Propaganda vs Documentary

If you haven't seen or at least heard of the film "Blackfish" you might be living under a rock.  Or you're just extremely lucky and haven't been burdened by the major controversy surrounding this film.  As a professional animal trainer, I feel very strongly about this film and any like it.  Any time there is negative attention on any animal facility or program, we all feel it.  The negative attention that Sea World has gotten over this film is immense.  I personally have been questioned by friends, family, clients, acquaintances, etc... Before I express my viewpoint concerning the film, I would like to first say that what I write here is strictly MY opinion.  My opinion has been formed based off of my personal 8+ years of working with captive wildlife and from my complete adoration, respect, and absolute love for all animals; big & small, young & old, captive & free, wild & domestic....

"Blackfish" has stirred quite the controversial pot across the globe.  It has created an unattractive to the otherwise adored Sea World.  Many argue that whales do not belong in captivity.  Well, guess what? No animal does!  In a perfect world, all animals would remain in the wild.  But this world is far from perfect.  Animals in captivity will always be.  So our job as the ones responsible for putting them in captivity is to give them the best life imaginable.  In fact, some facilities are so good that they nearly triple the life span of many of these animals.  In captivity there is no threat of poaching, habitat loss, or scarcity of food.  They get the veterinary care they may need.  They get constant mental, emotional, and physical stimulation.  (In some cases, they get more enriching lives in captivity than they would in the wild!) I personally know marine mammal trainers, including killer whales, who believe this same basic principle that I do.  I know some trainers who currently work for Sea World & some who used to work for Sea World, and the consensus is the same; these animals get the utmost care that money can buy.  They are the royalty of the captive animal world.  Sea World is a multi-billion dollar company that has contributed greatly to many different efforts of conservation and preservation to the entire animal kingdom.  They even have a rescue program for dogs and cats & incorporate a show into their theme-park offerings.  Sea World is many times the starting block for people who become inspired to become active in conservation efforts.  So without getting too "involved" with Sea World statistics, I want to make the main point of this blog known:
"Blackfish" not only negatively impacts Sea World, but the entire captive animal industry.

My request is this; if you watch this film, please do so realizing that it IS propaganda.  That there are two sides to this issue.  I will attach a few links to this post for further reading from others directly involved with "Blackfish".

I also welcome any questions, (constructive) comments, inquiries, discussions, etc.... Feel free to contact me through our Triple D facebook page or email me directly at tripledblog@gmail.com.



"Sea World's Response to Blackfish"
http://seaworldparks.com/en/corporatesites/truth/home/truth-about-blackfish/

"The Other Side of Blackfish"
http://www.inparkmagazine.com/editorial-before-you-jump-on-the-seaworld-bashing-bandwagon-read-this/

"A Former SW Employee's Response to Blackfish"
https://www.facebook.com/notes/julie-toma/a-former-seaworld-employees-response-to-blackfish/10152163058773885

Dawn Brancheau's Family Statement About Blackfish

http://dawnsfoundation.org/share-your-stories/images/dawn-brancheaus-family-statement-about-blackfish

The Odd Couple

Many of you may have seen books with unique animal bonds.  The most popular book that I have seen is titled, "Unlikely Friendships" by Jennifer S. Holland.  There are even calendars!!  Well, that book sure is cute, but in my personal opinion none of those animals hold a candle to Hershey & Hank! (Of course I'm a little bit biased...)

Hershey came to Triple D at only 2 weeks old.  She met us at our annual road trip in April in Mariposa, CA.  For an entire month, she only knew the care of people.  She loved the attention and knew we loved giving it to her!!

Hershey & Ringo meeting
for the first time

Upon our return back to Montana, I decided to take her home at night in order to further the bond necessary to maintain a safe relationship with a tiger.  I wanted her to see me as "mommy".  Well, I have my own pup at home.  His name is Ringo.  He is a Springer Spaniel.  For Hershey, it was love at first sniff!  For Ringo, well lets just say he is very tolerant....but before you knew it, he looked forward to her cuddles just as much as she looked forward to his.

Cuddle Bugs!

As she grew in size & personality, it started to become more and more difficult to take her home.  Plus I like my carpet & furniture.  So the time came, when I just couldn't take her home anymore.  But she still needed that canine companion.  So I enlisted the help our beloved Hank. (You all know Hank!)  Hank stepped right in.  He was a little rough for her at first.  She was used to a very mellow cuddling dog.  And while Hank loves to cuddle, he REALLY loves to play. Before too long though, Hershey realized that she had found her new best friend!

Hank & Hershey relaxing after
an intense play session

Hank dwarfed Hershey when they first met, but Hershey is now 8 months old and tipping the scales at 110 lbs!  She's growing so fast!  That doesn't deter Hank, however.  He may be afraid of the resident domestic cats, but he's all in when it comes to playing with Hershey. The two of them will romp and romp and romp and romp!!!  Hershey tuckers out first. (Tigers aren't known for their endurance.)  And when she does, Hank cannot wait to take advantage of her vulnerability!!  Being the valiant herding dog that he is, he will nip at her neck and heels to get her going again!  Its quite the scene! They do both eventually tire out and will lay down and rest.

Hank is an amazing training tool here at the Triple D.  When she (or other animals he's helped "raise") get too rough or start getting too "bitey" with me....Hank to the rescue!  He'll come in and nip at her barking!  He's my personal body guard!  Its amazing!

Hank & Hershey romping
around when she was
just 5 months old

People often ask me when I will separate them.  That is a great question actually.  But only Hank knows the answer to that.  There may come a time when he no longer enjoys his Hershey play time because she is too big or too rough.  On the flip side, he may remain the dominant one in their play time and they may be full-contact friends forever.  Regardless of Hank's decision to maintain that full contact or not, he will remain in her life as a protected-contact companion. (Protected contact means that there will be a fence separating Hershey from Hank.) But for now, they get frequent play dates and they absolutely love every moment of it!  We are so lucky to be a part of their beautiful world.

