'Blackfish" Orca Tilikum Near Death

KingstonsMom · ‎03-09-2010

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Tilikum, the SeaWorld orca that became a household name after the "Blackfish" documentary is fighting for his life.

SeaWorld officials revealed the 25-year-old whale has become lethargic and his health is deteriorating. SeaWorld says they've given Tili meds for what they believe is a bacterial infection, but his condition has not improved.

SeaWorld did not sound optimistic, saying, "Our veterinarians are focused on managing his illness in a way that makes him comfortable and creates an enriching life."

Tilikum has been held in captivity at Seaworld for 23 years and reportedly killed three people, two trainers in 1991 and 2010 and a man who snuck in after hours in 1999.

So very, very sad..... Smiley sad 027.gif

You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.

Karnerblue · ‎03-18-2015

It's a horror. That poor creature should have been free to roam the ocean.

"Never water yourself down just because someone can't handle you 100% proof."

mstyrion 1 · ‎09-18-2014

That poor creature has endured so much. If this is his end of life, I hope either he goes peacefully and quickly or they do the right thing and end his suffering.

~Enough is enough~

MaggieMack · ‎10-01-2014

It just makes makes my heart hurt. Such a magnificent creature.

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. - Aesop

HappyDaze · ‎06-13-2012

Makes my heart ache with sadness for this poor, amazing creature.

Peaches McPhee · ‎04-19-2010

@KingstonsMom wrote:

Tilikum has been held in captivity at Seaworld for 23 years and reportedly killed three people, two trainers in 1991 and 2010 and a man who snuck in after hours in 1999.

Someone broke into Seaworld at night and and went into a water tank with a killer whale? Un-flipping-believable.

-- pro-aging --

Rochester, New York

Puzzle Piece · ‎06-29-2010

This is very sad to learn. The whale has had his spirit broken - all the stupid tricks and humiliating ways it had to behave for all the idiots who like things like that. The Orca is a noble creature with intellect far greater than just what we imagine. The animal is probably welcoming death as opposed to more years of being forced to clown around for survival.

May all involved know at the end of their lives what real crimes they committed against animals. Karma and payment is real.

Never Forget the Native American Indian Holocaust

Kachina624 · ‎03-10-2010

What's the life expectancy of a killer whale? Maybe he's just suffering from old age.

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment

Plaid Pants2 · ‎03-14-2015

@Kachina624 wrote:
What's the life expectancy of a killer whale? Maybe he's just suffering from old age.

According to Wiki, the average life span of a wild male orca, is approximately 29 years.

Puzzle Piece · ‎06-29-2010

@Peaches McPhee wrote:
@KingstonsMom wrote:

Tilikum has been held in captivity at Seaworld for 23 years and reportedly killed three people, two trainers in 1991 and 2010 and a man who snuck in after hours in 1999.

Someone broke into Seaworld at night and and went into a water tank with a killer whale? Un-flipping-believable.

Do you ever go so far as to ask WHY would people do such a thing? Were they going to have fun at the whales expense? I don't miss the three people killed, however, I feel for the whale who may have just had enough. The Orcas belong at sea and NOT at Sea World.

Never Forget the Native American Indian Holocaust