SeaWorld’s Orca, Tilikum, Subject of Blackfish, Becoming Increasingly Ill

SeaWorld Orlando's orca whale, Tilikum, the main subject of the documentary, Blackfish, is dying, according to a statement from SeaWorld.

“We are saddened to report that over the past few weeks, Tilikum’s behavior has becoming increasingly lethargic, and the SeaWorld veterinary and animal care teams are concerned that his health is beginning to deteriorate.”

The well-known whale is estimated to be about 35-years-old. Prior to moving to SeaWorld, Tilikum was part of Sealand of the Pacific, a former aquarium that was located near Victoria, B.C.

Tilikum has been the subject of much controversy during his life. The whale is the main subject of Blackfish, a film that highlights the orca’s alleged responsibility for several deaths during his time in captivity.

The documentary shows raw footage of the death of Dawn Brancheau, a SeaWorld trainer who died during a live show at SeaWorld in 2010. The footage shows the whale grabbing onto the trainers long ponytail and pulling her into the pool. The 40-year-old trainer drowned as a result of the incident.

While the exact trigger of the incident remains unknown, Blackfish points to the “extreme level of sensory deprivation on them. There is stress associated with being in a relatively small pool. Humans who are subject to those same conditions become mentally disturbed.”

In a statement released March 8^th by SeaWorld, the famous aquarium said Tilikum “has received the best in marine mammal health care and life enrichment available for killer whales- including physical health, mental engagement and social activity with other whales.”

Two other human deaths have been connected to Tilikum during his time in captivity, the earliest dating back to 1991 when he was at Sealand, and the second in 1999 at SeaWorld.

Tilikum is believed to be suffering from a bacterial infection in his lungs So far, a treatment for his illness has not been found.