A viral video circulating on TikTok and Facebook claims that Jessica Radcliffe, a 23-year-old marine trainer, was killed by an orca during a live performance at “Pacific Blue Marine Park.”
Jessica Radcliffe orca attack is completely fake: Here’s why
The footage shows what appears to be a killer whale dragging a woman underwater, with captions saying she died shortly after being rescued.
However, a closer look reveals the Jessica Radcliffe orca attack never happened. Neither Jessica Radcliffe nor Pacific Blue Marine Park exist, and the video itself shows signs of being fake and possibly generated using artificial intelligence (AI).
Fact-checking reveals there are no credible news reports, no obituaries, no workplace safety investigations, and no official statements from any marine park about such an incident.
In real cases of fatal animal attacks, especially involving large marine mammals like orcas, there are usually immediate reports from local authorities, marine facilities, and news outlets.
Even the name “Pacific Blue Marine Park” does not match any known marine park anywhere in the world.
Experts who reviewed the footage noted that the voices in the clip sound computer-generated, suggesting the audio could have been made using AI voice tools.
AI-generated voices often sound slightly unnatural, with odd pauses and a flat emotional tone.
The movements in the video also appear unnatural at certain points, which can happen when AI or CGI (computer-generated imagery) is used to create or alter footage.
How marine trainers work with orcas in real life
In reality, marine trainers use specific techniques to work safely with killer whales. These include:
- Positive reinforcement: rewarding the orca with food when it performs a desired behaviour.
- Shaping: gradually teaching complex behaviours step-by-step.
- Bridging signals: using cues, like whistles, to show the animal it did the correct action.
Training sessions also involve “husbandry behaviours,” which allow trainers and veterinarians to check the animal’s health without stress.
While working with large predators always carries risk, modern training methods are designed to avoid aggressive situations.
The fake Jessica Radcliffe orca attack video tapped into existing public fears about killer whales and the rapid rise of generative AI, which can create convincing but false videos.
Without careful fact-checking, such content can quickly go viral, leading people to believe events that never occurred.