Killer Whales in Captivity

• Main Author: Donato, Nicole
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: Digital Commons @ Colby 2014
• Subjects: Canada; Orca
• Online Access: https://digitalcommons.colby.edu/clas/2014/program/326

This paper will address the cruelties and motives behind the capture and captivity of orca whales across the world. Inspired by the documentary, Blackfish, people from all corners of the world have been intrigued by the story of SeaWorlds very own Tilikum, a massive breeding male that is well-known for the murders of three of his previous trainers -- most recently, Dawn Brancheau. The story of Tilikums capture and life from Sealand, Canada, to SeaWorld, U.S. has led to a public focus on the well-being of these captive killer whales, the lies that SeaWorld continues to tell, and the exposed brutalities that are put upon not just Tilikum, but the other killer whales who still remain in captivity. This paper was brought to life by the petitions going on in California to shut down SeaWorld and release the captive killer whales they currently imprison.