bay Aquarium where they capture certain animals for display and then let them go (ie; great white shark)? Does this affect the ability of the animal to survive again in the wild later or any way psychologically?

Edit: 2nd question/clarification

The easiest thing that people can do is not buy a ticket to SeaWorld until SeaWorld makes the changes that people want to see. VOTO (Voice of the Orcas: https://sites.google.com/site/voiceoftheorcas/) has a BLACKFISH landing page for what you can do after you have seen the film. One of the most important changes that SeaWorld needs to make is to end their breeding program, which now includes artificial insemination. - John and Samantha

What in your guys professional opinion in the best "end game" for Tillikum ? SeaWorld obviously sees the value of him being part of their breeding program but I only see his mental health deteriorating as he becomes more and more isolated. Also, Sam can you tell us a little bit about the dynamics between the dominant females at SWF and Tilly ? THANKS!

Unfortunately I do not feel that Tilikum is a viable candidate to survive in the wild because of his poor health, broken teeth. However, some type of sea pen under human care could be a potential option. Isolation definitely contributes to deteriorated mental health which is a condition that Tilikum specifically faces, and especially with solitary killer whales kept in captivity throughout the world. - John

Killer whales are a matriarchal society. Without a mom to give Tilikum any social status, he is the least dominant animal at Shamu Stadium. Over the years, he has been bullied and attacked and raked and generally ostracized. - Samantha

I just want to start off saying that I saw Blackfish a few weeks ago in Vancouver, and it totally opened my eyes! I’ve been encouraging everyone I know to go and see it when it’s released. What do you think the chances of Lolita and other orcas being released into the wild or a sea pen?

Lolita is a good candidate for release because she is healthy. All of her teeth are in tact. We know where her family lives and that her mother is still alive. However, many of the whales in SeaWorld's collection are too old or too sick to be released to the wild, but they could be candidates for a sea pen with viable care. - Samantha

Not all whales are viable candidates for release due to health, age, teeth, and even if it was possible we have to be responsible for that decision. - John

Thank you for taking the time to do this. Other than rescues that are rehabilitated and then released, do you think there is any good justification for animal captivity in our world today?

Survival of a species would be one that i could think of, but never for entertainment. - John and Samantha

I don't have a question. I just want you two to know (and all the other trainers who have spoken out...) how amazing I think you are. Thank you so much. Those whales can't speak human so its up to you guys to try and help people know how they feel. I am sure they appreciate it.

Thank you very much Sarah!

Hi John and Samantha,

You guys are doing a great job bringing much needed attention to this and making people like me - 'ex-seaworld goers' open their eyes finally to this travesty.

My question to you was, do you think there is a legitimate legal argument that the likes of Seaworld and Miami Seaqurium are in breach of licensing laws in holding these animals?

As I read the law it says they don't own them, they hold them in trust for the US people for education purposes?

As someone who has been to both Seaworld Orlando and Miami Seaqurium I find it hard to believe that they are held only for educational purposes? The term 'Sea Circus' has been used, which I feel is a more true description - your thoughts?

As far as the animals that are captured from the wild, the permit states that SeaWorld has to be providing education to the public but based on the false information that SeaWorld promotes to the public, as seen in the movie, there is now real education in any of the shows, therefore we would consider them in violation of the permit. As far as Lolita, her tank does not meet even minimal standards for an animal her size according to U.S. laws, so the Seaquarium is also in violation. - Samantha

Do you think places like SeaWorld should exist? Do you believe the animals are treated ethically?

I think that they can exist with a different business model, and without having those animals in captivity for entertainment. - John

The Monterey Bay Aquarium in California has over 1 million visitors a year, and they do not have marine mammals by choice. - Samantha

Thank you all for your interest in the film! We have 15 minutes left to answer your questions.

Please tell your friends that BLACKFISH opens in theaters next Friday, July 19. For a list of theaters, please visit: http://www.magpictures.com/dates.aspx?id=df6cf88f-28aa-4be9-8293-06213d2e5b50

Great admirer of you both and all those involved of the creation of Blackfish - saw the film at Sundance London and it was fantastic, and have been following dolphin captivity ever since I was exposed to the reality of it by 'The Cove'. I have been to Seaworld Orlando many times over the years, but have since stopped. I am curious as to both of your individual reasons, or the event, that prompted your resignations from Seaworld, and if you have been contacted by the company ever since? Also, did you witness any 'cover-ups' (such as incidences and/or the heath of the animals) or involved in/approached with any confidentiality agreements by Seaworld?

