SeaWorld is embroiled in a bizarre legal dispute with a visitor who claims she was struck in the face by a duck while riding a roller coaster, with the park's lawyers insisting the bird in question was not a duck at all, but a Snowy Egret.
The Incident and Conflicting Claims
Hillary Martin, from Orange County, Florida, filed a lawsuit in October 2025 concerning an incident that occurred on 24 March. She alleges she suffered a "permanent injury" after being knocked unconscious when a duck flew into her face while she was riding the "Mako" roller coaster at SeaWorld.
However, in a striking rebuttal, SeaWorld's legal team has categorically denied this version of events. In a court filing cited by WFTV, they stated, "This matter does not and has never involved a duck." The park contends that the bird was actually a Snowy Egret, a small, white heron common to Florida's wetlands.
Legal Arguments: A 'Zone of Risk' vs. 'Wild Animal Actions'
Martin's lawsuit accuses SeaWorld of creating a hazardous "zone of risk" by constructing the high-speed roller coaster near a body of water that attracts waterfowl like ducks, gulls, and geese. Her attorneys argue the ride's design disorients birds, increasing collision risks.
SeaWorld is seeking to have the case dismissed. Its lawyers argue that the park cannot be held legally responsible for "a wild animal's actions." They further claim that because the alleged bird was in the air and away from water, there is no plausible link between SeaWorld's premises and the injury. "Martin’s event, by its own description, could have occurred regardless of the presence or absence of any body of water within the park," an attorney wrote.
The park also noted that Martin refused immediate medical treatment at the scene because she did not want to leave the park, though she sought care the following day.
Seeking Damages and the Path Forward
Martin's initial complaint, filed on 27 October, did not specify the exact nature of her injuries but stated they resulted in permanent damage affecting her mental and physical well-being. She is demanding a jury trial and at least $50,000 in damages, alleging SeaWorld failed to maintain safety and warn of dangers.
In a brief statement, SeaWorld said, "The safety of our guests and employees is a top priority and we take these situations seriously. We will not be commenting beyond that as this is pending litigation." The case now hinges on the court's interpretation of liability and the disputed identity of the bird involved.
