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Beneath the Surface: Killer Whales, SeaWorld, and the Truth Beyond Blackfish

John Hargrove,

Howard Chua-Eoan

4.16 · Rating details · 5,619 ratings · 691 reviews

*Now a New York Times Best Seller*

Over the course of two decades, John Hargrove worked with 20 different whales on two continents and at two of SeaWorld's U.S. facilities. For Hargrove, becoming an orca trainer fulfilled a childhood dream. However, as his experience with the whales deepened, Hargrove came to doubt that their needs could ever be met in captivity. When two f ...more

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Hardcover, 264 pages

Published March 24th 2015 by St. Martin's Press (first published March 1st 2015)

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Apr 12, 2015 Julia's Book Haven rated it really liked it

I've thought a lot about my response to this book, mostly it was sadness and hatred. This is a topic that I feel very strongly about. I'm not a big fan of zoo's or aquariums, but I hate Sea World. If for some reason you think its okay that we are keeping these beautiful, extremely intelligent animals in what to them is basically a jail cell, then read this book. Hell just do some basic research and you'll see that it isn't right. Now obviously and sadly the 30 or so whales currently in captivity I've thought a lot about my response to this book, mostly it was sadness and hatred. This is a topic that I feel very strongly about. I'm not a big fan of zoo's or aquariums, but I hate Sea World. If for some reason you think its okay that we are keeping these beautiful, extremely intelligent animals in what to them is basically a jail cell, then read this book. Hell just do some basic research and you'll see that it isn't right. Now obviously and sadly the 30 or so whales currently in captivity won't ever be able to return to their natural home but the author John Hargrove gives a good solution in this book. A solution good for the whales, but also good for the trainers, who I do believe truly love these animals, they're just stuck between a rock and a hard place.

"You can be a prisoner and genuinely like a specific prison guard-and that prison guard may genuinely like you-but that doesn't take away the fact that you're in prison."

Hargrove suggests we move them to ocean pens, they'd finally be in the ocean but they would still have the protection of the trainers to take care of them. And we should most definitely stop the breeding program. It would make me very happy if there was never another whale born in captivity. And because I know the only thing Sea World truly cares about is their bottom line, they could still make money by letting people observe the whales and having the trainer educate them, not with stupid tricks but with actual facts. Unfortunately I don't have much hope of this ever happening, because like Hargrove said in his book, if they have to admit to one thing, they have to admit to it all. More then 50 years of wrong doing isn't something a company is going to cop-too out of the goodness of their hearts. So its up to us as consumers to make a difference, and spread the word. Please don't support Sea World in any way. Maybe once their stock prices drop enough they'll realize that we won't accept their morally disgusting treatment of their whales, and all of their other animals anymore.

*******************************************************

*Edited May 29 2015*
I would just like to share that Ontario (where I live) has just passed a bill that bans the buying/selling of Killer Whales and also the BREEDING of Killer Whales. There will never be another whale held in captivity in Ontario after the ones we have pass away. I am so damn proud right now I am literally crying. Please, please, other provinces and states, take notes and try to create similar bills. These animals are not meant to be kept in tanks!!

*Edited Sept 21 2017*
Just wanted to let my fellow Canadians know that there is a bill, Bill S-203, currently stalled in parliament that would ban the captivity and breeding of whales, dolphins, and porpoises ALL across Canada. It's been stuck in parliament for a while now, which baffles me since this seems like a no brainer to me, but I'd just like to encourage any Canadians who read this review to contact your representatives and make it clear to them that they should support this bill. These animals should not be in captivity! ...more

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Jan 16, 2015 Dan Curnutt rated it really liked it

When you read a book by a "Whistleblower" you aren't sure if you are going to get an informational read or maybe just some angry diatribe by the individual about how the "Corporate World" treated them poorly. So, when I asked for this book to review I was a bit worried about what I would find. I didn't want the angry diatribe.

I was pleased that the book did not just come off as a way for John Hargrove to paint SeaWorld as a terrible monster. Now, with that said it did not let SeaWorld off the ho When you read a book by a "Whistleblower" you aren't sure if you are going to get an informational read or maybe just some angry diatribe by the individual about how the "Corporate World" treated them poorly. So, when I asked for this book to review I was a bit worried about what I would find. I didn't want the angry diatribe.