The catalyst for me leaving was the way that SeaWorld handled Alexis Martinez and Dawn Brancheau's deaths. Also how SeaWorld testified that they had no knowledge that we had a dangerous job in the OSHA hearings. I'm still very close with some trainers who are still at SeaWorld. There were multiple events that happened that we kept from the public. - John

I left in August of 1993, not due to a specific event but because i thought i could help the animals more by becoming a veterinarian or using my behavioral knowledge to design better facilities. I have note been contacted by SeaWorld since leaving. Like John, I saw many things that were covered up. For example, we had 4 false killer whales at the whale and dolphin stadium fro the drive fishery (The Cove) and I didn't know while i was working there. - Samantha

First of all, I want to thank both of you for doing an AmA. I am really looking forward to watching Blackfish. Just a few questions: What was is it like the first time you got in the tank with the orcas?

Did either of you as orca trainers ever experience any injuries while working with the orcas?

By the time you get in the water with a killer whale, you have spent so many years as a trainer that it is a natural progression of your relationship. It feels like a natural next step, so you do not put as much focus on it as you would think. I sustained a lot of injuries such as broken ribs, major sinus surgery where they cut out scar tissue related to killer whale water work, major cartilage destruction in my knees, multiple back and neck injuries, thoracic strain, broken fingers and toes and lacerations to the skull. - John

It was a little different for me when I started. The rules were a little more relaxed and I swam with killer whales after being at Shamu Stadium for 3-4 months after being at the whale and dolphin stadium for a year and a half. I will never forget the first time I got in the water with Gudrin, an Icelandic resident female, who is dead now. Gudrin died from a stillborn calf being winched out of her uterus, and subsequently bled out. - Samantha

Did you question the well-being of the orcas while working at SeaWorld?

Yes, many times. - John and Samantha

I wanted to be a trainer for years before I decided against it, and got my degree and will be conducting field research in Alaska this fall. Orcas are beautiful creatures, and I've been following the Northern Residents for some time. I also followed Keiko's story up until his death. My question is, if Tilikum finally does achieve freedom, do you think he has a chance? Keiko continued to seek out human interaction, do you think Tilikum would do the same?

Unfortunately I do not feel that Tilikum is a viable candidate to survive in the wild because of his poor health, broken teeth. However, some type of sea pen under human care could be a potential option. Isolation definitely contributes to deteriorated mental health which is a condition that Tilikum specifically faces, and especially with solitary killer whales kept in captivity throughout the world. - John

In college I picked up the book Orca: The Whale Called Killer by Erich Hoyt. The book talks about the capture and sale of orcas. It's quite interesting but one part of the book really got to me.

Apparently a worker was walking along the docks between the makeshift pens whistling. It had been raining for several days, and the staff had been singing "Rain, Rain, Go Away" as a joke. A few days later an orca was reportedly spy hopping, looking at the rain and started 'singing' the first few bars to Rain, Rain, Go Away. That story really surprised me.

What behaviors of the orcas or other animals in the parks totally took you by surprise? What was the point that made you say, "This is wrong."?

Other topic: If I wanted to get involved in whale research, especially concerning orcas, how would I do that or who should I contact?

To other redditors reading Orca:The Whale Called Killer and the experiences of the author really made my love for orcas deeper. If you ever get the chance pick it up! :D

I think that one of the most profound parts of my life and career was to see the devotion between a mother and her calf. What they will do to protect and raise and teach their young is inspiring. Gestation is close to 18 months and they nurse the calves for up to two years. - John

To get involved, i recommend you visit Dr. Ingrid Visser's website: http://www.orcaresearch.org/

Read anything Dr. Naomi Rose has written. She is formerly of the Humane Society. Also anything by Dr. Lori Marino from the Kimmela Center for Animal Advocacy. www.kimmela.org - Samantha

Do you think people are becoming more aware of the troubles regarding whale captivity, or do you think they are just as ignorant as ever. I remember Ric O'Barry said once that a dolphin's smile is one of the most deceptive things in the world, because they interact and enjoy being around with people at marine parks, is that also the case for killer whales?

Sometimes we can meet the needs of these animals. Because we have very genuine relationships with these animals, there are times that they truly enjoy the interaction, but not all the time. There is still a lot of boredom and stress, because we cannot meet their needs all the time. - John

Tilikum was a transient Orca. Transients are know to attack mammals while resident Orcas primary feed on fish. Do you feel resident orcas are safer of the two groups?

Some of the most dangerous orcas were actually born at SeaWorld - Orchid and Taima come to mind specifically. - Samantha

All orcas are dangerous animals. - John

Tilikum was not a transient orca, he is a resident. - Samantha

Do you feel that the events in the movie are solely an issue with SeaWorld or do you think any zoos that contain orcas would have these problems?

