Killer Whale Bit SeaWorld Orlando Trainer, Broke Bones: Report

ORLANDO, FL — A trainer at SeaWorld of Orlando was seriously injured last year when they were bitten by a killer whale while attempting to rinse the whale's mouth, according to an Occupational Safety and Health Administration report recently obtained by WKMG.

The incident happened on June 13, 2022, at the park located at 7007 Sea Harbor Dr., according to the report.

Officials noted that a trainer was attempting to clear food and debris from the mouth of Malia, a 15-year-old female orca that resides at the park's performance pool. According to the report, the trainer used a pressurized spray wand to rinse Malia's mouth but "went within less than 3-foot stay away rule by moving their right hand across the plane of Malia's mouth."

According to the report, Malia unexpectedly closed her mouth with the trainer's hand still in it. The report stated she immediately opened her mouth again once she felt resistance.

The trainer was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where they underwent surgery to repair multiple right forearm and wrist fractures, the report stated.

No federal citations were issued following the incident, according to the report. Safety officials instructed SeaWorld of Orlando to purchase a longer spray wand and train employees on the updated procedure, the report said.

According to WKMG, the incident was the first since 2010, when trainer Dawn Brancheau was killed by a 12,000-pound orca named Tilikum. Brancheau was rubbing the animal when he grabbed her ponytail and pulled her into the water in front of about 20 spectators, WKMG reported.

A medical examiner said Brancheau likely died of traumatic injuries and drowning, reports said.