SeaWorld Orlando reconsiders using Tilikum killer whale in shows
Category U.S. | Tuesday, March 9th, 2010
SeaWorld said Tuesday that it is reconsidering whether to keep using the 6-ton killer whale that drowned its trainer last month in performances for audiences.
In the immediate aftermath of the Feb. 24 tragedy, in which 40-year-old trainer Dawn Brancheau was killed, SeaWorld said it intended to return Tilikum to shows. Jim Atchison, president and chief executive officer of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, said the orca’s training for and participation in such performances was an important component of his “overall health and husbandry.”