SeaWorld killer whale Tilikum is severely ill

Killer Whale Tilikum That Was Subject of 'Blackfish' Is Severely Ill
Killer Whale Tilikum That Was Subject of 'Blackfish' Is Severely Ill



The SeaWorld orca which featured in a documentary following the death of a trainer who was pulled under the water is said to be dying.

Tilikum, who has been an attraction at SeaWorld Orlando for 23 years, has become "increasingly lethargic" and vets say his health is deteriorating.

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In a blog post, SeaWorld said: "Our teams are treating him with care and medication for what we believe is a bacterial infection in his lungs. However, the suspected bacteria is very resistant to treatment and a cure for his illness has not been found."

Staff veterinarian Dr Scott Gearhart said in a video posted to the blog: "I wish I could say I was tremendously optimistic about Tilikum and his future but he has a disease that is chronic and progressive and at some point might cause his death."

In 2010, Tilikum grabbed his trainer Dawn Brancheau and pulled her into a pool, killing her. He was also involved in the death of two other people.

The documentary Blackfish hit the headlines after arguing that killer whales are more aggressive to humans when kept in captivity.

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