The video captured a scary moment between a dolphin and a trainer at the Miami Marine Aquarium over the weekend, CBS Miami reported.
It happened on Saturday in front of a crowd during a performance of the Flipper Dolphin Show. A video from a mobile phone shows the coach struggling to stay afloat while the Sundance dolphin drags her underwater and then pushes her forward.
Seaquarium has completed its investigation, which found that the coach accidentally scratched Sundance with her hand.
According to Seaquarium, it was probably painful for the dolphin and he broke away and then swam back to the trainer.
“A dolphin and a trainer accidentally collided in the water on Saturday while performing routine behavior as part of the Flipper Show. It was an awkward interaction for both of them and the dolphin reacted by breaking away from the routine and hitting the coach,” the Miami Seaquarium said in a statement.
The coach, who was not seriously injured, managed to get out of the water.
“Our family also includes the animals who take care of us, our team members and our guests. “Although no serious injuries are visible, close monitoring and follow-up assessments will ensure the best care for all,” the statement said.
The dolphin was not injured.
PETA, which has been trying for years to get Seaquarium to release killer whale Lolita, has condemned the incident.
“Time is running out for the Miami Marine Aquarium, where long-suffering dolphins are in desperate need of protection and workers are at risk. PETA is urging this “abusive” park to stop exploiting dolphins by taking them to shelters as soon as possible so that they are never used in nasty shows again and no one else will be hurt, “the statement said. PETA Foundation Adviser on Animal Rights Jared Goodman.
Earlier this month, Lolita retired after being exposed and performing for nearly 50 years.
USDA provided MS Leisure Company Inc. – owner of the Miami Seaquarium – an exhibition license, provided that it no longer shows Lolita and Lee, white-sided dolphins.
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