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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
This is a great companion to the film "Blackfish," but if you haven't seen the film I don't think the book would be compelling on its own. The story is not told in a chronological fashion, but instead chapters group together events are related to one topic or another. I thought this choice made the overall narrative seem jumpy. On the other hand, if you are chiefly interested in only one or two aspects of the keeping of orcas in captivity, this book is ideal- you can read only the chapters that interest you.
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
Beautiful storytelling by John. The story of captive orcas through a new, refreshing, hope-inspiring lens.
I was five when I watched the orca show at the now closed Sea World park in Ohio. I was in love immediately. I wanted to work with the whales and be a Sea World Trainer. I became obsessed for a few years. I collected all things orca, read all things orca and my love grew from afar. By my teens, it became clear that becoming a Sea World trainer was more of a pipe dream for this girl from WV so I abandoned that dream but kept my love for orcas. Even as a child, I wondered about how these beautiful beings survived in those little pools. It confused me then and it saddens me now. I remember watching the news when one of the trainers were attacked and killed. I was glued to the news thinking "well maybe it is good I didn't do that." I know now that that the news only had a small fraction of that story and the truth makes me even more sad, confused and ultimately glad that I traded the dream for a deep love. This book took me back to my five year old self in awe of the beautiful orcas under the lights in a show pool in Ohio. I am glad John shared his stories in this book. I know many do no agree with him and his stance on Sea World but regardless of your stance this book can let you look inside a world that we normally would never see.
I purchased this book at Kew & Willow.
I had not heard of Blackfish before reading this book, but I watched it as well as some YouTube videos of Sea World orca shows. It does seem like Sea World is making some efforts to become more educational and scientific in their shows, which was nice to see.
I admire people who know what they want from life and achieve it. I'm sure there are countless young children who are inspired by going to a zoo or aquarium and wanting to be a zookeeper or animal trainer when they grow up. But here's a story of one who becomes that coveted orca trainer. Hargrove depicts his transition from a true believer to one who speaks out against the terrible treatment of whales and trainers. The actual attacks of the whales against the trainers are terrible, but I was also disturbed by the physical toll that Hargrove suffered from the day-to-day of swimming with the whales.
I had not heard of Blackfish before reading this book, but I watched it as well as some YouTube videos of Sea World orca shows. It does seem like Sea World is making some efforts to become more educational and scientific in their shows, which was nice to see.
I admire people who know what they want from life and achieve it. I'm sure there are countless young children who are inspired by going to a zoo or aquarium and wanting to be a zookeeper or animal trainer when they grow up. But here's a story of one who becomes that coveted orca trainer. Hargrove depicts his transition from a true believer to one who speaks out against the terrible treatment of whales and trainers. The actual attacks of the whales against the trainers are terrible, but I was also disturbed by the physical toll that Hargrove suffered from the day-to-day of swimming with the whales.
This book reignited my obsession with learning everything I possibly can about Orcas, in captivity and in the wild.
dark
emotional
informative
fast-paced
I didn't have the time or energy to finish this in one sitting tonight, but I couldn't put it down. Animals in captivity have always saddened me, but as orcas are highly intelligent, social and emotional creatures, I'm increasingly uncomfortable with their captivity for profit and entertainment. John's story of his time with SeaWorld is poignant and honest, but also dark and frightening. This book includes way more than one or two "close call" stories. It seems like the trainers were always inches from death while in close proximity - whether in the water or out - to incredibly complex and shrewd creatures. He does a great job of balancing a deep love for the whales with a deep respect and reverence for their power. Great read!
After having watched Blackfish, I really wanted to get my hands on this book. John Hargrove is a former trainer at SeaWorld and gave an insider look into the treatment of orcas in captivity. It's clear that John has a lot of love for the whales and that he was saddened by how SeaWorld handles of lot of its PR. He exposes the dark underbelly of the organization while also shining a light on how gentle orcas truly can be. The deaths and injuries of trainers were ultimately caused by the continued captivity of the creatures and were covered up. SeaWorld loves to victim blame in order to cover their own butts. It's very informative while also telling a story.
If Death at SeaWorld (see previous review) represents the scientific and political argument against whales in captivity, Beneath the Surface gives us the heart and soul of the matter. Less quantifiable perhaps, but no less valid.
