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Tillkum: A Time for Change
The debate continues about the orca (killer whale) known as Tillikum that contributed to a third human death. This time a trainer at Sea World. In 1991 he and two others caused the death of a trainer at the now defunct Sealand of the Pacific, Victoria, Canada. As with other orcas and dolphins imprisoned in aquarium tanks there is an extreme history of physical and psychological abuse. In this case, during evenings Tillikum and two females were lock up in a steel pen called the "holding module". It measured only approximately 25' x 30' . And it was only 12' deep.
Nootka IV was sent to SeaWorld Florida. She died after 12 years of captivity. Haida and son Ky were sent to SeaWorld Texas. Haida died after 19 years of captivity. In the wild, females can live over 90 years.
There are many injuries at SeaWorlds and other aquariums - some very serious. Many are not made public and settled out out of court. In 2004 Tillikum's son Ky attacked a trainer.
Lifeforce is calling for an inquest into the recent death.
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