I was pleased that the book did not just come off as a way for John Hargrove to paint SeaWorld as a terrible monster. Now, with that said it did not let SeaWorld off the hook, it did do a number on their reputation by the disagreements that Hargrove pointed out from his experience.

But the book gives a good history of the work with Orca Whales and how that came about. It also gives a good view of how you become a "trainer" with the whales and the amount of work needed to get to the level of being an "in water" trainer (although OSHA has removed that privilege since 2010). Hargrove gives us a glimpse of his childhood and his dream of becoming a trainer. It gives good insight into the mind set of an individual who wants to work with an 8,000 pound killer whale.

The book describes the training of the trainer as well as the training of the whales. It gives you a glimpse into the personalities of the whales and how they act and re-act to certain situations. It also paints a good picture of how the whales can be unpredictable. It gives several harrowing stories of the tragedy that can happen when a bored whale decides "to play" with a trainer and almost kill that trainer.

There are also the discussions of the perils of a whale in captivity. They become bored. They become lethargic. They become susceptible to infections and disease that can cause their early death. It gives you the true response of a "trainer" who loves his whales when he realizes the trauma to the whales of the captivity. Let's be honest, any human knows that an animal in a zoo or water park is not in their natural environment and that can never be perfect.

Hargrove also gives a good description of the intelligence of these whales. How they watch the trainers, watch other whales and absorb the information around them. They make intelligent decisions, they sometimes make decisions that show they are having a tantrum or are bored and looking for a way to "have fun" in their environment, and that sometimes is at the trainers expense.

I enjoyed the book and thought it did a good job of describing the situation. I wasn't put off by the way Hargrove gave out information that was detrimental to SeaWorld, frankly what he said is just common sense if the average person were to stop and contemplate the problems of keeping a killer whale in captivity.

One thing is clear, these whales are highly intelligent, they are highly social, they have their own cultural hierarchy that keeps them in line and they enjoy interaction with humans (to an extent) and don't inherently desire to hurt humans, and in no way is it their desire to eat a human or kill one because of an inbred animal nature towards that event. These whales are aggressive in the wild, not towards humans but towards their natural prey.

Enjoy the read! ...more

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Dec 29, 2015 Kasia rated it really liked it

Shelves: how-not-to-die, can-you-buy-it-for-me

Finished it in one sitting. Never gave much thought to what it takes to train killer whales. It was such an eye opening. Great learning experience. RIP to all those who lost their lives working with those amazing and unpredictable animals.

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Feb 09, 2016 Sarah rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: nonfiction, ebook, glued-to-my-hands, faves, z2016

The first thing I want to say is that I went to Sea World when I was younger. I saw the trainers in the water with the orcas and I thought it was one of the most magical things I had ever seen in my life. To see these big beautiful whales working together with humans was incredible and both the trainers and the whales looked so happy. But one thing that shocked me was the marks on the whales that I now know are called rake marks. When I asked my dad what those were he said that they were marks f ...more

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Oct 03, 2017 J.K. Grice rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, nf-nature-outdoor-adventure

After watching the excellent documentary BLACK FISH, I was further inspired to read John Hargrove's account of his experiences as a Sea World orca trainer. BENEATH THE SURFACE takes a closer look at the world of aquarium trainers and the care/treatment given to ocean mammals, specifically killer whales. The book centers on orcas that John personally worked with. This was a fascinating read and a great companion resource to the documentary. Highly recommended!

On a side note, Tilikum, the giant ma ...more

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Dec 25, 2014 Carol rated it it was amazing

Shelves: non-fiction, 2014

John Hargrove was only six years old when he first saw his first Sea World Show. From that time on, that was the place he wanted to go. Not only did he want to be an Orca but he want to be an expert trainer. Every time he went to the show, he stayed after and asked trainers so many questions. Being an expert trainer became his dream. He began working at the lowest paying jobs in Sea World. He worked on the swimming requirements and a college degree to get a job with Sea World. He worked in the U John Hargrove was only six years old when he first saw his first Sea World Show. From that time on, that was the place he wanted to go. Not only did he want to be an Orca but he want to be an expert trainer. Every time he went to the show, he stayed after and asked trainers so many questions. Being an expert trainer became his dream. He began working at the lowest paying jobs in Sea World. He worked on the swimming requirements and a college degree to get a job with Sea World. He worked in the U.S. and France and even today has never lost his fascination for Orcas.

