The killer whale who inspired the documentary Blackfish has died. SeaWorld says Tilikum had a persistent and complicated bacterial lung infection.
SeaWorld vets say the suspected bacteria that killed Tilikum is part of a group of bacteria that is found in water and soil both in wild habitats and in zoos.
"While today is a difficult day for the SeaWorld family, it’s important to remember that Tilikum lived a long and enriching life while at SeaWorld and inspired millions of people to care about this amazing species", a statement on the company's website read.
Animal welfare groups regulaury raised concern about the welfare of the whale, which killed a SeaWorld trainer in 2010. SeaWorld said while Tilikum’s life "will always be inextricably connected with the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Dawn Brancheau", it continued to offer Tilikum the best care possible, each and every day.
Tilikum is also linked to the death of 21-year-old marine biology student Keltie Byrne, who slipped into his tank while working as a part-time Sealand trainer in 1991. Then in 1999, 27-year-old Daniel P. Dukes, a visitor to the park who stayed after hours, was found dead over Tilikum's back with a number of wounds caused by Tilikum.
President & CEO of SeaWorld Joel Manby said "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 hasn't collected a whale from the wild in nearly 40 years, and has already announced the end of its orca breeding program.
We’re saddened to announce the passing of Tilikum, a beloved member of the SeaWorld family for 25 years. https://t.co/T7Y3fTgecp pic.twitter.com/vLfpi5szCc
— SeaWorld (@SeaWorld) January 6, 2017
