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256 reviews for:
Beneath the Surface: Killer Whales, Seaworld, and the Truth Beyond Blackfish
Howard Chua-Eoan, John Hargrove
4.22 AVERAGE
256 reviews for:
Beneath the Surface: Killer Whales, Seaworld, and the Truth Beyond Blackfish
Howard Chua-Eoan, John Hargrove
4.22 AVERAGE
This book was everything I was looking for after being mesmerized by the documentary Blackfish. The writing was clear and compelling, though it's a little hard to visualize the 'behaviors' the whales perform unless you've seen it as a video. Beneath the Surface was a good mix of memoir and exposé. The book especially expanded my knowledge about the health problems captive whales face because of the physical nature of their confinement at SeaWorld parks as well as the health problems caused by stress. It also was shocking in terms of the physical toll whale trainers undergo normally in their careers (while Hargrove makes a sympathetic case for why they choose and love these careers). The sections on scientific orca research were very easy to understand and combined with Hargrove's observations about captive whale behavior he had witnessed. Hargrove's experience was particularly damning to SeaWorld's public statements about the way they ensure whales' quality social lives.
As a personal comment, I was disappointed that Hargrove only brought up the Ohio SeaWorld park once, mentioning a whale who spent time at the Ohio park. Actually the Ohio park was operated by SeaWorld from 1970-2000. I grew up in this area of Ohio, and my family visited this park probably every summer until it closed, when I was about 8. Although most of Hargrove's commentary is common to the plight of whales and trainers at all the parks' facilities, he does note interesting differences between parks' training practices and water treatment; I would like to know more about the Ohio one, since this is is (and will be) the only SeaWorld I ever visit.
As a personal comment, I was disappointed that Hargrove only brought up the Ohio SeaWorld park once, mentioning a whale who spent time at the Ohio park. Actually the Ohio park was operated by SeaWorld from 1970-2000. I grew up in this area of Ohio, and my family visited this park probably every summer until it closed, when I was about 8. Although most of Hargrove's commentary is common to the plight of whales and trainers at all the parks' facilities, he does note interesting differences between parks' training practices and water treatment; I would like to know more about the Ohio one, since this is is (and will be) the only SeaWorld I ever visit.
If you are interested in animal advocacy, this book is a must read!
This was an extremely difficult and harrowing read but it is also an incredibly important one.
The lives of these poor orcas, and all creatures in captivity, are so reduced and meaningless. John Hargrove tells us about his life and experiences with these whales and I applaud him for finally speaking out on their behalf.
I was quite surprised by how beautifully written this book was. Through Hargrove's writing you can't help but feel the pain that these highly intelligent animals suffer with on a daily basis.
If you have ever visited a park such as this please do me a favour and read this book. I also recommend the documentary Blackfish which John was also a part of.
The lives of these poor orcas, and all creatures in captivity, are so reduced and meaningless. John Hargrove tells us about his life and experiences with these whales and I applaud him for finally speaking out on their behalf.
I was quite surprised by how beautifully written this book was. Through Hargrove's writing you can't help but feel the pain that these highly intelligent animals suffer with on a daily basis.
If you have ever visited a park such as this please do me a favour and read this book. I also recommend the documentary Blackfish which John was also a part of.
This book is truly one of the most emotional rollercoasters I've been on through literature in a long time. Like the author, working with orcas was my main dream when I was 6. Unlike the author, I visited Marineland in Ontario when I was just a bit older and was both amazed and saddened by the whales in a pool. (And never became an orca trainer.) Still, one of my main bucket list items is to see orcas swimming in the wild.
This book is far from a whistleblowing, anti-SeaWorld ex-employee. This is a thoughtful memoir, based on a human's love for the orcas he worked with and an inside look at the cruel life they live inside a corporation that puts money ahead of animal welfare.
It is also gives profound insight into the neuroscience of these animals, as well as their relationship with humans. Moreover, the author brings in experts to speak to orca captivity and the effects it has on the whales.
