Comments on: Shamu Twitter Account Abandoned

By: Des

Des — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 00:39:57 +0000

But this isn't the first attack or the first death at Sea World and they keep bringing back the brand. They will. I give it a year…. or less.

By: jillbach

jillbach — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 00:08:22 +0000

I think that Sea World had positioned themselves in the best situation to deal with this unfortunate tragedy. They did bring human qualities to Shamu by having a Twitter account for him but at the same time they have a blog and a corporate Twitter account @SeaWorld_Parks that speak from a corporate voice. I think that they had already embraced social media and are using these vehicles in a very positive way at this time.

By: Lisa Barone

Lisa Barone — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 22:55:20 +0000

BIG BIRD IS A MAN IN A COSTUME?!

I meant the “real” Big Bird. Like the character on the show. He could totally sit on a small animal and squish them to death. But they'd never allow him to do that because that's not who Big Bird is.

By: DanielthePoet

DanielthePoet — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 22:40:29 +0000

LOL. Um… because Big Bird is a man in a costume, not an animal. Shamu is an actual animal that has killed several people.

By: Lisa Barone

Lisa Barone — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 22:28:52 +0000

Why couldn't Big Bird kill a person? Big Bird is ginormous, he could easily kill something.

Sea World should absolutely keep Shamu as the voice and face of its brand. It's what people know. Shamu is friendly. He's helpful. He's who every kid comes to see. Is it a tragedy that someone was killed? Of course, but you can't blame Shamu, a character who has been beloved since the 60s. Other trainers have been killed at Sea World. Not to make light but… the show has to go on. It's a risk they know they're putting themselves into. Shamu and his reputation will be what's gonna get you OUT of this mess. You don't touch that.

By: DanielthePoet

DanielthePoet — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 22:15:49 +0000

I agree, Lisa, with one caveat / question: Big Bird couldn't actually kill a person, while Shamu can/has. With that in mind, do you think Sea World will/could bring back Shamu as a brand with a voice? Does that denigrate the loss of life?

What is Sea World saying if they keep Shamu as the face of the franchise?

By: Lisa Barone

Lisa Barone — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 22:07:21 +0000

I think it was a really important brand decision that Shamu not say anything, not for Sea World but for Shamu. It probably sounds silly, but it's actually really important.

Shamu has a certain voice and look that has been carefully crafted by the Sea World organization. For him to comment on what's going on would cause him to break character and come into “the real world”. That's not where Sea World wants him and doing so would kill the brand/image he's built. The same way you wouldn't have Big Bird killing a small animal. It goes against everything the character stands for and it would tarnish the image and Big Bird as an evangelist. When you create these characters, you have to honor who they are and their voices. Sea World should comment on the tragedy that took place. However, Shamu should not be involved.

By: DanielthePoet

DanielthePoet — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 22:00:39 +0000

I'd be amazed if they actually bring back the Shamu voice. Because ultimately, how much time is adequate to elapse before you use his brand image to sell again? That would be a slap in the face of the fallen woman's friends and family. At least, it seems like it would be to me.

By: Des

Des — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 21:52:19 +0000

I think they made the right move. I don't think continuing on with a “Shamu” voice is wise right now. At a later date they can start it back up. But there will be too many nay sayers right now. Best to just redirect to Sea World friendly instead of focusing on Shamu since he isn't exactly family friendly right now.

By: DanielthePoet

DanielthePoet — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 21:49:02 +0000

Thanks for commenting, Alan. I think you make an important point about the behavior of Orcas in the wild. I've updated the post to read, “Unfortunately, Shamu lived up to his species reputation (whether deserved or not) and has put the company in a bind.”

I'm not qualified to speak to how habitations and lifestyle at theme parks affect the behavior of killer whales, though, so I won't posit any theories there.