Guest violently attacked during dolphin show at SeaWorld, suffered “serious injuries”

A guest is suing SeaWorld Orlando over an attack that occurred during the dolphin show.

Animals have long played a crucial role in SeaWorld’s success – and also its fiercest criticism. For decades, SeaWorld Orlando, SeaWorld San Diego (the OG park) and SeaWorld San Antonio have relied on killer whales and dolphins to attract guests wanting to see marine mammals up close.

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Of course, all this has changed since the release of Blackfish (2013). The documentary examines the controversial captivity of orcas at SeaWorld, focusing on Tilikum, a killer whale involved in three of the four fatal attacks by orcas on humans, including SeaWorld Orlando trainer Dawn Brancheau. The film examines the psychological and physical effects on orcas and the ethical concerns surrounding their treatment in marine parks.

Blackfish The documentary had a significant impact on SeaWorld’s operations, leading to a major public outcry over animal care and declining visitor numbers. The documentary prompted changes in company practices, including ending the orca breeding program and theatrical performances. It also sparked debates about animal rights and influenced legislation protecting marine mammals in captivity.

Since then, the parks have become less reliant on their marine mammals – including dolphins. However, they can still be found at every SeaWorld park (including the newest location, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi on the emirate’s Yas Island) and appear in shows such as those at Dolphin Adventures at SeaWorld Orlando.

The latter has caused controversy in the park this week – but for once it has nothing to do with the actual dolphins.

Solian Dhembi of Clay County is suing SeaWorld Orlando after she was attacked during the May 2023 show. She suffered “serious injuries” in the “brutal attack” (the details of which are not detailed in the lawsuit) and argues that theme park employees failed to intervene or prevent the attack. Dhembi is suing SeaWorld Orlando for negligence and is seeking over $50,000 in damages.

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“(SeaWorld) knew … or should have known that numerous crimes, including violent crimes, had occurred on or near the property in the months and years immediately preceding May 21, 2023,” the lawsuit states.

Dhembi claims the park should have had regular security personnel on site patrolling the premises or there should have been more security personnel.

This isn’t the first controversial headline about SeaWorld safety in recent memory. In June, Lynn The Mime – who has performed at SeaWorld Orlando for 36 years – announced he would no longer perform at the Florida theme park after being abruptly fired following an altercation with SeaWorld security.

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“The argument started when Lynn was riding his bike to work, through the park to his dressing room,” claimed @StreamingMagic on X (formerly known as Twitter). “This is something he’s been doing for years. However, this particular security guard wouldn’t allow it and told Lynn he wasn’t allowed to ride his bike through the park to his dressing room.”

They further stated that after Lynn asked for an explanation as to why he was suddenly not allowed to ride his bike (he had read the rule book and found nothing of the sort), the security guard “went to Human Resources and claimed that Lynn had verbally abused him and thrown his bike, which Lynn denies.” He was later “fired without being called to Human Resources to tell his side of the story.”

Do you think safety measures at Central Florida theme parks are sufficient?