SeaWorld Orlando Fined $16,000 After Trainer was Injured in Training with Killer Whale

A SeaWorld Orlando trainer was injured by a killer whale during a training exercise in September 2024. An investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor found the trainer was not properly protected from such hazards, leading to OSHA proposing a $16,500 fine against the theme park. 

The fine was announced on Friday in a news release from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). 

The release does not detail the extent of the injuries or how the injury occurred. 

OSHA issued a general duty clause serious citation when allowing employees to work in contact with killer whales, “exposing them to potential for bites, struck-by, and drowning hazards.”

SeaWorld has 15 days to respond and can comply and pay the fine, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before an independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

SeaWorld has been considered controversial to some animal rights groups after being the subject of other safety concerns over the years. The most notable OSHA investigation on SeaWorld was in 2010 when Dawn Brancheau lost her life after being dragged by male killer whale Tilikum. 

OSHA inspection reports show SeaWorld has been the subject of seven safety investigations since 2017.