The Death of Tilikum
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

The Death of Tilikum

We should learn from it.

9
The Death of Tilikum
netflixlife.com

Tilikum, the Icelandic bull orca kept in captivity at Seaworld, died the morning of January 6, 2017, presumably from his many health problems. He was 35 years old. Tilikum was also the inspiration for a documentary entitled Blackfish.

I'm sure we've all heard of it at some point, as it was extremely popular. Blackfish dealt with the controversy of keeping captive orcas but also prompted viewers to consider the problems with keeping other animals in captivity.

Is it the right thing to do?

Stealing a wild animal from its natural environment for commercial activity, such as zoos and theme parks is never a good idea. These animals are built specifically for a certain terrain and lifestyle. Trying to recreate these areas is very difficult and can ultimately lead to a poor quality of life for the animals if it is not taken care of properly. Their physical health deteriorates as they can contract diseases they otherwise would not have come into contact with. Their mental health is often compromised as well-- they are separated from their families, rightful environment and more, which causes stress and depression.

Not only do we have to worry about the animals, but we have to worry about ourselves, too. Accidents happen-- everyone remembers what happened with Harambe and what had to be done to save the life of a young boy who made it into the gorilla's enclosure at the Cincinnati Zoo.

I've always loved animals, and even though I begged my parents to get me the countless numbers of pets, they always told me I wasn't allowed to have them unless I was willing to commit to taking care of them. That means a more-than-adequate enclosure, the right food, the undying love, and the attention that all animals need. I believe the same goes for anyone else trying to keep animals in captivity, on any scale.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

57566
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37081
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958810
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

191384
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments