'Three decades of misery': SeaWorld killer whale Tilikum from 'Blackfish' documentary dies
Tilikum the killer whale that was the focus of a documentary which criticised the captivity of orcas, has died, according to SeaWorld officials.
Although the official cause of death will not be announced until the completion of a necropsy, veterinarians at the Florida marine theme park had said the approximately 36-year-old whale had been fighting a bacterial lung infection since March.
"Tilikum passed away early this morning, January 6, surrounded by the trainers, care staff and veterinarians that provided him around-the-clock world-class care," SeaWorld confirmed.
Tiilikum died on Friday and had been fighting a bacterial lung infection since March, according to SeaWorld. Source: Twitter
"Tilikum had, and will continue to have, a special place in the hearts of the SeaWorld family, as well as the millions of people all over the world that he inspired," SeaWorld president Joel Manby said in a statement.
The whale was involved in the deaths of three people, including trainer Dawn Brancheau in 2010.
The orca had spent 25 years at SeaWorld, where he and others drew huge crowds for their water shows.
But the company faced criticism from animal rights groups over its treatment of orcas, which opponents say were kept in tanks that are too small, fed improper diets and forced to perform tricks.
Tiilikum was the killer whale at the centre of the documentary "Blackfish". Source: Sea World
SeaWorld came under widespread criticism for its treatment of killer whales. Source: Sea World
SeaWorld came under widespread criticism for its treatment of killer whales after the release of "Blackfish" in 2013. .
The company said in March that it would stop breeding killer whales, and will no longer keep any of the giant sea creatures in captivity after its current generation dies.
The animal rights group PETA tweeted a photo of Tilikum on Friday along with the message "R.I.P. Tilikum Dead after three decades of misery."
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