Good book that reveals the horrors of orcas in captivity. SeaWorld is definitely the villi an here. ( )

This book was heartbreaking, and a powerful call for change. You can tell how much he loves those orcas, and the parts where he talks about them in the wild was fascinating. I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in marine biology, or animal rights. ( )

The author strikes the perfect balance among personal reminiscence, scientific fact, and job procedural. And what a job—swimming with these magnificent animals. However, the orca trainer-turned-activist shares the dark side of corporate management of animal performers, and makes a strong case against keeping any orcas in captivity. In particular, he gives a trainer’s view of several tragic orca attacks on humans: and runs afoul of SeaWorld as a result. ( )

Have you watched the movie Blackfish? Do you like orca whales? Have you been to SeaWorld? If your answer to any of these questions is yes then this is a book for you! As a lover of all marine animals, especially whales and dolphins, and having been to SeaWorld a few years back, I decided just based off the description of this book that I should give it a shot. This book is very eye-opening. Before reading this book, I had no idea about the harsh reality that SeaWorld marine life lives in. Author, John Hargrove, worked as a orca trainer for over decade before leaving due to injuries sustained while working with the whales. Going into his job, he believed that SeaWorld was doing a wonderful thing for conservation and teaching park visitors about the whales, but by the time he left his view points had changed drastically, and he eventually did interviews and appeared in the movie Blackfish. This book talks about the differences between wild and captive orcas, their living conditions, the whales' psychology and behaviors,l and eventually about what SeaWorld's actual goals behind the parks are. After reading this book, I do feel very differently about the marine parks and will be watching Blackfish as soon as I can!

Heather B. / Marathon County Public Library
Find this book in our library catalog.

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If you don't like this book because you think we should keep big fucking animals in a tiny fucking tank then you are a dick.

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