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Eyewitness footage shows an orca being attacked by another killer whale at SeaWorld.
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After the footage was released, PETA asked the USDA to investigate SeaWorld.
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SeaWorld described the behavior as normal, adding that it was “rake tagging”.
Eyewitness footage from a SeaWorld visitor shows an orca violently attacking another killer whale on August 5, prompting PETA to file a complaint with the US Department of Agriculture.
The person who recorded the footage told PETA that everyone “immediately saw blood soaking in the water” at the San Diego, Calif., amusement park, which made their nine-year-old child cry.
The eyewitness also said people could see bite marks and wounds on one side of the injured orca. “Every two seconds, two more orcas would jump out of the water to continue attacking the injured orca,” the eyewitness said, according to a PETA press release.
In the video, which PETA shared with Insider, an orca can be seen attempting to beach itself to get away from its attacker. A child can be heard saying, “How is he still alive? I thought they were kissing, not fighting.”
Following the release of the footage, PETA filed a complaint with the USDA. The complaint asks the USDA to investigate SeaWorld, citing animal welfare concerns. He asks the agency to “ensure that all animals at SeaWorld receive adequate veterinary care, space, shelter, food and water” and are treated in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act. .
PETA said in a statement that it was a warning to families to stay away from any park that “traps killer whales or other animals.”
SeaWorld did not immediately respond to Insider’s request for comment, but according to local news outlet KPBS, the company said PETA’s attack was “misleading.”
KPBS reported that SeaWorld described the behavior as normal, adding that it was “rake marking” – when killer whales run their teeth over their skin.
SeaWorld’s treatment of captive killer whales drew attention after the release of the 2013 documentary film “Blackfish.”
Read the original Insider article
