Tilikum, orca that inspired ‘Blackfish’ documentary, dies
The tragic story of the killer whale, linked to several human deaths, inspired a movement to end captivity
Tilikum, the orca who killed several people and was featured in the documentary “Blackfish” making the case against keeping orcas in captivity, died on Friday, SeaWorld Entertaintment said.
Thought to be about 36 years old, Tilikum drew international attention for dragging a SeaWorld trainer underwater to her death during a 2010 show in Florida.
Tilikum had been experiencing declining health and receiving treatment for a bacterial lung infection, the company said in a news release. It noted that an official cause of death would not be known until a necropsy was completed.
“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 and CEO Joel Manby said in a statement.
The theme park saw its image tarnished after the release of the 2013 documentary, which depicted the captivity and public exhibition of killer whales as cruel.
The film chronicled the life of Tilikum, who was captured in 1983 around the age of 2. He spent 25 years in SeaWorld’s care.