Then he started noticing things that he did not see at the shows.John developed an empathy for the whales who out of boredom ate paint of the wall of their tanks. The whales held in captivity developed medical problems that they do not have in the wild. They can grow blind from the chlorine in the pools. They are used to sandy bottoms instead of hard concrete. How can we use whales for entertainment when it hurts their lives so much? Whales need to eat 150 pounds of assorted fish every day no matter how good or bad their performance. Also the captive whales behave differently towards other whales than those are freedom. They suffer psychological damage, hurt themselves, other whales and humans. He describes it as them “slipping into the dark side”.

John Hargrove wrote a very emotionally and intellectually compelling book about why we should not hold this immensely large and intelligent being captive. It is not good for the whales and it is not good for us. As time passed, his body could no longer take the many broken bones and his spirit could no longer seen his friends hurt or killed. He realized that is greed for money not concern for the whales that drives the production of these shows.

He describes his naivety when he was a child with hero trainers and even later but then he started to see the truth of what was really going on. His argument is written very compelling and he uses his own personal experiences to show how he began to see what the whales lives were truly like. I thank him for his bravery is writing this book. John Hargrove has joined with those want the present captive whales taken care of and never have any more whales captured or born captive.

I saw on Sea World Show a long time ago and never returned. I left with an uneasiness and ache in my heart for the animals there. John Hargrove has opened this ache and let the pain be felt. There are constructive thingst that we can do. We can start thinking differently. It is time!

I received the Advance Reading Copy from Amazon Vine at no cost but that in no way influenced my thoughts or feeling in this review.

...more

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May 09, 2015 Sarah rated it it was amazing

Shelves: environment-animals, other-favorites, memoir-biography

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 defe 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. ...more

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Jun 23, 2015 Nico rated it it was ok

Shelves: physical-books, did-not-finish, it-sucked

I looked forward to reading this book for months. I am absolutely disappointed by this book.

I wanted it because I thought it would be about the cruelty of SeaWorld and captivity of its whales. I thought it was going to be a former employee shedding some light on what happens backstage.

Not so.

Most of the book, is in fact, his autobiography. Most of what he has to say about SeaWorld is heavily touched with nostalgia and regret. Many phrases about how he regrets the loss of being able to swim wit ...more

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Dec 13, 2015 Max rated it really liked it

Shelves: marine-biology

A very important book about marine animal captivity. Stories like these are not everyone's cup of tea, but I am very interested in those so I read books like these even though it can get a little depressive. This is a honest story, kind of sad. It's also adapted to a TV production so if you'd rather watch I recommend that as well. ...more

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Feb 14, 2015 Melissa I rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: Everyone with a beating heart & the love for life of anything with a beating heart

Recommended to Melissa by: Goodreads First Reads & PalgraveUSA listing

Shelves: high-interest-topics, 2015-read, 0-thank-you-a-p-b-gr, forever-favorites, 1-first-reads-read-ty, favorites

With regards to a book of this nature, the topic at hand, and the powerfully heartbreaking story it is, star rating this book seems wrong, however that's what the ratings are here for and five stars doesn't even begin to express what John Hargrove put into it

Beneath the Surface Killer Whales, SeaWorld, and the Truth Beyond Blackfish by John Hargrove

I have so much to say about this book, the mask that Seaworld hides behind, the most Gorgeous Beings of the OCEAN , where they belong, but are kept in captivity in horrendous, horrific, heartwrenching abuse all for the Love of a good sh With regards to a book of this nature, the topic at hand, and the powerfully heartbreaking story it is, star rating this book seems wrong, however that's what the ratings are here for and five stars doesn't even begin to express what John Hargrove put into it

I have so much to say about this book, the mask that Seaworld hides behind, the most Gorgeous Beings of the OCEAN , where they belong, but are kept in captivity in horrendous, horrific, heartwrenching abuse all for the Love of a good show. As I typed those last few word my eyes just filled up with tears because of the truths I was blinded to, the words the Author told to open my eyes, the lies and the memories that my family and I created making Seaworld like a part of the family, before my family broke apart. So my last good memories just happen to be from a place where what I deeply fell in love with, with my entire heart and soul, are from a place that lied. I'm trying to make peace with that while at the same time trying to create a balance of sorts for the Love I had for Seaworld and the devastating truths that this author/ex-14 year trainer of Seaworld and now activist to shut Seaworld down.

