SeaWorld won’t punish Serial Killer Whale
With a backdrop of supposedly happy killer whales swimming in their tank, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment President Jim Atchison said that Tilikum, the orca who killed trainer Dawn Brancheau on Wednesday, would not be subject to punishment.
Trainers won’t be allowed to enter the water with the whales pending a review of the park’s safety practices.
During a press conference at the Orlando SeaWorld Friday, Atchison was asked about the three deaths that involved Tilikum and the judgment to put SeaWorld workers in the water with the a killer whale that has killed.
“The events are quite varied,” Atchison said. “Those incidents and nature of them had nothing to do with the nature of this event…and are not relevant to his particular altercation.” He did not elaborate on how the three killing incidents varied.
He was asked about videotapes related to the event, and said some existed but he could not share any information about them, as they are part of an ongoing investigation.
Atchison said that Tilikum is “an important part of the overall team,” and is “part of a social network with other killer whales and trainers.”
Tilikum will continue to be a part of SeaWorld shows, Atchison said. “His participation in shows is an important part of overall husbandry,” he added.
He defended the orca exhibits and shows at SeaWorld as an “extraordinary way for people to make connections with marine animals.”
As a member of the SeaWorld team, Tilikum is praised for his size and large splashes that entertain customers. He is allowed to socialize with the eight other whales at SeaWorld Orlando and his sperm is used to impregnate female orcas, adding to the stock of performing whales. “He is a very special animal that requires very special handing,” Atchison said.