I will probably read this again. I suggest you read it too.
This book is far from a whistleblowing, anti-SeaWorld ex-employee. This is a thoughtful memoir, based on a human's love for the orcas he worked with and an inside look at the cruel life they live inside a corporation that puts money ahead of animal welfare.
It is also gives profound insight into the neuroscience of these animals, as well as their relationship with humans. Moreover, the author brings in experts to speak to orca captivity and the effects it has on the whales.
I will probably read this again. I suggest you read it too.
I honestly don't think I can put into words how much I loved this book, it is now one of my all-time favourites and I'm pretty certain that this will not be the last time that I will pick this incredible book up.
Like many people I watched Blackfish and was instantly drawn into the story of Seaworld and their captive Orca whales. After watching the documentary multiple times I concluded that it just wasn't enough, I needed to get deeper. And what better way to learn more of their story from one of the most experienced killer whale trainers, John Hargrove. I believe that this book would not have had the same impact it did on me were it written by someone who was completely detached from the whales, and not someone who was working directly with them and had a relationship with the animals.
This book is very easy to read and is in no way an activist preachy kind of book. Hargrove himself says in the book that he does not consider himself as an activist but as someone who was able to speak for the whales as they couldn't. It tells the story from when he was a young boy who was enthralled with the Orcas the very first time he saw them right up until the death of Dawn Brancheau where everything changed.
He writes with such deep filled emotion that my heart truly ached for him and how he eventually had to leave one of the greatest loves of his life; the Orcas (in particular Takara). You really can tell just how much he cared for these animals and that just because he worked for Seaworld the last thing he would have wanted was for any harm to come to the creatures.
One of the most interesting things about this book was the explanation of how they trained the Orcas. How they conditioned them not to be fearful of vets and many various other things. How they taught them certain behaviours with an arm movement or eye contact and above all how they built a very special relationship and bond that would last forever.
It is clear from this book that cracks were beginning to show in various whales' behaviour as a result of years of captivity. I particularly liked the way Hargrove explained 'the dark side' of a whale and how at times during the water he could have been in real trouble, but through remaining calm and trying to use their special bond, he managed to get out alive; others were not so lucky.
By the end of this book, Hargrove explains that whales are not supposed to be in captivity. And of course, I agree with him. The reason we are in absolute awe of these animals at marine parks is because they are not behaving in the way that they should or the way they were made for.
I promise you this book will have you in floods.
An incredible read on such a relevant and important topic.
Just read it.
Like many people I watched Blackfish and was instantly drawn into the story of Seaworld and their captive Orca whales. After watching the documentary multiple times I concluded that it just wasn't enough, I needed to get deeper. And what better way to learn more of their story from one of the most experienced killer whale trainers, John Hargrove. I believe that this book would not have had the same impact it did on me were it written by someone who was completely detached from the whales, and not someone who was working directly with them and had a relationship with the animals.
This book is very easy to read and is in no way an activist preachy kind of book. Hargrove himself says in the book that he does not consider himself as an activist but as someone who was able to speak for the whales as they couldn't. It tells the story from when he was a young boy who was enthralled with the Orcas the very first time he saw them right up until the death of Dawn Brancheau where everything changed.
He writes with such deep filled emotion that my heart truly ached for him and how he eventually had to leave one of the greatest loves of his life; the Orcas (in particular Takara). You really can tell just how much he cared for these animals and that just because he worked for Seaworld the last thing he would have wanted was for any harm to come to the creatures.
One of the most interesting things about this book was the explanation of how they trained the Orcas. How they conditioned them not to be fearful of vets and many various other things. How they taught them certain behaviours with an arm movement or eye contact and above all how they built a very special relationship and bond that would last forever.