As I said above, I have much to say here about the book and Mr. Hargroves story. I 'really' need some time to let this sink in, to get through a thought or a sentence without crying and to give the Author and the marine life the review of this book they so deeply deserve. They deserve our support!! They deserve our attention, action, and appreciation!! They deserve everything everyone can do to help make a difference!!

I'm literally crying too hard over this at the moment to formulate and type out a review that will suffice. All I can ask while I let this sit for a bit is for everyone to get involved. The author, the publisher have videos posted on Twitter which I will share here by tomorrow. I urge everyone with a heart that beats to please grab a copy of this book, read it, really read it and listen to this author!!

Thank you to .@Goodreads .@PalgraveUSA and .@johnjhargrove for the gift of this book. It's a heartbreaking story, however the truth should ALWAYS come first!! As I've posted on Twitter to the Author, I support him and all who are a part of the mission to Shut Seaworld Down!

Please know that this is not my review (it's a mess typed through tears from a Beautiful family story that once was as I deal with what I've learned really is), however there will be one up asap and I'll recommend this book to everyone, share it and post the links to all pertinent information to help this cause! I stand as strong as I can with all involved at making a difference. The first place I feel is the best start for anyone whom would like to stand with us, is in this book!! Please stand up and join in!

...more

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Dec 15, 2014 Lilyleia78 rated it it was amazing

Shelves: non-fiction

This book was amazing. It was well written and easy to read and to understand. Much more than a rehash of Blackfish, John Hargrove here tells his story, and the stories of the whales he loves, as a high level trainer with Sea World. His joy and heartache are equally explored.

The book offers an insiders view of the dangers to the trainers, the inherent cruelty of Orca captivity, and the link between the two. I'm currently also reading a book about North Korean labor camps and some of the explana ...more

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May 27, 2015 Ariel rated it it was amazing

Shelves: memoir

After you have read this book you will never be able to see cetacea captivity in the same way again. I had already made up my mind about Sea World after reading David Kirby's book Death at Sea World. John Hargrove's book just reinforced everything I already knew and felt. This past January I had the honor of meeting and speaking with some of the people John Hargrove mentions in his book. Jane-Velez Mitchell, Naomi Rose, and Howard Garrett, along with two thousand other people gathered at the Mir ...more

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Oct 21, 2015 Ken rated it it was amazing

I tried not to be biased! I even looked up "the truth about Blackfish" by Seaworld.

I find all Seaworld argument to be statements without any supporting evidence. While Mr.Hargrove's are well detailed and convincing (it would be difficult to elaborate as concisely if fictionalized).

It is unfortunate that it becomes an Us vs Them situation. It is unfortunate that Seaworld takes the stand of Captivity-of-Orcas-for Education/Research purposes and not profit-making.

Seaworld should take a 90 degree t ...more

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Jul 24, 2019 Caroline rated it really liked it

This was really informative. A must read for anyone interested in killer whales. It goes into a lot detail into the terrible lives of whales in captivity tho which is heartbreaking.

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Feb 25, 2015 Elizabeth Batt rated it it was amazing

If one wonders what life is like for an apex predator confined to a tank, then 'Beneath the Surface' offers a front row seat. Served with a dose of psychological clarity, the author weighs in on the complicated and muddied waters of the trainer-whale relationship.

With the orca captivity debate still raging, Hargrove highlights one thing about forcing whales into artificial environments – it’s complicated and often dangerous. Having worked with 20 different whales during his career, only someone ...more

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Feb 11, 2015 Wendi Manning rated it it was amazing

This is an amazing book. I wasn't sure if this was going to be nothing but a bashing of SeaWorld, but it wasn't. It was a story about a man who loved whales, dedicated his life to them. He started by training them, then moved on to fight for them.