John Hargrove was a veteran trainer at SeaWorld by the time he consciously realized the fundamental inhumanity of keeping whales in captivity and left the company in 2012. So wonderfully dedicated and connected to the whales he worked with, Hargrove spent many years defending SeaWorld’s practices, and, once disillusioned, trying in vain to protect the whales from SeaWorld itself.
Hargrove takes us behind the scenes as he wrestles with the internal conflict that plagues many animal lovers and zoo-goers; the relationships and bonds we form with captive animals are indeed incredible, but the foundation of those relationships and the consequences of circumstance are inherently destructive. Cherishing his whale companions and their wellbeing, Hargrove ultimately had to come to terms with the fact that human care is insufficient; captivity is cruel and, at times, fatal to whales and people alike.
In Beneath the Surface, Hargrove re-visits the familiar charges against captivity. But he does so emotionally, and from behind the curtains at SeaWorld, rather than a desk at the Humane Society or research facility. He validates from first-hand experience accusations of chronic malnutrition, behavioral problems, life-threatening dental and gastric complications, inhumane breeding practices, and, of course, the tiny, unstimulating, and often dangerous living environments.
Ultimately, SeaWorld seems to be a corporation focused entirely on money. For decades, SeaWorld has lied and bullied itself out of facing the truth and taking accountability for their actions (or lack thereof). They’ve put effort toward remedying problems only when forced to do so by court mandates or public outcry, and only with the most minimal intervention they can get away with.
Wild animals are beautiful and mysterious and awe-inspiring. And that’s why we should protect and hold their wellbeing above all else– above money and entertainment and sport. It is my belief that holding wild animals hostage (particularly those that are highly intelligent, mobile, and social) for our own entertainment is outrageously selfish. Not to mention counterproductive if conservation, education, and respect are our goals.
Humans can’t replicate the sea. Humans can’t re-create the magnificently intricate social bonds that are formed by orca families. Humans can’t fulfill the needs of these emotionally and physically complex 6-ton creatures.
What we CAN do is preserve the ocean rather than Shamu Stadium. We can rediscover our humanity, re-direct funds to clean up our act, and watch the orcas (and a whole bunch of other cool critters) play and feast and flourish. Cheesy, sure. But infinitely more beautiful.
John Hargrove was a veteran trainer at SeaWorld by the time he consciously realized the fundamental inhumanity of keeping whales in captivity and left the company in 2012. So wonderfully dedicated and connected to the whales he worked with, Hargrove spent many years defending SeaWorld’s practices, and, once disillusioned, trying in vain to protect the whales from SeaWorld itself.
Hargrove takes us behind the scenes as he wrestles with the internal conflict that plagues many animal lovers and zoo-goers; the relationships and bonds we form with captive animals are indeed incredible, but the foundation of those relationships and the consequences of circumstance are inherently destructive. Cherishing his whale companions and their wellbeing, Hargrove ultimately had to come to terms with the fact that human care is insufficient; captivity is cruel and, at times, fatal to whales and people alike.
In Beneath the Surface, Hargrove re-visits the familiar charges against captivity. But he does so emotionally, and from behind the curtains at SeaWorld, rather than a desk at the Humane Society or research facility. He validates from first-hand experience accusations of chronic malnutrition, behavioral problems, life-threatening dental and gastric complications, inhumane breeding practices, and, of course, the tiny, unstimulating, and often dangerous living environments.
Ultimately, SeaWorld seems to be a corporation focused entirely on money. For decades, SeaWorld has lied and bullied itself out of facing the truth and taking accountability for their actions (or lack thereof). They’ve put effort toward remedying problems only when forced to do so by court mandates or public outcry, and only with the most minimal intervention they can get away with.
Wild animals are beautiful and mysterious and awe-inspiring. And that’s why we should protect and hold their wellbeing above all else– above money and entertainment and sport. It is my belief that holding wild animals hostage (particularly those that are highly intelligent, mobile, and social) for our own entertainment is outrageously selfish. Not to mention counterproductive if conservation, education, and respect are our goals.
Humans can’t replicate the sea. Humans can’t re-create the magnificently intricate social bonds that are formed by orca families. Humans can’t fulfill the needs of these emotionally and physically complex 6-ton creatures.
What we CAN do is preserve the ocean rather than Shamu Stadium. We can rediscover our humanity, re-direct funds to clean up our act, and watch the orcas (and a whole bunch of other cool critters) play and feast and flourish. Cheesy, sure. But infinitely more beautiful.
challenging
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence