Seaworld was punished by the US Ministry of Labor after an employee was injured by a killer whale last year.
The Ministry of Labor said that the employee was violated in September 2024 during a training course with the Orca in Orlando Park.
An investigation of the incident by the occupational safety authority (OSHA) showed that the trainer “was not properly protected against dangers,” said official.
The Osha gave a “general service clause serious citation for the enabling employees to work in close contact with the whale and to expose them to the potential for bites, beaten and drowning dangers.”
The department proposed a fine of 16,550 US dollars.
Seaworld has 15 working days to apply for an informal conference with Osha's regional manager or to contest the results before the independent occupational safety and health review commission.
For years, Seaworld has been suspended in strong criticism of security concerns for her trainers and the treatment of his aquatic animals, especially his caught killer whales. Several trainers had been killed during the collaboration with the Orcas, with the whales recommending the Osha for swimming at the whales.