It's not an easy read by any means. There's a lot to think about and a lot to learn. It's not written in a heavy textbook way, you learn through his descriptions and stories. I loved his description of a hydro-hop, the details of it made me want to try ...more

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Mar 08, 2015 Polly Krize rated it it was amazing

Shelves: outstanding, 2015-recommendations

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

John's love of these magnificent beings is obvious, as is his determination for them to be treated as humanely as possible in the artificial environment they are forced into in SeaWorld. Throughout this book he demonstrates his love and reverence for the orca, and his involvement with them shaped his life. His keen awareness of their behaviors and feelings reinforces his devotion. In choosing to speak out against his former employer ...more

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May 27, 2015 Joe rated it it was ok

This book says little that Blackfish doesn't say better. One senses Hargrove's yearning to share his truth but is left perplexed and wanting when his truth comes out lacking urgency or depth. I can see why this leads to accusations of profiteering. I'm both more and less generous than that; I just don't think Hargrove himself has the emotional range to pull this off. The book toggles between three basic feelings, and hits some false notes in the process: continuing to refer to attacks on humans ...more

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Feb 18, 2020 Abby rated it it was amazing

Shelves: would-read-again, all-time-favs

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 ...more

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Mar 28, 2015 Lizzie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2015-reading-list

Like Blackfish, devastating. A must read.

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Jun 14, 2020 Stacie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: audio-books-completed

If you are interested in animal advocacy, this book is a must read!

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Mar 18, 2015 Ethan rated it it was amazing

With the summer season about to begin, many families will make the trip to visit the various theme parks across the country. For over 50 years, SeaWorld has promoted its message of conservation through education and entertainment, and has become one of the largest and most recognizable attractions in the US. But the park that has become synonymous with family fun faced a day, in 2010, of pure terror and tragedy. I'm talking, or course, about the death of seasoned orca trainer Dawn Brancheau who With the summer season about to begin, many families will make the trip to visit the various theme parks across the country. For over 50 years, SeaWorld has promoted its message of conservation through education and entertainment, and has become one of the largest and most recognizable attractions in the US. But the park that has become synonymous with family fun faced a day, in 2010, of pure terror and tragedy. I'm talking, or course, about the death of seasoned orca trainer Dawn Brancheau who was forced into the tank and eventually killed by Tilikum, the largest captive killer whale in the world. The shocking death of Brancheau left a scar on SeaWorld's reputation and forced the public to reconsider the way trainers and animals interact.

Former SeaWorld trainer John Hargrove spent over 20 years working with killer whales and was employed by both the San Diego and San Antonio parks. He was featured prominently in the 2013 documentary Blackfish and has become an outspoken critic of SeaWorld and its treatment of orcas. In his book Beneath the Surface, Hargrove details his career as an orca trainer and how he came to the conclusion that SeaWorld's treatment of captive killer whales is fundamentally wrong.

I have to admit to some trepidation upon initially reading this novel. I was afraid that, like most whistle blowers, Hargrove would simply present a one sided argument that portrayed his general disdain for SeaWorld. As a native of San Antonio, I have many fond memories of visiting SeaWorld and witnessing the relationships between trainer and animal. I was afraid that this book would do everything to shatter those pleasant childhood recollections. Surprisingly, Hargrove presents a fairly balanced argument. He writes about his relationship with whales Kasatka and Takara and the genuine love he felt from each of the animals. He also details the grueling physical demands of swimming and interacting with the whales. Hargrove tells of the amount of trust that both the humans and animals place in each other as they interact. After reading his book, there is no doubt in my mind that the trainers genuinely care for the animals that they interact with.

That being said, Hargrove presents facts from his experience that don't paint SeaWorld in the best light.
It becomes clear that the highly intelligent animals grow bored in the confines of their concrete enclosures. This boredom causes behavior that ends up being extremely detrimental to the whales' health. For example, the whales often spend their days chipping the paint from the concrete of their tanks. This damages their teeth and forces the trainers to perform painful dental procedures. Hargrove points out that the trainers often requested that the enclosures be repainted, but were denied. He notes that the San Antonio habitat still had the original paint from the late 1980's when he departed the company in 2012. At the same time, SeaWorld spent millions of dollars to update the Shamu Stadium with LED lighting that would enhance the show experience. Through this and countless other examples, it becomes clear that SeaWorld as a profit driven company does not always make decisions based on the best interest of the animals.

