A new legal filing from SeaWorld Orlando offers fresh insight into the lawsuit brought by a guest who says she was left “disfigured” after being struck by a bird while riding one of the park’s roller coasters.
Guest Claims Severe Injuries After Bird Strike on Mako
In October, Hillary Martin filed a lawsuit related to an event she says occurred on March 24, 2025. According to the complaint, Martin was riding the Mako roller coaster when she was hit by what she believed was a duck. Her attorneys state that the collision knocked her unconscious and left her with lasting mental and physical “pain and suffering.” The filing describes her injuries as permanent and alleges that she was “disfigured” during the ride. Martin is seeking $50,000 in damages.
Martin’s legal team argues that SeaWorld Orlando “either knew or should have known” that a bird strike was a potential risk due to the coaster’s location near a body of water. They claim that SeaWorld failed to “maintain the premises in a reasonably safe condition by negligently failing to correct a dangerous situation.”
In response to the lawsuit, SeaWorld Orlando issued the following public statement:
“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.”
SeaWorld Orlando Responds With New Motion to Dismiss
A recent filing from SeaWorld Orlando counters several points raised in Martin’s complaint. The Central Florida theme park asserts that it should not be held liable for the behavior of wild animals. The document states that the guest misidentified the bird involved, claiming the animal was not a duck but a migratory snowy egret.
SeaWorld also argues that Martin declined ambulance transport after the incident. According to the filing, she “wanted to keep going in the park and did not want to be held up any longer,” choosing to continue her visit instead of seeking immediate medical treatment. The company states that she did not seek medical attention until March 25, the day after the reported collision.
The filing challenges the idea that the ride’s proximity to water created a heightened risk, stating:
“Martin’s event, by its own description, could have occurred regardless of the presence of any body of water within the park and it still would not have been Sea World’s legal responsibility.”
Neither Martin nor SeaWorld has released additional public statements following the motion to dismiss. A hearing is scheduled for December 8 in Orange County court, where a judge will consider SeaWorld’s request and determine the next steps in the case. Mako continues operating normally.
Does this SeaWorld Orlando guest have a valid case against the Central Florida theme park? Share your thoughts with Disney Dining in the comments!
