Tilikum, one of the world's most famous orcas, has died.
He is (sadly) most known for killing his trainer Dawn Brancheau back in 2010, but he is also popular for starring in the documentary Blackfish. The film shed light on SeaWorld's horrible conditions, and eventually paved way for change for the animals in captivity.
Although there has not been an official statement claiming his cause of death, Tilikum passed away the exact same way he spent his days in the concrete jail: in pain, in isolation and in agony. The blood is on the hands of the inhumane and heartless conditions supplied by SeaWorld's captivity. More than anything, I wish Tilly could have found freedom not in death, but while he was still alive. Even though it's through his passing, I will take away every little bit of comfort knowing he is finally at peace.
At the age of 36 years old, weighing in at 12,500 pounds, and at nearly 23 feet long, Tilikum died an icon who brings hope for the future. He helped inspire change and he allowed people view the industry in a different way. I wish we all could have returned the favor by allowing him freedom in a seaside sanctuary (since releasing confined killer whales in the wild again is without a doubt a really bad idea). But I know there will be a day when the tanks are drained, and orcas will peacefully swim with their pods. This may or may not happen during our lifetime but when it does... Tilikum will bask in the glory.
A brief history of Tilly's life for those of you who don't know:
When he was only 2 years old, Tilikum was snatched in the wild from his family in Iceland. He spent one year in a zoo tank in Reykjavik, then was sent to Sealand of the Pacific in Vancouver Island, Canada. It was at this park that Tilly was constantly beat up and raked by two other orcas and "trained" (aka forced) to preform acts to entertain. In 1991, Keltie Byrne who was a 21 year old trainer at Sealand of the Pacific suddenly slipped into the pool with the 3 killer whales where they proceeded to drown her in front of an audience. Hours later, he body was recovered. The park closed soon there after, and Tilly was shipped to his final resting place... SeaWorld Orlando, Florida.
Tilikum had taken 2 lives after this event. Both at SeaWorld. Both due to his frustration, stress, and insanity caused by the theme park.
There have only been 4 deaths caused by orcas. All of them have been committed in captivity. None in the wild.
His days were filled with trying to entertain to get food; otherwise he would starve. He was basically a swimming sperm bank, where he was masturbated by trainers to sell baby orcas. Tilikum leaves behind 21 offspring. 11 of them died before he did. He slammed his head against the concrete walls and wore down this teeth on bars. He was exploited to be a money making machine. He was led to lose his mind and was messed with mentally. He died before he could have been saved.
But this does not have to happen again.
It's time for everyone to open their eyes and see the facts. Stop buying into this industry just to be entertained. Stop pretending these animals are not being toyed with. Stop turning the other way. It's time to make a difference. It's time to avenge for Tilikum.
We love you. It's finally time for you to swim far and wide, Tilly.
