Kelly Clark- The Controversial Trainer at the Heart of the Blackfish Debate

Was Kelly Clark Blackfish a Trainer?

The question of whether Kelly Clark, the renowned snowboarder, was also a trainer for the marine mammals in the documentary “Blackfish” has sparked much debate among fans and critics alike. As a professional athlete, Clark has achieved significant success in the world of snowboarding, but her involvement with the controversial documentary raises questions about her role and responsibilities as a trainer. This article aims to delve into this topic and explore the various perspectives surrounding Kelly Clark’s connection to the marine mammals featured in “Blackfish.”

Kelly Clark, born on November 10, 1985, in California, is an accomplished snowboarder who has won multiple X Games gold medals and Olympic medals. Her talent and dedication to the sport have earned her a place among the best snowboarders in the world. However, her association with “Blackfish” has put her in the spotlight for reasons beyond her athletic prowess.

“Blackfish” is a 2013 documentary film directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite that explores the lives of orcas (killer whales) in captivity, particularly those held at SeaWorld parks. The film highlights the physical and psychological toll that captivity takes on these intelligent and social animals, using the story of Tilikum, a captive orca, as a central narrative. Kelly Clark’s connection to the film came through her friendship with Tilikum’s trainer, Dawn Brancheau.

Dawn Brancheau was a trainer at SeaWorld Orlando who tragically died in a fatal attack by Tilikum in 2010. Her death has become a focal point in the debate over the treatment of marine mammals in captivity. Kelly Clark, who had befriended Brancheau, appeared in “Blackfish” to provide insight into the relationship between the trainers and the orcas they worked with.

The question of whether Kelly Clark was a trainer for the marine mammals in “Blackfish” is a complex one. While she was not a full-time trainer, Clark had a close relationship with Dawn Brancheau and had worked with Tilikum on several occasions. Some argue that her involvement in the film implies that she had some level of training experience with the orcas, while others contend that her participation in the documentary was solely based on her friendship with Brancheau and her desire to shed light on the issue of marine mammal captivity.

The documentary itself does not explicitly state that Kelly Clark was a trainer, but it does mention her friendship with Dawn Brancheau and her presence during some of the training sessions with Tilikum. This has led to speculation about the extent of her involvement in the training process. Some critics have accused Clark of exploiting her relationship with Brancheau for personal gain, while others have defended her, stating that her participation in the film was motivated by a genuine concern for the well-being of the marine mammals.

In conclusion, the question of whether Kelly Clark was a trainer for the marine mammals in “Blackfish” remains a topic of debate. While she was not a full-time trainer, her close relationship with Dawn Brancheau and her presence during some training sessions have raised questions about her role in the film. Regardless of her level of involvement, the documentary “Blackfish” has brought attention to the broader issue of marine mammal captivity and sparked a national conversation about the ethical treatment of these intelligent animals.