I came out of this book with a much clearer understanding of the captivity debate that has been going on for the last several years. Hargrove's descriptions of the death of Brancheau were difficult to read, but really allowed me to understand the fear, confusion, and sadness that all members of the SeaWorld corporation must have felt on that fateful day. There were many contingencies in place that should have prevented a death, but everything failed. It is clear now that our understanding of these animals has evolved, but SeaWorld has not. Captive orcas live a life that is vastly diminished in comparison to their wild conterparts. Hargrove proposes that SeaWorld not release whales to the wild as many other critics have suggested. He explains that the animals do depend on man to live and should be able to count on them as they live out the remainder of their lives. Still, he argues that SeaWorld should cease all killer whale shows and instead display the animals in more natural environments. Eventually, captive whales would be a footnote in the history of mankind and our curiosity to understand the animals that we share the earth with. ...more

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Nov 04, 2015 RitaSkeeter rated it it was amazing

Shelves: non-fiction, 2016

One of the best days in life, and the memory most important to me from all of my travels, was an afternoon in Alaska. I was on a whale watching tour to see Humpbacks. Beautiful beautiful beings, and the day was amazing already having seen many. But the crew of the boat became very excited, and the boat was approached by a pod of resident orca. Many time they surfaced so near to the boat they felt within reaching distance. As if the day wasn't already mindblowing enough, the crew lowered a hydrop One of the best days in life, and the memory most important to me from all of my travels, was an afternoon in Alaska. I was on a whale watching tour to see Humpbacks. Beautiful beautiful beings, and the day was amazing already having seen many. But the crew of the boat became very excited, and the boat was approached by a pod of resident orca. Many time they surfaced so near to the boat they felt within reaching distance. As if the day wasn't already mindblowing enough, the crew lowered a hydrophone into the water and I listened to the orca sing. This is one of my most treasured memories and it is something I will remember for the rest of my life.

Despite the impact the orca had on me, I was ignorant of marine parks outside Australia and until Blackfish had no idea orca were kept in captivity. I've never seen an orca in a marine park (nor will I ever) but I can't imagine such large mammals being kept in this way. Really I can't. How could man-made pens be adequate for such large beings?

The answer, of course, is that they aren't.

This is an shocking and upsetting book, but not one without hope. In his memoir/expose, Hargrove writes that someone (I think it may have been director or producer of Blackfish but I won't swear to that), said that Hargrove (and I'm paraphrasing massively because I don't have the book in front of me) was too positive about Seaworld. I think what Hargrove is is considered and balanced in his views. He separates out the corporate greed of Seaworld from those who work with the mammals in the park.

Because Hargrove loves the orca. You can tell it in the way he speaks of them and describes all their personalities, you can see the sheer joy on his face in the photos in the book. He loved, valued and treasured all his time with the orca. His whole life had been geared toward that career. But as Hargrove got further into his career he started questioning the morality of keeping orca in captivity. A refrain that comes up many times in the book is that as much as he, and the other trainers, loved the orca they were still their jailers.

Hargrove educates in his book about the life of an orca in a marine park, and the role of their trainer. He speaks of the problems experienced in keeping orca in captivity; such as the intermixing and breeding of groups that would never mingle in the wild; the lack of a social structure to socialise young whales; and so on. Hargrove provides very clear, easy to understand information that is fascinating.

Hargrove is realistic about the future of marine parks. He acknowledges they need to continue, at least for now, due to all the mammals currently in captivity that would not be able to survive in the wild. But he gives ideas - the hope I mentioned earlier - of how things could be different to improve the quality of life for those mammals.

If I'm honest, Hargrove's writing style isn't the greatest. It is serviceable only, but the importance of the book is in showing the life of an orca in captivity and how being held captive has skewed the normal behaviours of orca, or as Hargrove calls it when they 'go to the dark side'.

Devastating. Emotional. Important. ...more

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Feb 23, 2015 Bookworm rated it it was amazing

The documentary Blackfish has interviews with former SeaWorld orca trainers, which is really what makes you stop and listen because you are hearing it directly from people who experienced it first hand. One such former trainer is John Hargrove and he went on to write this book, Beneath the Surface. I have to give it up to him because speaking out against an empire as powerful as SeaWorld cannot be an easy feat. His writing this book is a testament to how much he cares for these creatures.

Hargrov The documentary Blackfish has interviews with former SeaWorld orca trainers, which is really what makes you stop and listen because you are hearing it directly from people who experienced it first hand. One such former trainer is John Hargrove and he went on to write this book, Beneath the Surface. I have to give it up to him because speaking out against an empire as powerful as SeaWorld cannot be an easy feat. His writing this book is a testament to how much he cares for these creatures.

Hargrove presents us with a first hand account of what it was like for him to finally reach his dream of becoming an orca trainer and how that dream turned him into an advocate for these amazing creatures who are at the mercy of human beings.

