Tilikum, orca whale who killed trainer, back in SeaWorld shows
by Katerina Lorenzatos Makris
SeaWorld Orlando today resumed performances using Tilikum, a six-ton orca whale who drowned his trainer last year, reports DeWayne Bevil of The Bellingham Herald.
Since the death of Dawn Brancheau in February 2010, “trainers have not been allowed in the water with any of SeaWorld's whales,” writes Bevil. He quotes SeaWorld officials as saying they have improved trainer safety at the Florida theme park with guardrails, safety nets, and other methods.
Tilikum was used this morning in a performance titled “Believe,” according to Bevil.
On today’s MSNBC Dylan Ratigan Show, Ratigan interviewed wildlife commentator Jeff Corwin about the wisdom of returning Tillikum to the shows.
Orca whale performing Photo: Big Stock
Corwin said “hopefully” the arena and performances have been altered so that an incident like Brancheau’s death “can never ever happen again.”
“This is an animal that needs stimulation,” said Corwin. “It can’t spend the next two decades cooped up in a tank. He needs community and companionship. If they don’t work with this animal, like a human being it could suffer emotional consequences.”
He argued that because of Tilikum’s life in captivity he cannot be successfully returned to the wild.
“There might be value in having these animals serve as ambassadors for their species,” said Corwin. “They teach people about the value and the complexity of the ocean.”
