Horrifying moment huge orca leaped out of the water bodyslamming SeaWorld trainer
A shocking incident from the past has resurfaced online, depicting the terrifying moment a massive orca leaped out of the water to collide with SeaWorld trainer John Sillick. The distressing footage, recently reposted on social media, captures the 12,000-pound male orca named Orky bodyslamming Sillick during a performance at the San Diego park.
Sillick, who had been executing impressive tricks, including midair dives off the female killer whale Corky’s nose, faced tragedy when he attempted a reverse ride on Corky while holding her dorsal fin. Orky leaped out of the water, crashing onto Sillick and Corky, submerging them entirely.
Although Sillick survived the ordeal, the November 1987 incident left him with severe injuries, including a fractured pelvis, femur, and ribs, ultimately confining him to a wheelchair.
Animal behaviorist and marine mammal trainer Karen Pryor, commenting on the incident in a December 1987 Los Angeles Times article, suggested that Orky’s behavior might have been driven by anger or jealousy. She emphasized the importance of understanding animal cues and avoiding situations that could provoke aggression.
This incident was not an isolated occurrence, and subsequent close calls between trainers and orcas led to the tragic death of Dawn Brancheau in 2010 when she was dragged beneath the water by an orca named Tilikum.
In response to these incidents, SeaWorld implemented safety measures, including the cessation of trainers riding whales and staying out of the water altogether during performances. Shows involving such interactions were also discontinued to prevent similar incidents.
A SeaWorld spokesperson provided reassurance, stating that trainers have not been in the water with killer whales since 2012. They emphasized the commitment to providing top-notch medical care for the animals and highlighted the positive reinforcement sessions and various activities aimed at ensuring the well-being of the killer whales in their care. Additionally, SeaWorld asserted that studies conducted by their scientists and third-party organizations contribute to the global understanding of and efforts to protect whales in the wild.