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Credit: SeaWorldA guest is suing SeaWorld Orlando over an attack that happened during its dolphin show.
Animals have long played a critical part in SeaWorld’s success – and in their deepest criticisms. For decades, SeaWorld Orlando, SeaWorld San Diego (which is the OG park), and SeaWorld San Antonio have relied on the likes of killer whales and dolphins to bring in guests keen to see marine mammals up close.
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Of course, this has all changed since the release of Blackfish (2013). The documentary investigates the controversial captivity of orcas at SeaWorld, focusing on Tilikum, a killer whale involved in three of the four fatal orca attacks on humans, including SeaWorld Orlando trainer Dawn Brancheau. The film explores the psychological and physical impacts on orcas and the ethical concerns surrounding their treatment in marine parks.
Blackfish significantly impacted SeaWorld operations, leading to widespread public outcry over animal care and declining attendance. The documentary prompted changes in corporate practices, including the end of its orca breeding program and theatrical shows. It has also sparked debates on animal rights and influenced legislation aimed at protecting marine mammals in captivity.
Since then, the parks have relied increasingly less on its marine mammals – including dolphins. However, they can still be found at every SeaWorld park (including the newest location, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi on the Emirate’s Yas Island), performing in shows such as those at SeaWorld Orlando’s Dolphin Adventures.
The latter has sparked controversy at the park this week – but for once, it has nothing to do with the actual dolphins.
Solian Dhembi of Clay County is suing SeaWorld Orlando after being assaulted during the show in May 2023. Having suffered “serious injuries” in the “brutal attack” (the specifics of which aren’t clarified in the lawsuit), she argues that the theme park’s employees failed to intervene or prevent the attack. Dhembi is suing SeaWorld Orlando for negligence and seeks over $50,000 in damages.
Related: Is SeaWorld Getting Rid of Its Killer Whales?
“(SeaWorld) knew… or should have known, that numerous crimes, including crimes of violence, had occurred on or near the premises during the months and years immediately preceding May 21, 2023,” the lawsuit states.
Dhembi claims that the park should have had security frequently patrolling the premises or had more security staff.
This isn’t the first controversial headline about SeaWorld security lately. In June, Lynn The Mime – who has performed at SeaWorld Orlando for 36 years – revealed that he would no longer perform at the Florida theme park after being abruptly terminated following an altercation with SeaWorld security.
“The dispute started when Lynn was riding his bike into work, through the park to his dressing room,” @StreamingMagic claimed on X (formerly known as Twitter). “This is something he has done for years. This particular security guard though was not having it and told Lynn he could not ride his bike through the park to his dressing room.”
They went on to explain that after Lynn asked for clarification as to why suddenly he could not ride his bike (having read the rule book and found nothing of the sort), the security guard “went to HR and claimed Lynn cursed at him and threw his bike which Lynn denies.” He was later “fired without being called into HR to be allowed to share his side of the story.”
Do you think security does enough at Central Florida’s theme parks?