Tilikum The Whale Returns To SeaWorld Show For First Time Since Killing Trainer Dawn Brancheau

ORLANDO, Fla. -- The killer whale that drowned a trainer at Orlando's SeaWorld facility last year is slated to perform for the first time since the death.

SeaWorld officials say Tilikum will participate in the park's "Believe" show beginning Wednesday morning.

Tilikum drowned 40-year-old Dawn Brancheau on Feb. 24, 2010, and has not participated in a show since then, while park officials are spending millions making safety upgrades.

Plans to get trainers back in the water with the whales progressed earlier this month despite findings last summer by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration that accused SeaWorld of recklessly putting trainers in danger.

SeaWorld Animal Training Curator Kelly Flaherty Clark says they feel it's an important part of Tilikum's physical, social and mental enrichment to be back in the water.

Comments

[European1919]

05:08 AM on 04/06/2011

I hope he is a recidivist. Free the Orcas.

[Copernic]

07:43 PM on 04/01/2011

Orca humor if it is even possible.

Escaped killer whale recaptured after rampage through Orlando
http://www.thechicagodope.com/2011/04/01/escaped-killer-whale-recaptured-after-rampage-through-orlando/

[mzrecycle]

06:47 AM on 04/01/2011

We've built sterile, concrete super prisons for the most dangerous criminals and then get surprised in the increase of violence. Why should we be surprised that very intelligent sea creatures also become violent when kept in sterile, concrete prisons.
When all we had were drawings and black and white photos, there might have been some value in such shows...might. When we can show these amazing animals in 3D, on giant screens, doing their natural activities, there is NO REASON for capturing predator creatures, then sentencing them to a (short) lifetime in a sterile, concrete tank.

[Allen Gregory]

12:25 AM on 03/31/2011

Please stop taking your children to Seaworld. Instead, let them watch blue planet or many of the other wonderful nature docs out there. Not only are they cheaper, but they provide a much better education about the natural behavior of these beautiful animals.

[crparke]

01:39 AM on 03/31/2011

But Seaworld is so much more fun!

[EmilyTFT]

11:21 PM on 03/31/2011

Fun to people who don't mind this form of animal abuse. You do realize that killer whale clans all have their own languages? That sons stay with their mothers their entire lives? That they are able to problem solve? Sea World not only has orcas who all speak different dialects in one pod, but they also don't mind separating offspring from their mothers at an early age. It's easy to understand why Tilikum was acting so aggressive.

[Rob Halpin]

09:25 PM on 04/05/2011

Yeah, watching animals swimming in circles in a tiny tank, and knowing in your heart that it's wrong is.... excellent family fun all around!!!

[capstan]

12:10 AM on 03/31/2011

Notice the limp folded over dorsal fin on Tillicum and other captive whales. Notice the firm vertical dorsal fin on wild orcas. That limp folded over dorsal fin is a clear sign of an unhealthy, depressed animal!
Also, Tillicum didnt jus't grab her ponytail. He thrashed her around under water to kill her, just as they kill their prey.

[ThinkCreeps]

06:58 PM on 04/01/2011

Pacific Ocean - Fishtank. Pacific Ocean - Fishtank.

Eenie Meenie Miney Mo..

[caroline gray]

05:45 PM on 03/30/2011

http://the­orcaprojec­t.wordpres­s.com/2011­/01/20/ket­o-tilikum-­express-st­ress-of-or­ca-captivi­ty/ everyone please read this article, written by ex-trainers and vets. thank you. hopefully one day no more orcas/dolphins will be entertainment slaves for us.

[krumudgen]

03:45 PM on 03/30/2011

I thought she drowned after the whale mistakenly grabbed her loose ponytail...but of course huffpost would want to use the more sensational headline, true or not.

[caroline gray]

05:44 PM on 03/30/2011

please read this:
http://theorcaproject.wordpress.com/2011/01/20/keto-tilikum-express-stress-of-orca-captivity/
she wasn't just pulled in, she was ripped apart.

