'Blackfish' Killer Whale Tilikum Dying From Lung Infection
Source: IBT
The health of Tilikum the killer whale at SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida, is failing and the infection he has could kill him, say officials at the marine performance theme park.
Tilikum, who is estimated to be 35 years old, has become increasingly lethargic in recent weeks, CNN reports with a bacterial infection in his lungs resistant to treatment.
"Despite the best care available, like all ageing animals, he battles chronic health issues that are taking a greater toll as he ages," SeaWorld said on its website. "The suspected bacteria is very resistant to treatment, and a cure for his illness has not been found.".
At 12,000 pounds (5440kg), Tilikum is the largest marine mammal living in a zoological park and is one of SeaWorld's most prolific breeders, having sired more than 20 calves.
The orca has lived at the theme park for 23 years, after he was moved from another park, Sealand of the Pacific, which closed in 1992. He was captured off the coast of Iceland.
Read more: http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/seaworld-says-health-blackfish-killer-whale-tilikum-worsening-due-incurable-infection-1548357
Merryland
(1,134 posts)I hope it moves people to demand closure of the sea world facilities.
Botany
(70,657 posts).... @ one time he could trave thousands of miles and he could dive more then 400' in depth
but he wound up spending his life in a tank about a city block in size.
HeartoftheMidwest
(309 posts)Or better yet, release all living creatures to the wild, or to sanctuaries, and reorient the park to
marine preservation and conservation.
EDUCATE the public about the appalling decline of our world's oceans, and the role we play, and then inspire new generations and concerned people to protect our oceans.
hamsterjill
(15,224 posts)May his suffering end quickly.
I hate humans sometimes.
SeattleVet
(5,485 posts)very young for an orca. They tend to die very young in captivity.
ScreamingMeemie
(68,918 posts)Per an unbiased (neither pro- or anti- cap) site NOAA, the typical life span for a male orca in the wild is 30 years, although some have lived as long as 50-60.
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/mammals/whales/killer-whale.html
I am anti-cap and anti-breeding, but I also think it's important to not continue some of the white lies of "Blackfish." The story is awful and sad enough without some of the twisting the film did.
I got hooked in by the film (like so many) and then did a whole lot of research. I am still anti-cap and anti-breeding, but I'm irritated as all hell at the film's director.