SeaWorld have announced the death of their best known orca whale Tilikum.
Tilikum was in headlines back in 2010 when he killed a trainer in SeaWorld and prompted the 2013 documentary Blackfish which showed the cruelty of keeping the large mammals in captivity for years on end.
Blackfish premiered at the Sundance film festival and was a hugely successful documentary receiving great reviews.
“While today is a difficult day for the SeaWorld family, it’s important to remember that Tilikum lived a long and enriching life while at SeaWorld and inspired millions of people to care about this amazing species,” a statement read.
“Tilikum’s life will always be inextricably connected with the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Dawn Brancheau. While we all experienced profound sadness about that loss, we continued to offer Tilikum the best care possible, each and every day, from the country’s leading experts in marine mammals.”
Tilikum was also responsible for two more deaths in the ’90s and Blackfish speculates that years of captivity are responsible for causing a kind of psychosis.
“Tilikum had, and will continue to have, a special place in the hearts of the SeaWorld family, as well as the millions of people all over the world that he inspired,” SeaWorld President & CEO Joel Manby said.
“My heart goes out to our team who cared for him like family.”
Video via Magnolia Pictures & Magnet Releasing
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