Miami Seaquarium trainer attacked by a dolphin during a live show
A routine show at Miami Seaquarium went wrong Saturday with a trainer being attacked by Sundance, a dolphin, in front of a live audience.
Sundance and her trainer partner were having a normal day as they demonstrated their practiced moves during the Flipper Show at the Seaquarium, 4400 Rickenbacker Causeway.
During the show, the trainer accidentally scratched Sundance with her hand, the Seaquarium said.
“This was undoubtedly painful to Sundance...,” the Seaquarium said in a statement. “The collision between Sundance and the trainer was something that has never happened before to either of them.”
After the scratch, Sundance broke away from the routine, swam toward the trainer and struck her. The trainer and Sundance are “recovering well”, it is not clear the extent of their injuries.
The Seaquarium said the show is being reviewed, “Adjustments to protocol for trainers and dolphins alike will minimize the chance of future accidents.”
“Since taking over management of Miami Seaquarium four weeks ago, we have been evaluating and improving all aspects of our facilities and operations,” said Travis Burke, North America executive director for The Dolphin Company. “Two or our most experienced Dolphin Company corporate trainers are on-site working with the dedicated team here, and we are also consulting daily with the world’s foremost experts in marine mammal care.”
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