Shamu Show Resumes As Thousands Cheer
Trainers are not allowed in the tank until a report on Wednesday's tragedy is completed.
William Bridgewater
A shot of a San Diego SeaWorld show sent in by a visitor
Killer whales performed at SeaWorld in Orlando today for the first time since Wednesday, when an orca named Tilikum thrashed and drowned a trainer in front of a horrified audience.
A park spokesman says 2,200 people braved chilly, wet conditions at the park to watch the outdoor Shamu show "Believe," a show the park describes as "accentuating the close relationship SeaWorld trainers have with the killer whales." Trainers were given a standing ovation as they approached the stage to perform.
"I just wanted to be here for this show. It's so special," said season pass-holder Russell Thomphsen. "This touches so many lives."
Despite the cheering, enthusiastic audience, the show wasn't the same. Officials ruled out any in-tank play for humans at all of the three SeaWorld parks while they await a full report from the fatal incident Wednesday, so trainers directed the orcas from platforms rather than enter the water to perform the tricks for which they and the whales are famous.
"They looked like they were being very careful," reported Molly Geislinger, who was visiting the park from Minneapolis. "They looked very cautious today."
The show also opened with a photo montague memorial to fallen trainer Dawn Brancheau as several of her former colleagues wept, a tribute that will be repeated at all of today's shows.
"It was very moving," said Geislinger.
Tilikum, the only mature breeding male orca at SeaWorld, was not included in the show. SeaWorld intends to keep him.
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