[Lori Marino]

07:03 PM on 03/30/2011

There is no evidence that he grabbed her pony tail. That is a story SeaWorld wants the public to believe.

[krumudgen]

07:53 PM on 03/30/2011

i am against all captive animal situations unless it is to try to preserve species.or some rescue ape sancuary . the point is the accident is always going to be sensationalized by someone, even for your agenda.

[bcmom]

02:35 PM on 03/30/2011

We do not need animals for our entertainment and amusement. Those days are over. Don't we have enough other distractions to amuse ourselves?

[crparke]

01:40 AM on 03/31/2011

I guess that mean no more pets. :(

[Rob Halpin]

09:28 PM on 04/05/2011

No it doesn't. And to draw that comparison is a desperate red herring. Pets are domesticated animals who cannot survive without us. These animals are wild animals. They were captured from the ocean or born into captivity. And EVEN the ones born in captivity are still wild animals.

[IgnatiusJ]

02:11 PM on 03/30/2011

20-something foot, 6 ton mammals do not belong in theme parks. In the wild, they might swim 50-100 miles per day, but not in a relatively small pool. Captive orcas have a shorter lifespan than wild ones.
Sea World holds no interest for me.

[shutterbabe]

02:33 PM on 03/30/2011

Exactly so, ignatius.

[Hunter]

02:37 PM on 03/30/2011

Or zoos for that matter.

[shutterbabe]

02:48 PM on 03/30/2011

Right on.

[Allen Gregory]

12:20 AM on 03/31/2011

Agreed. Check out RadioLab's podcast on zoos. Although it' pretty sad, it's incredibly touching.

[Master-T]

12:51 PM on 03/30/2011

Don't go to SeaWorld. Do you think a huge Orca enjoys being in a small tank his entire life, swimming in circles? Use your common sense. These animals belong in the ocean, free. In fact, all zoo animals and performing animals belong in the wild. Don't support these organizations with your dollars. In this day and age there's so many entertainment options, let's retire the idea of performing animals.

[shutterbabe]

02:33 PM on 03/30/2011

Thank you for saying this so well. Faved.

[Jake Thomas]

12:31 PM on 03/30/2011

"it's an important part of Tilikum's physical, social and mental enrichment to be back in the water." performing for an audience chasing balls, doing bellflops in a little tank. You know doing whale stuff.

[Stormboy]

12:28 PM on 03/30/2011

SW is trying to look like they're going back to business as usual, but Tilikum is severely stressed and could attack again if given the chance. It's doubtful OSHA will let trainers get back in the water with the whales, and I wonder if they'll want to.

Orcas bond for life, and Tilikum's bond with family was ripped at capture and hasn't been replaced. The best he's had was with Taima. Since Taima died last June he's had no companionship. Tilikum should be retired to a seapen with human care but in a natural setting, possibly with other retired captives.

[Daws]

12:03 PM on 03/30/2011

Wouldn't it be better for Tilikum to be set free? Killing the trainer may have just been a case of him playing rough or it was his way of saying, "I'm not happy here, you evil monkeys."

[screamingbanshee]

02:49 PM on 03/31/2011

unfortunately, there is a strong chance that he would die if set free. orcas live in pods or family groups and often hunt in packs. rouge whales are often rejected. stop supporting these businesses. circuses included

[crparke]

11:38 AM on 03/30/2011

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water....

[Hunter]

11:33 AM on 03/30/2011

We gave Vick another chance. We gave Chris Brown another chance. We gave Tiger another chance. We gave Roethlisberger another chance. Why not give Tilikum another chance?

[00BTB]

11:39 AM on 03/30/2011

Because the people you mentioned are suppose to be "rational" human beings. Tilikum is caged, prisoner, being told to perform, so that the Park can make profits. If you want to give Tilikum a chance, let the whale go...

[Hunter]

12:10 PM on 03/30/2011

I just meant another shot at life. I was afraid they were going to put the poor fella down. I wish they would set him free.

[Osapient1]

01:53 PM on 03/30/2011

Tilikum is much smarter than the folks you just named. Though they all make a living out of tossing or hitting objects...