It is clear from this book that cracks were beginning to show in various whales' behaviour as a result of years of captivity. I particularly liked the way Hargrove explained 'the dark side' of a whale and how at times during the water he could have been in real trouble, but through remaining calm and trying to use their special bond, he managed to get out alive; others were not so lucky.
By the end of this book, Hargrove explains that whales are not supposed to be in captivity. And of course, I agree with him. The reason we are in absolute awe of these animals at marine parks is because they are not behaving in the way that they should or the way they were made for.
I promise you this book will have you in floods.
An incredible read on such a relevant and important topic.
Just read it.
“Captivity is always captivity, no matter how gentle the jailer.”
A great read if you are an animal lover, and/or appreciate the life story of someone who knew from an early age what their dream job was and worked with all of their effort to get that dream job. What comes later in the book is a personal look at the ethics of keeping living beings in captivity and the struggle of whether to leave what you love because you no longer believe in the mission.
A great read if you are an animal lover, and/or appreciate the life story of someone who knew from an early age what their dream job was and worked with all of their effort to get that dream job. What comes later in the book is a personal look at the ethics of keeping living beings in captivity and the struggle of whether to leave what you love because you no longer believe in the mission.
After watching the documentary Blackfish, I was speechless, and I admit that I cried several times during the viewing. As a child, I had once loved SeaWorld and its Shamu Stadium show. After finding out what was really going on behind the scenes, however, I was in disbelief, and immediately I started seeking out other sources and information about the cruelty going on behind the facade of this giant corporation.
When I found out that John Hargrove's book was coming out, I put it on my reading list. His account, which could have been nothing more than criticism against SeaWorld, was so much more--it was heartfelt and powerful. You can feel the love he has for the whales he once worked with, and also the guilt for having to leave them in 2012.
Now an advocate for orcas in captivity, Hargrove's story is a must-read for anyone who is an animal lover, activist, or trainer. The book is just one of many that all echo the belief that keeping intelligent animals in captivity, not just marine mammals like orcas, is ethically wrong. And I'm inclined to agree. I believe in conservation, not exploitation.
After a recent trip to San Diego in May, I tried (in vain, I might add) to find this book for my plane ride home. I could not find a copy anywhere. It only further cemented my belief that SeaWorld, terrified of losing park attendance and revenue, effectively made sure this book was not available. I understand the tourist industry of San Diego relies on SeaWorld, as do the marine animals who live there, but I truly believe that until the company puts its animals first, nothing will change, and we, as human beings, will have learned nothing in caring for the other species we share this planet with.
When I found out that John Hargrove's book was coming out, I put it on my reading list. His account, which could have been nothing more than criticism against SeaWorld, was so much more--it was heartfelt and powerful. You can feel the love he has for the whales he once worked with, and also the guilt for having to leave them in 2012.
Now an advocate for orcas in captivity, Hargrove's story is a must-read for anyone who is an animal lover, activist, or trainer. The book is just one of many that all echo the belief that keeping intelligent animals in captivity, not just marine mammals like orcas, is ethically wrong. And I'm inclined to agree. I believe in conservation, not exploitation.
After a recent trip to San Diego in May, I tried (in vain, I might add) to find this book for my plane ride home. I could not find a copy anywhere. It only further cemented my belief that SeaWorld, terrified of losing park attendance and revenue, effectively made sure this book was not available. I understand the tourist industry of San Diego relies on SeaWorld, as do the marine animals who live there, but I truly believe that until the company puts its animals first, nothing will change, and we, as human beings, will have learned nothing in caring for the other species we share this planet with.
Ho sempre pensato che le orche fossero praticamente degli squali iperpotenziati, e perciò, animali piuttosto semplici e pericolosi: una creatura, per di più soprannominata "assassina", capace di uccidere una balena, non esiterebbe certamente a fare a pezzi un essere umano. Ma così com'è infondata la nomea sugli squali, lo è quella sulle orche assassine.
