Tilikum the Killer Whale turned killer again yesterday. He dragged 40-year old trainer Dawn Brancheau into the water and killed her in front of horrified spectators. Yesterday’s incident was not the first time this killer whale has killed. There have been 2 other incidents, one in British Columbia in 1991.
According to the Orlando Sentinal:
Witnesses told the Orlando Sentinel that the animal suddenly grabbed Brancheau by the upper arm, tossed her around in his mouth and pulled her beneath the water as dozens of tourists looked on in horror.
Trainer Dawn Brandheau was an experienced trainer and had worked with this animal many times before.
Sea World says it has no plans to put this animal down. Animal training experts were somewhat shocked by this news. Other animals who kill in captivity are usually euthanized as a matter of public safety. Lions and tigers, elephants, and other animals often kept in captivity are nearly always put down. Dogs are put down. Apparently Tilikum will not be.
Should any animal who has killed humans 3 times be euthanized? What should happen in this case? Frankly, I am shocked. I would think at the very least this animal would be returned to the wild. It is unclear if this animal was born in captivity or not.
