Dawn Brancheau facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dawn Brancheau
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Brancheau working at SeaWorld Orlando in 2006
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| Born |
Dawn Therese LoVerde
April 16, 1969 Cedar Lake, Indiana, U.S.
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| Died | February 24, 2010 (aged 40) Orlando, Florida, U.S.
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| Resting place | Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Worth Township, Illinois, U.S. |
| Alma mater | University of South Carolina |
| Occupation | SeaWorld trainer |
| Years active | 1994–2010 |
| Spouse(s) |
Scott Brancheau
(m. 1996–2010) |
Dawn Therese Brancheau (born LoVerde, April 16, 1969 – February 24, 2010) was an amazing animal trainer at SeaWorld. She worked with orcas, also known as killer whales, at SeaWorld Orlando for 15 years. She even helped create new parts of the famous Shamu show and was a well-known face for SeaWorld. Sadly, she passed away in 2010 after an incident with an orca named Tilikum. Tilikum had also been involved in two other incidents.
Dawn's Life and Career
Dawn Therese LoVerde was born in Cedar Lake, Indiana. She was the youngest of six children. During a family trip to Orlando, she decided she wanted to become a Shamu trainer. She studied psychology and animal behavior at the University of South Carolina.
Outside of work, she loved animals. She volunteered at an animal shelter and had many pets. These included two Labradors, ducks, chickens, rabbits, and small birds.
Before SeaWorld, Dawn worked with dolphins at Six Flags Great Adventure for two years. In 1994, she started her career at SeaWorld Orlando. She first worked with otters and sea lions. In 1996, she began working with orcas. That same year, she married Scott Brancheau, who was a SeaWorld stunt water skier.
Dawn was very fit and strong. In 2000, she talked on TV about how important it was to stay in shape for her job. She ran marathons, cycled, and lifted weights. In 2006, her work with orcas was highlighted. She played a big part in updating the Shamu show. Dawn knew there were dangers when working so closely with orcas. As a senior trainer, she performed in many SeaWorld shows. The way trainers interacted with orcas was a main attraction at SeaWorld.
She was even featured on SeaWorld billboards around Orlando. Dawn also appeared in an episode of the TV show Fetch! With Ruff Ruffman.
The Incident
On February 24, 2010, Dawn Brancheau was performing a 'Dine with Shamu' show. This show allowed guests to eat while watching the orca perform. At the end of the show, Dawn was at the edge of the pool. She was rubbing Tilikum's head while lying on a "slide-out." This is a platform that is just a little bit underwater. Tilikum suddenly pulled her into the water. The incident was recorded. Some people who saw it said Tilikum grabbed her by her ponytail or shoulder. The orca pulled her underwater very quickly.
Dawn Brancheau was buried at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Worth Township, Cook County, Illinois.
About Blackfish
Dawn's death became a main topic in the documentary film Blackfish. This movie questions keeping orcas in captivity. Her death started a big conversation about this issue across the country. The director, Gabriela Cowperthwaite, felt there was more to the story than just Tilikum grabbing Dawn's ponytail.
Dawn's family has said they are happy the film brought attention to animal welfare. However, they also said that "Blackfish is not Dawn's story." They felt that "A human life was lost that day, and it feels as though some believe her death was just a footnote." They also added that Dawn "would not have remained a trainer at SeaWorld for 15 years if she felt that the whales were not well cared for."
The Dawn Brancheau Foundation
After Dawn's passing, her family created the Dawn Brancheau Foundation. This foundation helps children and animals in need. It also encourages others to follow their dreams. The foundation promotes the importance of helping the community.
