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255 reviews for:
Beneath the Surface: Killer Whales, Seaworld, and the Truth Beyond Blackfish
Howard Chua-Eoan, John Hargrove
4.21 AVERAGE
255 reviews for:
Beneath the Surface: Killer Whales, Seaworld, and the Truth Beyond Blackfish
Howard Chua-Eoan, John Hargrove
4.21 AVERAGE
dark
informative
sad
fast-paced
I'm so glad I decided to read this. I was really moved by the documentary, Blackfish, and thought it would be a great follow up and read up on the thoughts and experiences from the trainers at Seaworld. It did not disappoint and, because of this, I'm looking forward to get my hands on David Kirby's [b:Death at SeaWorld: Shamu and the Dark Side of Killer Whales in Captivity|12799562|Death at SeaWorld Shamu and the Dark Side of Killer Whales in Captivity|David Kirby|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1440100806s/12799562.jpg|17947873], at some point.
Hargrove is very compelling in his account of his years working his way up from an apprentice trainer to senior trainer. From being a loyal Seaworld supporter to avid advocate.
I enjoyed the insights into the procedures that go into handling the orcas, especially since I, for many years, entertained the thought of becoming a marinebiologist and maybe working in parks similar to Seaworld.
My only "negative" thoughts on the book are:
1) The weird jumps in time and the resulting repetitions, but that might just be a result of me not being used to reading memoirs.
2) Not sure I quite agree with Hargrove's view of PETA, what little he talks about it at the end of the book. The documentation I've seen about the organisation doesn't really paint it as the best animal rights group out there (yikes, really).
It is definitely worth a read! I recommend watching Blackfish first, though. It helps with understanding certain parts, for example some of the court cases are talked about a bit more in depth, than in the book, with direct quotes from the proceedings.
Hargrove is very compelling in his account of his years working his way up from an apprentice trainer to senior trainer. From being a loyal Seaworld supporter to avid advocate.
I enjoyed the insights into the procedures that go into handling the orcas, especially since I, for many years, entertained the thought of becoming a marinebiologist and maybe working in parks similar to Seaworld.
My only "negative" thoughts on the book are:
1) The weird jumps in time and the resulting repetitions, but that might just be a result of me not being used to reading memoirs.
2) Not sure I quite agree with Hargrove's view of PETA, what little he talks about it at the end of the book. The documentation I've seen about the organisation doesn't really paint it as the best animal rights group out there (yikes, really).
It is definitely worth a read! I recommend watching Blackfish first, though. It helps with understanding certain parts, for example some of the court cases are talked about a bit more in depth, than in the book, with direct quotes from the proceedings.
Loved listening to the audiobook! Gave me a greater appreciation for the trainers and really shows how unethical it is to keep orcas, both for the trainers and the orcas.
I remember being so outrageously angry after I watched Blackfish and I assumed I would feel the same way after reading this but I don’t. I mean, I’m angry, but not the my-vision-is-all-red, everyone-I-know-has-to-watch-this, Seaworld-must-close anger. Mostly I’m just sad.
Why do we humans have to wreck anything beautiful in our quest for the almighty dollar? Why do we take a beautiful, intelligent, emotional animal from hundreds of square miles of habitat, away from it's family and think that it would be happy or alive in a small tank at an amusement park?
We just suck, we really do.
Why do we humans have to wreck anything beautiful in our quest for the almighty dollar? Why do we take a beautiful, intelligent, emotional animal from hundreds of square miles of habitat, away from it's family and think that it would be happy or alive in a small tank at an amusement park?
We just suck, we really do.
Heartbreaking & eye-opening.
A very in-depth look at Sea World and Orcas.
A very in-depth look at Sea World and Orcas.
dark
sad
medium-paced
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
challenging
dark
emotional
fast-paced
