Yesterday, SeaWorld whale trainer, Dawn Brancheau was killed as onlookers watched in horror as Tillikum, also known as Tillie, pulled her in the water where she lost her life. Autospy results showed she died of multiple traumatic injuries and drowning caused by Tillie.
This is not the first time Tillie has killed a person. In 1991, he attacked and killed a trainer along with two other whales at Sealand of the Pacific. In 1999, a homeless man snuck into the park and was found dead in the whale’s enclosure.
What a tragic loss! I have heard and read how people want Tillie killed. I understand their anger. Tillie has killed three people! But is it his fault and does he deserve to die?
Tillie was captured in 1983 when he was two years old and has been held in captivity ever since. There are 42 orcas currently held captive around the world in theme parks.
An orca, better known as a killer whale, ordinarily lives in the ocean – free to swim in the bounteous pool of water and not in a confined area such as SeaWorld. Reports have stated the whales at SeaWorld are not mistreated and it has been said they have the top-notch trainers in the world working with these whales. I don’t doubt these facts.
However, orcas are the largest species in the dolphin family and the largest whales at Seaworld. Is it truly fair to place a large whale in a facility that is not comparable to the open waters?
Some critics say whales that are held captive are stressed due to the small tanks and this can make them more aggressive. Was this the case with Dawn?
Seaworld said they have no plans to euthanize or free Tillie into the wild. He has sired by some accounts, 12 calves and as many as 15 calves. And he will still be used in that capacity.
The sister of Dawn Brancheau also said she doesn’t want Tillie killed.
But why do we have to domesticate wild animals for entertainment purposes? I guess it boils down to money. It’s always about money. They take in millions of dollars each year from guests to see their “Believe Show”. It would be a huge loss financially for these parks to get rid of the whales.
Tillie has killed before and the likelihood is great for it to happen again, so say some experts.
Do you think Tillie should be euthanized or let go into his natural habitat?
There is a reason why they are called “killer whales” but does Tillie deserve to die for what he did?