As a trainer of marine mammals, I am horrified by what happened at SeaWorld. However, I am not surprised. Orcas (which are NOT whales, by the way, they are a very large dolphin) are extremely aggressive and unpredictable by nature and they are the only animal that I would never choose to work with. To think you can change inherant personality just because they are in captivity is insane. SeaWorld knew when they received Tillicum that he had a history and I feel that they never should have allowed him to perform. Take care of him, teach others the importance of preserving our oceans for these beautiful animals - yes - but have Tillicum perform? I think it was very irresponsible. Again, that is the owners of the parks fault, not the trainers. Every trainer knows that there is inherant danger, but we get so used to working with our respective animals that it's very easy for us to forget just how quickly things can change. My heart goes out to the trainer, her family, friends and all of those poor witnesses to the tragedy.