SeaWorld San Diego Cited Over Orca Worker Safety
SAN DIEGO (AP) — SeaWorld San Diego has been cited for failing to train workers to safely interact with its killer whales.
UT San Diego reports that the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health issued four citations this week that carry nearly $26,000 in fines.
The citations say the park hasn't kept employees aware of hazards involving the orcas. They say employees ride and swim with killer whales in the park's medical pool, although keepers aren't allowed in the Shamu Stadium pool during orca shows.
SeaWorld plans to appeal. It says the citations show a "fundamental misunderstanding" of what's needed to safely care for orcas.
SeaWorld has battled negative publicity since the 2013 documentary "Blackfish" suggested the treatment of captive orcas provokes violent behavior.
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