Blackfish orca Tilikum dies at SeaWorld

SeaWorld has announced the death of one of its most well-known orcas, Tilikum.

The orca died early during the morning of January 6th, surrounded by the trainers, care staff and veterinarians who were looking after him.

Tilikum had faced some very serious health issues. Although his official cause of death will not be determined until the necropsy is completed, the SeaWorld veterinarians were treating a persistent and complicated bacterial lung infection.

The whale’s veterinarians and caretakers tried various treatment regimens over the course of his illness, which consisted of, among other things, combinations of anti-inflammatories, anti-bacterials, anti-nausea medications, hydration therapy and aerosolized antimicrobial therapy.

Tilikum is blamed for the death of SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau, as well as two others, and his life was the subject of the documentary, Blackfish.

Despite the controversy surrounding his captivity, and the multiple human deaths he caused, Tilikum continued to be cared for at SeaWorld.

“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,” said SeaWorld CEO Joel Manby. “My heart goes out to our team who cared for him like family.”

This past March, SeaWorld announced the end of the orca breeding program effectively making the whales currently at SeaWorld the last generation of orcas under human care.

Tilikum, who’s estimated to be about 36 years old, lived at Sea World for 25 years.

He was transferred there from Sealand of the Pacific in Victoria in 1991, where he had killed trainer Keltie Byrne.

While at SeaWorld, he also killed visitor Daniel Dukes.

According to SeaWorld representatives, the rest of the whale group is doing well and are behaving normally since Tilikum’s death.