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Killer Whale Tilikum From 'Blackfish' Dead At 36

Killer Whale Tilikum From 'Blackfish' Dead At 36

RIP.

Josh Teal

Josh Teal

The killer whale Tilikum died on Friday. It's believed he had been treated for a persistent bacterial infection.

The giant mammal - which was around 36 years of age - hit headlines back in 2010 when he killed a trainer at SeaWorld, spurring the 2013 documentary Blackfish demonstrating the horrors of keeping killer whales in captivity for years on end.

Blackfish premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and went on to gross $2.3 million (£1.9m).

Image Credit: PA

"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 President & CEO Joel Manby said.

"My heart goes out to our team who cared for him like family."

In a statement, SeaWorld said: "While we all experienced profound sadness about that loss, we continued to offer Tilikum the best care possible, each and every day, from the county's leading experts in marine mammals."

Tilikum was also responsible for another two deaths in the 1990s.

Featured image credit: PA

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Topics: Whale