It is an artifact of captivity. All facilities are inadequate to meet the needs of killer whales. - Samantha

How did the film come about? Were you guys approached by the filmmakers to give interviews? What reasons did they give for wanting to make the film?

Thanks! Can't wait to watch; it looks great.

The film came about after Dawn Brancheau's death. Tim Zimmerman wrote an article for Outside Magazine that the director, Gabriela Cowperthwaite, read after she had taken her kids to SeaWorld and she decided to make a movie based on what she read in his article and also to try and answer the question, "Why would a killer whale who has been portrayed as friendly turn on its trainer of 16 years?" We were both approached by the filmmakers to participate in the movie. We did not know what the final result would look like, but felt that we need to tell our stories. - John and Samantha

I bet these animals are seen by a vet way before most children are seen by their pediatricians in this country. Their trainers put their hearts and energy into enriching the lives of each of the animals there. The vet staff has developed vaccines, brought in specialists to advance their care to new levels. Sea World rescues and rehabs hundreds of animals with the know they have learned from having animals in their care. Fish and Wildlife would be at a tremendous loss without their know how and ability to provide critical as well as long term care. If you two worked there you know this. Will any of this be portrayed in the documentary?

Without a doubt SeaWorld has the most money and the largest facilities in the world, and with that brings top notch veterinarian care. There are some good things regarding rescue and rehab that SeaWorld does participate in however, the bottom line here is that this is not enough and these whales needs are not being fully met. From working with these whales every day for years, I can tell you exactly what those whales get an what they don't get that are necessary. - John

Killer whales are worth millions of dollars so of course the company protects its assets. - Samantha

In the trailer it talks about how the whales are kept in darkness, did you notice any difference from when traing began till they became aggresive

All of the whales of potential to be aggressive. What you are referring to happened Sea Land of the Pacific in Victoria. - John and Samantha

Hi, I'm a huge supporter of whale and dolphin rights regarding captivity, which leads me to ask: did Louie Psihoyos have any involvement in making this documentary? If so what was he like? And do you have any idea how his next documentary "The Singing Planet" is coming along?

Louie is a supporter of the film, but did not participate in the making of BLACKFISH. His next documentary is coming along well, he is still working on it. Visit The Cove on Facebook to find out more: https://www.facebook.com/TheCove

What's the ethetic argument for capturing animals and training them to perform? Should we just leave them alone and find entertainment elsewhere?

SeaWorld's argument is that people need to see these animals up close to love them, but kids all over the world love dinosaurs and no one has ever seen a live one. - Samantha

How did you start as Trainers and what made you quit that and become activists instead?

I was 20 years old in 1993 at SeaWorld in Texas. Since I was 6 years old and saw a killer whale show that is what I wanted to do. - John

I started at SeaWorld in February of 1990 when I was 22 years old. I have an animal science degree from Cornell University. I can remember wanting to be a dolphin trainer back when I was a little kid watching Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom and the Under Sea World of Jacques Cousteau. - Samantha

The catalyst for me leaving was the way that SeaWorld handled Alexis Martinez and Dawn Brancheau's deaths. Also how SeaWorld testified that they had no knowledge that we had a dangerous job in the OSHA hearings. I'm still very close with some trainers who are still at SeaWorld. There were multiple events that happened that we kept from the public. - John

I left in August of 1993, not due to a specific event but because i thought i could help the animals more by becoming a veterinarian or using my behavioral knowledge to design better facilities. I have note been contacted by SeaWorld since leaving. Like John, I saw many things that were covered up. For example, we had 4 false killer whales at the whale and dolphin stadium fro the drive fishery (The Cove) and I didn't know while i was working there. - Samantha

what is "the drive fishery"?

The drive fishery is detailed in the movie 'The Cove'. It takes place in Japan, where dolphins and whales are driven into coves via boats and brutally slaughtered for their meat and the best looking animals are purchased for marine parks and aquariums all over the world. It is the money generated by the performance animals that perpetuates the slaughter. - Samantha

Samantha how long ago did you work there? Do you think advancements in the level of care could have greatly improved since then?

I worked there from February 1990-August 1993 (3.5 years). I know that there is more knowledge out there about how to take care of killer whales, but the facilities were built between the mid 80s/early 90s at all 3 Shamu stadiums, and those have not been upgraded since I left. There are also more whales now, so the size of the facilities is still willfully inadequate. -Samantha

Are the Orcas kept in a perpetual state of starvation to encourage them to perform the stunts in order to receive nourishment?

They are not in a state of starvation. You don't want to be working with killer whales that are in a hungry state. We would spread their food out throughout the day and remove the focus from the food. We would condition the whales to not focus on the food because they would get their full base of food by the end of the day regardless of poor behavior - John

Hi, I'm 22, living in Belgium and ever since I was a child I am fascinated by ocean wildlife and especially killer whales. When I saw a video of the Shamu Believe show with al these acrobatic stunts I starred my eyes out. How do you get these large intelligent animals to perform on this level? Are they sometimes forced in any other way?

