Orca Whales at Seaworld

Orca Whales at Seaworld

Blackfish

In 2013, a documentary was realized that highlighted the harm that Seaworld does to the Orca Whales. The movie's main focus is on one specific whale named Tilikum who was involved with the deaths of three people. Tilikum's home was at Seaworld Orlando beginning when he was transferred there in 1992. 

The First Death

The first death related to Tilikum was in 1991 at a theme park in Victoria, British Columbia called Sealand of the Pacific. Tilikum and two other orcas dragged and kept a part time trainer underwater after she slipped and fell into the pool. Shortly after, Tilikum was moved to Seaworld Orlando and Sealand of the Pacific closed down shortly after the incident. 

The Second Death

The next death happened in 1999 when a man snuck into Tilikums sleeping pool at night and drowned, an autopsy report found abrasions and wounds that were thought to be caused by Tilikum. Although Seaworld had previously stated they had security cameras to monitor Tilikum at night, they say no footage of the attack was found.

The Third Death

In 2010, a trainer, Dawn Brancheau, was pulled by her pony-tail into the water. The autopsy report showed her cause of death was drowning and blunt force.

Tilikum's offspring

Tilikum had 21 offspring in captivity, 11 of which are still alive.

Orcas at Seaworld Today

Recently, Seaworld replaced it's trademark "One Ocean" orca whale show with a new show called "Orca Encounter" where the goal is to teach visitors about orca conservation. It is believed they are doing this in response to the "Blackfish" documentary.