Le orche sono animali con una psicologia quasi paragonabile a quella umana, che vivono in strutture gerarchiche complesse; il libro fa un buon lavoro a mostrare come questi giganti "buoni" ragionano e si comportano in natura e in cattività, paragonando e sottolineando i processi cognitivi che hanno portato Tilikum, una delle orche possedute da SeaWorld, un parco acquatico famosissimo in America, ad uccidere la sua trainer preferita, Dawn Brancheau.
Tutto questo per portare alla luce il marcio che si trova in una compagnia che proclama di avere a cuore solamente il bene delle orche e dei suoi impiegati.
Non mi sono mai definita animalista. Rispetto gli animali, ma non sono d'accordo con alcune questioni che il movimento porta avanti, e non mi è mai sembrato di essere talmente investita nella causa da "meritarmi" l'etichetta. Ma per ragionare seriamente su cosa succede in questi parchi non c'è bisogno di esserlo.
Denaturare un'orca a tal punto da farle aggredire un essere umano, considerando che questi animali tendono ad ignorarci in natura, è sintomo di qualcosa di più grande, è sintomo di pratiche che hanno ridotto uno dei cetacei più intelligenti dei nostri mari a sapersi rapportare coi propri simili solo attraverso la violenza, comportamento impensabile per un'orca nel suo stato naturale.
Questo libro fa riflettere su come siamo abituati a pensare che questi parchi funzionino, a come ci piace pensare che gli animali si divertano a fare gli spettacoli, ma purtroppo non è così.
La verità è che anche noi, se fossimo chiusi in una cella per anni, accoglieremmo con gioia la possibilità di fare qualcosa di diverso dal normale, una volta ogni tanto, in cambio di cibo migliore o il nostro passatempo preferito; ma nessuno si stupirebbe se cogliessimo l'occasione di uccidere uno dei nostri carcerieri, per vendicarci. Quindi perché ci stupiamo se succede proprio questo?
Le orche sono animali con una psicologia quasi paragonabile a quella umana, che vivono in strutture gerarchiche complesse; il libro fa un buon lavoro a mostrare come questi giganti "buoni" ragionano e si comportano in natura e in cattività, paragonando e sottolineando i processi cognitivi che hanno portato Tilikum, una delle orche possedute da SeaWorld, un parco acquatico famosissimo in America, ad uccidere la sua trainer preferita, Dawn Brancheau.
Tutto questo per portare alla luce il marcio che si trova in una compagnia che proclama di avere a cuore solamente il bene delle orche e dei suoi impiegati.
Non mi sono mai definita animalista. Rispetto gli animali, ma non sono d'accordo con alcune questioni che il movimento porta avanti, e non mi è mai sembrato di essere talmente investita nella causa da "meritarmi" l'etichetta. Ma per ragionare seriamente su cosa succede in questi parchi non c'è bisogno di esserlo.
Denaturare un'orca a tal punto da farle aggredire un essere umano, considerando che questi animali tendono ad ignorarci in natura, è sintomo di qualcosa di più grande, è sintomo di pratiche che hanno ridotto uno dei cetacei più intelligenti dei nostri mari a sapersi rapportare coi propri simili solo attraverso la violenza, comportamento impensabile per un'orca nel suo stato naturale.
Questo libro fa riflettere su come siamo abituati a pensare che questi parchi funzionino, a come ci piace pensare che gli animali si divertano a fare gli spettacoli, ma purtroppo non è così.
La verità è che anche noi, se fossimo chiusi in una cella per anni, accoglieremmo con gioia la possibilità di fare qualcosa di diverso dal normale, una volta ogni tanto, in cambio di cibo migliore o il nostro passatempo preferito; ma nessuno si stupirebbe se cogliessimo l'occasione di uccidere uno dei nostri carcerieri, per vendicarci. Quindi perché ci stupiamo se succede proprio questo?
