Miami Seaquarium Dolphin Attacks Trainer in Front of Terrified Families; Ex-Veterinarian Says It's Not an Isolated Incident
A Miami Seaquarium dolphin has gone rogue, diverting from its practiced choreography before attacking its trainer in front of watching families.
According to Daily Mail, one audience has captured the incident on film, with Sundance, the 23-year-old dolphin, turning violent in front of young children and families during the Flipper show on Saturday.
The footage was posted on TikTok by photographer Shannon Carpenter. In the video, the angry dolphin can be seen lunging at a trainer swimming in the water.
Two other performers were also seen racing out of the pool as the dolphin tried to attack two more times, pushing the woman back as she tried to swim to the pool's edge.
As the trainer made her way to the dock and pulled herself out of the water, the audience could be heard breathing a sigh of relief. Another trainer can be seen kneeling down next to her to check her out.
In comments on his TikTok post, Carpenter said the ambulance took the trainer away shortly after the show. He noted that the attack took place some 10 minutes into the 30-minute show.
@scphoto_ky A dolphin trainer was just attacked by Flipper. Police just arrived. :( #dolphinattack #miami #seaquarium ♬ original sound - SCPhoto_KY
Carpenter said one could tell that the trainer was in some type of pain while the children watching were thinking, "this was neat." She added that one could tell that the adults knew something was wrong.
Miami Seaquarium issued a statement addressing the incident, saying that the dolphin and trainer "accidentally" collided in the water while performing a routine choreography as part of the Flipper show.
"This was an uncomfortable interaction for both of them and the dolphin reacted by breaking away from the routine and striking the trainer," the Mexican-based Seaquarium noted.
It added that the Miami-Dade County safety authorities were contacted as a precaution.
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Former Veterinarian Says Recent Dolphin Attack Not an Isolated Incident
Dr. Jenna Wallace, a former veterinarian at Miami Seaquarium, noted that there was no accidental collision, and this was "aggression," according to Local 10 News.
Wallace said the trainer was likely launched out of the water and was probably rammed by the animal's rostrum. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to the scene after the trainer, Alexandria Barry, 28, was finally able to swim to the dock.
Wallace said several sources told her that Barry did have fractured ribs, but she still cannot confirm that report. The former veterinarian noted that Sundance, who struck Barry, has apparently done the same thing before.
Wallace noted that previous veterinarians and staff told her that Sundance had rammed another trainer in the abdomen. The former veterinarian said there is always some underlying issue when dolphins become aggressive. Wallace said it was mismanagement of the animals that probably caused it.
"I've heard that the diets were significantly lowered, and the amount of interactions were increased... If that is the case, then that's pretty concerning," Wallace told Local 10 News.
PETA Wants Miami Seaquarium to Close
The animal welfare activist organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has called for an end to this operation.
PETA noted that time is up for the Miami Seaquarium, noting that "long-suffering dolphins" need protection and workers are at risk, according to WSVN News.
The park's new owners announced in March to end the shows with its aging orca Lolita while promising a new beginning for the Seaquarium.
This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Mary Webber
WATCH: Dolphin Attack Trainer During Show at Miami Seaquarium - From WPLG Local 10