A mime working at SeaWorld called out a dad for not helping his wife in a video that is fast becoming a hit among netizens. Ernest Palomo recorded the clip last month while visiting the famous park in Orlando, Florida, with his family. He posted the video on the social media platform TikTok, with the hilarious footage generating nearly 13 million views and more than 24,000 comments.
Michelle Tzenevrakis is seen in the video carrying a large backpack and her 13-month-old daughter, Kalliope, while her husband Nick trails behind. This does not sit right with the mime, who swoops in and takes the backpack from Michelle, handing the bag over to Nick as the crowd at Seaworld erupts into thunderous applause.
Palomo spoke to Today Parents about the incident, saying, "I thought it was pretty hilarious. Everyone was cheering." The Tzenevrakis family had no idea that they were being filmed during that time. Michelle and Nick were confused when a friend called them to say their video was going viral, but the Warsaw, Illinois, couple are taking it all in stride.
Nick Tzenevrakis thought the viral video was pretty funny
Nick said that the mime caught him off guard as he was in a total daze at that moment. Nick added that he was starving then, and his feet were hurting him. Nick explained that he was not the least bit embarrassed about the video, saying, "I thought it was pretty funny."
Michelle also had a good laugh about the viral video, but she was quick to defend her 28-year-old husband in the comments section of Palomo's TikTok post. One comment said that Nick is the kind of guy who will not change diapers, while another blasted him for his actions, saying men like that dad are useless.
According to Michelle, Nick was pushing the stroller all day, but they could not bring it into the sea lion show. Scary Mommy also reported that Nick was helping out all day with their 13-month-old daughter, Kalliope.
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SeaWorld grabs headlines for the wrong reasons
She also wanted to make it clear to people that what Palomo captured on his phone at SeaWorld was just one moment and does not represent who Nick really is. Michelle said that Nick is the greatest father, and she wants to make sure that people know that. The 31-year-old teacher paid tribute to her beloved husband, saying, "He does so much for us. He's just awesome in every way."
The viral video has put SeaWorld back in the headlines. The park's controversial orca breeding programme was placed under the microscope following the release of the 2013 film "Blackfish." The documentary highlighted various animal welfare and conservation issues surrounding the use of orcas in marine parks such as SeaWorld.
SeaWorld caved to pressure in 2016, announcing that it would stop its orca breeding programme. That made the 22 remaining orcas at SeaWorld at the time the last generation in captivity.