3 Stars
I need to preface this review by stating that having seen Blackfish years back, I'm already well convinced that Sea World has treated orcas in an unethical and dangerous manner. I'm not really here for the morality of the politics, though they are important. I'm here for the inside scoop. I'm always interested in memoirs from people who have had rarefied careers or life experiences. How does one even become a killer whale trainer? What does the job entail? How much of the dark side are you able to see from that position, and what makes you decide to stay or leave when you're confronted with the ugly shit?
Hargrove sets out to answer these very questions, to his credit, and his desire to speak out for the whales he loves is admirable. A perfect premise. The execution was just lacking. Just barely. He includes a lot of the details I was curious about. He focuses heavily on his own career and what it was like for him to climb the ladder to his dream job (only to face disillusionment). He touches on how the whales are cared for, and the specific needs that SeaWorld either can't or won't adress. He goes into their health issues, their emotional problems, their social dynamics and how different (read, broken) they are compared to their comrades in the wild. He comes down particularly hard on SeaWorld's breeding program, which both science and basic compassion will tell you is Bad News Bears.
All the pieces are there, but the execution is shaky. At times this is because the narrative is jumbled and hops around the timeline, so that I couldn't immediately place when something took place. On other occasions, the author just didn't seem to have the skill to convey the emotional and psychological turmoil I imagine he felt at different points in his career. He came close on one occasion to making me feel his pain in real time--when he started to realize how damaging the breeding program was. Otherwise, it was as though he was giving a factual account to the best of his recollection, with many asides, and without the intensity that the stories call for.
I need to preface this review by stating that having seen Blackfish years back, I'm already well convinced that Sea World has treated orcas in an unethical and dangerous manner. I'm not really here for the morality of the politics, though they are important. I'm here for the inside scoop. I'm always interested in memoirs from people who have had rarefied careers or life experiences. How does one even become a killer whale trainer? What does the job entail? How much of the dark side are you able to see from that position, and what makes you decide to stay or leave when you're confronted with the ugly shit?
Hargrove sets out to answer these very questions, to his credit, and his desire to speak out for the whales he loves is admirable. A perfect premise. The execution was just lacking. Just barely. He includes a lot of the details I was curious about. He focuses heavily on his own career and what it was like for him to climb the ladder to his dream job (only to face disillusionment). He touches on how the whales are cared for, and the specific needs that SeaWorld either can't or won't adress. He goes into their health issues, their emotional problems, their social dynamics and how different (read, broken) they are compared to their comrades in the wild. He comes down particularly hard on SeaWorld's breeding program, which both science and basic compassion will tell you is Bad News Bears.
All the pieces are there, but the execution is shaky. At times this is because the narrative is jumbled and hops around the timeline, so that I couldn't immediately place when something took place. On other occasions, the author just didn't seem to have the skill to convey the emotional and psychological turmoil I imagine he felt at different points in his career. He came close on one occasion to making me feel his pain in real time--when he started to realize how damaging the breeding program was. Otherwise, it was as though he was giving a factual account to the best of his recollection, with many asides, and without the intensity that the stories call for.
This is a compelling book about captive killer whales kept by SeaWorld. I have not seen Blackfish so this was my first time really hearing Hargrove's tales. (I want to see Blackfish but I don't know if I ever have enough tissues in the house and honestly I would just be a mess. I'm already vegan and anti-captivity so I'd really just be tormenting myself for no reason. I saw ONE very brief clip of it once and I was blubbering.) From my viewpoint, it is rather difficult to understand why anyone would think, once they were an adult at least, that it was a good or okay idea to train orcas to do tricks and essentially keep them in a bathtub. I mean, what? And making that a career? But, regardless, I do appreciate greatly that Hargrove has pretty much been a whistle-blower against the vile company that is SeaWorld. I enjoyed hearing about the individual whales, but it comes mixed with the heartache of knowing what they've been through. I do recommend this for anyone interested in orcas or anti-captivity issues. I also recommend Death at Sea World by David Kirby.