Tilikum the "killer" killer whale

[on:]

I'm sure a lot of people heard that Tilikum killed his trainer, Dawn Brancheau, on Wednesday at Sea World. This whale has been involved with other human deaths as well. Once in Canadian aquarium, he and two other whales killed a trainer. And another when a man climbed in to the Killer Whale tank after the park closed.

What do you think should be done with the whale? As it stands SeaWorld plans on doing nothing with Tilikum.

[Reply #1 on:]

I think they should do what they did with Keiko - get him back into the wild, but see if they can get him back with his original pod.

Seems as though they plan to keep him and keep using him in shows. I don't really believe that should be an option at this point. An accident is going to happen again - what does everyone expect with a large bull whale? I don't believe he is intentionally malicious... but that fact is, he's killed several humans, so I think he shouldn't be kept in captivity anymore.

[Reply #2 on:]

I dont think this whale would get the needed donations. Unlike keiko everyone was out to help him. He was a big star. It was a very long process and everyone is saying he would die in the wild. I think so too. Some animals once in captivity just cant make it in the wild again.

[Reply #3 on:]

That is the risk you take when you choose to work with a large, dangerous animal. He didn't kill her on purpose, he thought he was playing with her, and he would never survive in the wild after being in captivity.

People simply shouldn't get in the water with such a large animal.

[Reply #4 on:]

I read an article saying that if they attempted to re-introduce him to his original pod, there's a good chance he'd be able to stay with them in the wild.

But, that being said, yes you're right about funding. That would be really expensive and it might be unrealistic to believe they could come up with the money.

So is he stuck then? I'd hate to be the next trainer to have to work with that whale.

[Reply #5 on:]

For the time being there is going to be no trainers in the water with any of the whales while they investigate what happened.

I think if Sea World insists on keeping Tilikum apart of the show he should do things that don't require anyone near him. Even in the landing area or whatever they call the really shallow water.

I don't think it would be healthy for Tilikum to be excluded from training. Whales are smart and I think they really need the interactions to keep them healthy while in captivity.

[Reply #6 on:]

That's true, Talon. Whatever happens, he needs to be kept busy.