ATLANTA (AP) - An
8-year-old Georgia girl says it "really, really hurt" when a dolphin
snatched her hand in its mouth while she fed the animal as part of an
attraction at SeaWorld in Orlando, Fla.
Jillian Thomas of
Alpharetta said she raised the paper carton she was holding, and "when
the dolphin saw that, it leaped at me and bit me, ate the carton."
"It really, really hurt," Jillian said in an interview Monday with ABC's "Good Morning America."
Jillian suffered three
puncture wounds to her hand. Her father Jamie Thomas, who was with her
at the theme park when the dolphin lunged from its pool Nov. 21,
described his reaction as: "Instant fear."
After his initial thought that he might have to dive into the tank to rescue his daughter, a SeaWorld employee offered to help.
"They asked if she wanted first aid, and I said 'she's bleeding' so yes, we want first aid," he recalled.
Jillian held two dolphin
stuffed animals as she recounted the ordeal, saying she hoped the
dolphin didn't get sick from eating the paper carton. She's prayed for
the animal at night, she said.
The paper cartons are used
to hold fish children and others feed the dolphins. Jillian's parents
say park-goers may not realize the risk involved in feeding dolphins,
which is why they posted video of the Nov. 21 bite to YouTube, so
parents can decide for themselves whether it is safe.
SeaWorld officials said in a
statement that the safety of their guests is paramount, and they are
taking the situation seriously.
"Educators and animal care
staff are always on-site at this area, monitoring all interactions and
are committed to guest safety," SeaWorld said in the statement.
"Educators and animal care
staff were at the attraction when this happened and immediately
connected with the family," SeaWorld said. "In addition, a member of our
health services team was in the area at Dolphin Cove and quickly
responded and treated the young girl."
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2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not
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