Physically we cannot force them to do anything, but they are so smart that you can really teach these whales anything because they are so intelligent. Your job as a good trainer is to make everything you ask them to do or need to be fun and reinforcing. - John

Whales were forced to separate from each other either for shows or breeding, or taking moms away from babies against their will, sometimes by using nets or by holding back food. - Samantha

Do Killer whales have the mental capacity to be bored? I understand trauma and treatment and how that can very well lead to the "psychosis" described in the doc, but are they that advanced where they can form resentment against us? The paradox is mind boggling and I am extremely excited to see this film. Hats off to you guys and I hope the word spreads and society becomes more aware. I think that's ultimately the problem.

Yes, killer whales have the mental capacity to be bored. I have, through all the years of working with whales, seen them exhibit all human-like emotions even though from a scientific stand point we are taught not to anthropomorphize (attribute human emotions to whales). - John and Samantha

If there was one thing you could convey to all the trainers still working in Marine Parks, what would it be?

I know why they are there. The same reason that I was there and Sam was there. It is because we love those whales and want the best life possible for them. The trainers know that what those whales are getting is not enough and that SeaWorld specifically has the financial resources to do better. - John

Everyone who works as an animal trainer has seen things about how the animals are taken care of that is questionable and I encourage everyone to see what your heart tells you about where these animals truly belong. - Samantha

With so much focused on the negative, could you please tell us what did you like about working with the animals? And maybe a bit about what SeaWorld may have been doing right (if anything at all)?

It was about building the relationship with those whales. It was a privilege to be able to build relationships with and swim with those whales that are so majestic and intelligent. The relationships I had with those whales, I will carry with me my entire life. - John

SeaWorld does a great job rehabilitating injured manatees and sea turtles. They have some really good rides. - Samantha

Samantha & John, do you guys regret having worked with this species at a certain point or you don't?? And do you think the movie can make some kind of impact in young generations that dream about training orcas?? You are now anti captivity? You are againts captivity by the accidents, or because you think animals just belong to freedom and not confined?

I do not regret having worked with these whales, I feel it was a privilege to build relationships with the whales. This movie is already making an impact in young generations that want to train orcas. I am not against captivity because of accidents, it is because I want these animals to have better lives. - John

What eventually caused you both to leave your positions? I'm assuming there were always ups and downs, but was there a "straw that broke the camels back" for either of you?

The catalyst for me leaving was the way that SeaWorld handled Alexis Martinez and Dawn Brancheau's deaths. Also how SeaWorld testified that they had no knowledge that we had a dangerous job in the OSHA hearings. I'm still very close with some trainers who are still at SeaWorld. There were multiple events that happened that we kept from the public. - John

I left in August of 1993, not due to a specific event but because i thought i could help the animals more by becoming a veterinarian or using my behavioral knowledge to design better facilities. I have note been contacted by SeaWorld since leaving. Like John, I saw many things that were covered up. For example, we had 4 false killer whales at the whale and dolphin stadium fro the drive fishery (The Cove) and I didn't know while i was working there. - Samantha

Why are these animals living longer than typical life expectancies?

They are not living longer than typical life expectancies. That is a false narrative put out by SeaWorld. Read the paper "Keto and Tilikum Express the Stress of Captivity" by John Jett, PhD and Dr. Jeffery Ventre, which demonstrates that the average lifespan of killer whales in captivity whether born or captured is about 10 years vs anywhere from 50-80 years in the wild. - Samantha

http://theorcaproject.wordpress.com/2011/01/20/keto-tilikum-express-stress-of-orca-captivity/

Do you worry that this movie will villify Orca's in the media the way Jaws did with sharks? There has never been an incident of an Orca killing anyone in the wild. What impact do you think this movie might have on the public's opinion of Orcas outside of captivity?

Not at all. It is a very sympathetic portrayal of killer whales and their plight in captivity. By the end of the movie, you will feel just as much compassion for the whales as you do for the people involved in the accidents. The film shows very clearly how much the whales mean to us as trainers. - John and Samantha

Does SeaWorld routinely supplement the "restaurant" quality frozen fish with fresh water to give the animals an adequate supply of fresh water?

Different parks have different veterinarians and each park's vets approach this issue differently. For example, in California squid was a part of the whale's diet, specifically for hydration and i know that Florida uses gelatin. Sometimes when animals are sick and dehydrated, trainers could be asked to inject more water in the fish at the Orlando park. - John and Samantha