Dolphin Bites Girl at Sea World
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| Mon, 12-03-2012 - 11:36am |
An 8 year-old girl was bitten by a dolphin at Sea World, and her parents are sharing the video to show other parents what could happen. The girl had just finished feeding the dolphins when she lifted up her paper plate to show her mother it was empty when one of the dolphins jumped out of the water and bit the girl's hand and arm. Visitors are warned NOT to lift or move the plate because it could attract the dolphins who don't understand that the plate doesn't have fish on it anymore.
The video and entire story are here: http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2012/12/02/dolphin-bites-8-year-old-girl-florida-seaworld
I think the parents are doing a good thing by putting this out there to remind people why these rules are in place. I don't think the park is to blame here. I can easily see my own 8 year-old easily forgetting the rule too.
Have you ever fed the dolphins at Sea World? Do you think this story would prevent you from wanting to try it?

We never did it at Sea World. However, we did a dolphin training program in Cozumel last year.
We did feed the dolphins, and learned how to get them to do tricks. My daughter Makayla was actually afraid to go into the tank once she saw how many teeth they have, so in our pics her father is always right by her side.
I have to admit, the dolphins were very gentle. However, when you mix children with animals of any kind (my other DD Madison was mauled pretty bad by a friend's dog when she was 3) things can go wrong.
My daughters have asked to go back to do the dolphin trainer program again for their 10th birthday, and while I realize the dolphin wasn't trying to hurt anyone, it does make me hesitant. My thoughts/fears may be clouded by what Madison went through. . . .