The most amazing friendship to ever form at the Triple D

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Here at the Triple D, we are ALWAYS thankful! We are thankful for our staff, our clients, the beauty of Montana, and most importantly, we are thankful for our amazing wildlife!!!  So to express our gratitude to them for this festive holiday, we fed out MANY turkeys, chickens, & even cornish hens for the little guys.We hope you all had a very safe & happy Thanksgiving!!!   

Kupalo was not quite in the sharing
mood....We don't blame him!

Only half of the amount of poultry we fed out is shown!

Remember When?

For anyone who has followed the Triple D animals, is starting to follow, or even if this is your first time....it is always fun to witness the development from  baby to teen to adulthood of our animals.  So I just wanted to take a moment to post a few "Then & Now" pictures for our amusement.  ENJOY!!!

**To have your own images and/or stories posted in the Trainers Blog, please contact Heather @ tripledblog.com.  Or message us on Facebook!**

Kali & Khia:  
Mountain Lion Litter Mate Sisters 
Born: July 05, 2011

Kali (right) & Khia (left) - 2 months old

Kali - 2 years old
Image provided by Donald Knight

Khia - 2 years old

Aryaa: 

Snow Leopard 

Born: May 13, 2012 

2 months old
Image provided by Donald Knight

1.5 years old
Doesn't quite fit the same on Heather's shoulder 

Casey: 

Black Bear 

Born: January 17, 2011

Casey Bear at 6 months old
Image provided by Jurgen Sohns

Casey Bear at 2.5 years old
Image provided by Chandelle Cotter

Kupalo: 

Amur Leopar 

Born: May 10, 2012

Kupalo @ 2 months old
Image provided by Anita Erdman

Kupalo or "King Kupa" at 1.5 years old
Heather's left shoulder is often his "throw
Image provided by Chandelle Cotter

Bruno: 

Brown Bear 

Born: January 16, 2012

The day he arrived at his forever home with his forever "mom" at 2 months old.  He weighed 6.2 lbs

This is Bruno as of September 24, 2013
He still has another year and a half to grow!!
Image provided by Tom & Pam Holmes

Hershey: 

Tiger 

Born: March 19, 2013

Hershey Kiss at 2 weeks old in Mariposa, CA
Image provided by Lacy Deist

Hershey at 6 months old playing with Hank

Overview for 2014 Road TripSSSSSSSSS

That's right!  The Triple D will be taking more than one road trip in 2014!

We have already announced that in April, 2014 we will be traveling to Cortez, CO; more specifically the Canyon of the Ancients near the Four Corners.  We will have our best wildlife models exhibiting their natural physique amidst impressive Anasazi ruins.  In addition, we will offer an Authentic Western Horse Roundup, which includes a running herd of beautiful horses that will be showing off their majesty alongside the distinct red rocks at McElmo Creek!

Below are some images of one of the available Anasazi ruins that we will be using for our April sessions. Just imagine....a bobcat, a wolf, maybe even a mountain lion jumping up & around this incredible ancient structure!!!

Image provided by Garry & Ming Adams @
canyonoftheancients.com

Image provided by Garry & Ming Adams @
canyonoftheancients.com

Image provided by Garry & Ming Adams @
canyonoftheancients.com

So if these amazing ruins weren't enough to get you through the year, don't you worry....we've got you covered!!!!  Next stop, SLOT CANYONS!!!  Canyon X to be more specific....

Dates and more information will be released soon, but I'd love to post a teaser image just to get those photographic wheels spinning....

We will have exclusive rights to ensure an uninterrupted experience for our guests and our animals.  

Image provided by Charly Moore @
overlandcanyontours.com

Image provided by Charly Moore @
overlandcanyontours.com

Next stop, Canyons of the Ancients, Colorado! April, 2014

It has been decided!

Triple D's annual April extravaganza will be held just west of Cortez, Colorado.  Located about 40 miles north of the Four Corners, The Canyons of the Ancients National Monument is the perfect site to showcase an elite selection of our wildlife! Many of our photography sessions will be staged right on the Canyons of the Ancients Ranch; home to beautiful, historic Anasazi ruins.  In addition to our carnivorous wildlife, we will be offering a running horse herd and possibly a "Birds of Prey" session as well.

More details are to come so stay tuned!!!  

Something to "cool off" with....

We are definitely in the full swing of summer & it has certainly been a notably hot one for Glacier's backyard.  Continual highs in the mid-high 90's has certainly called for many many ice cold teas and lemonades and some much needed R&R lakeside!  But why should we get all of the fun???  Don't worry we don't!!!  Many of our animals enjoy splashing around the pond or pools that we provide them!  Some of them even get to chase the hose water around!  Here at the Triple D, the animals take advantage of the midday heat with long summer snooze.  We also help them cool off with some frozen carnivore treats, also known as "bloodsicles!"  It is as simple as it sounds....big chunks of frozen blood/water to create the perfect delight for our super stars.  Our bears often get frozen juices & fruits!  There are edible frozen toys for all!

Bruno enjoying a playful break from cleaning as
the hose gets redirected from his mess
to his mouth......
Bruno: 1 Water: 0

We certainly enjoy our beautiful summers here, but nothing beats the winters.  It's Montana!!  Our most adored winter animals are looking forward to it more than anyone!!  More specifically our snow leopard, Amur leopard, Canadian lynx, and our Siberian tiger cub.  Don't miss out on our winter wildlife sessions in January & February...it is without a doubt a sight to see & an moment to capture.

Aryaa (snow leopard) enjoying this past winter snow!
(Photograph provided by Jeff Wendorff)