As I read I was appalled at these marine parks but I was also in awe of John and his accounts of working with these magnificent creatures. His love for them shows through as does the pain he feels in having to leave them behind, especially his beloved Takara, his favorite orca. John also goes into the friendships he formed with his fellow employees and into the deaths of other orca trainers. He speaks out against SeaWorld and provides the facts and different arguments to back it up.

It is obvious that these orcas are highly intelligent and social creatures and should not be in captivity. Some of these whales have been held captive and working on a daily basis for over thirty years.

At the end of the book John includes photos of himself with the orcas Takara and Corky and you can see he loves them. Beneath the Surface is an emotional and informative book on an important issue that cannot be ignored.

At the end of the day, even if you do not want to view the documentaries or read these types of books due to them being too sad or disturbing, you can still be an advocate, inform yourself, help spread the word and do not support these types of marine parks.

disclaimer:
This review is my honest opinion. I did not receive any kind of compensation for reading and reviewing this book. I am under no obligation to write a positive review. I received my free review copy of Beneath the Surface by John Hargrove via NetGalley.
https://bookwormnai.wordpress.com/201... ...more

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Feb 14, 2015 Erik rated it really liked it

Shelves: first-reads

Disclaimer: I received a free advanced copy of this book from the publisher as part of a Goodreads giveaway.

My biggest concern when I started reading Beneath the Surface was that it wouldn't differentiate itself from Blackfish, a documentary I valued greatly and had already influenced my actions as I choose against doing a swim with the dolphins activity during a Caribbean vacation, a small stand against animals in captivity. Mostly, I didn't see how written word could match the sensory emotion ...more

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Mar 11, 2015 Kathleen Smith rated it it was amazing

Shelves: completed, loved-it

I started watching the movie Blackfish, because it was mentioned in the Advanced Readers Copy I was lucky enough to be able to review Beneath the Surface, by John Hargrove and Howard Chua-Eoan. The film premiered in 2013 at Sundance. I am sure that I saw some coverage on TV, however I was recuperating from an accident, leaving me with severe spinal injuries.
In John Hargroves fact filled novel he uncovers and speaks of so many occurrences that there is no way that I could even begin to summarize ...more

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Mar 08, 2015 Pam rated it it was amazing

This book is a great follow-up to blackfish. The author provides an amazing story of his approximately 20 years working with orcas around the world, but mostly with SeaWorld. He clearly loves the orcas and loved what he did as a trainer. But he also tells the reality of the problems the orcas have experienced in captivity and the dangerous situations the trainers have gotten into over the years, culminating in the death of two trainers within a short period of time. As someone who has a mixed fe ...more

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Jan 06, 2020 Kristina Lynn rated it really liked it

Shelves: science-environmental-books

Expose on Seaworld as a money hungry corporation willing to torture its animals for an extra buck from patrons who either don’t care about the health of the orcas or are blissfully unaware due to Seaworld’s propaganda. I’m glad the author spoke out and used his years of experience with the orcas in a positive way to become their advocate. I think the most telling story was a conversation he had with another trainer - who said the bible dictates that humans have dominion over animals so it’s ok t ...more

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Jul 06, 2015 Kasey rated it it was amazing

Heart wrenching...I understand that these animals can never go back to the ocean. I also understand that Sea World no longer takes whales from the ocean. However, I now cannot understand why they continue to breed orcas even after all of the evidence points to the fact that they are not healthy, thriving animals. I have been to Sea World for the last time.

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Mar 24, 2015 Lindsay rated it it was amazing

Shelves: audiobooks, non-fiction

An excellent read about the horrors of Sea World and their mistreatment of trainers and whales, from someone who experienced it all first hand. I highly recommend this book along with Blackfish (documentary).

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About John Hargrove

John Hargrove

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JOHN HARGROVE has 14 years' experience as a killer whale trainer. His experience spans both SeaWorld of California and SeaWorld of Texas where he was promoted to the highest ranking Senior Trainer. John also has an international reputation, having been a Supervisor with MarineLand in the south of France. He resigned his position with SeaWorld in August 2012 and currently resides in New York City. ...more

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Kerine Wint is a software engineering graduate with more love for books than for computers. As an avid reader, writer, and fan of all things...

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“Captivity is always captivity, no matter how gentle the jailer.” — 33 likes

“After all, SeaWorld didn’t become a $2.5 billion company because of sequins and choreography. It was built on the backs of captive killer whales.” — 8 likes

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