Tilikum

Who Is Tilikum (orca)? Age, Biography and Wiki

Tilikum was born around December 1981 and lived until January 6, 2017, making him approximately 35 years old at the time of his death. His life was marked by various controversies surrounding the ethics of keeping orcas in captivity, particularly highlighted in the documentary Blackfish. Tilikum was known for his enormous size and striking features, becoming a focal point in the debate over marine park practices.

Occupation	Other
Date of Birth	c. December 1981
Age	47 Years
Birth Place	N/A
Horoscope
Country
Date of death	6 January, 2017
Died Place	N/A

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Height, Weight & Measurements

Though we don't typically measure orcas in the same way we do humans, Tilikum was estimated to be around 22 feet long and weighed approximately 12,000 pounds (5,443 kg). His size was indicative of mature male orcas, which generally range from 20 to 26 feet in length.

Shortly after the accident, Sealand management made the decision to sell all of its orcas to SeaWorld and, eventually, to close the park entirely. On January 3, 1992, SeaWorld applied to the National Marine Fisheries Service for a temporary emergency permit to bring Tilikum to the United States due to concerns for his health.

He had been the subject of systematic aggression from Nootka and Haida after the latter gave birth to a calf, Kyuquot, on December 24, 1991, and was confined in a small medical pool that was only slightly larger than he was. The application was approved on January 8, 1992, and Tilikum was immediately moved to SeaWorld Orlando.

Family, Dating & Relationship Status

As an orca, Tilikum, of course, didn't have a conventional dating life like humans. In the wild, orcas often live in family pods, and Tilikum was no exception in terms of social structure but did not have a singular boyfriend or girlfriend. His relationships with other captive orcas, including those at SeaWorld where he resided, were often documented, although they were fraught with stress and controversy due to captivity.

While at Sealand of the Pacific, Tilikum sired his first calf when he was about eight or nine years old. Kyuquot and his mother were transferred to SeaWorld San Antonio in January 1993, a year after Tilikum was moved to Seaworld Orlando. Kyuquot has remained at the San Antonio park ever since.

Net Worth and Salary

While Tilikum's net worth in human terms was not quantified, he was an invaluable part of the marine park industry. His presence drew millions of visitors, dramatically impacting the financial success of SeaWorld. Tilikum's earnings can be thought of in terms of ticket sales and the revenue generated from visitor interactions, but precise figures remain undisclosed.

Tilikum and the captivity of orcas is the main subject of the documentary film Blackfish, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2013 and caused a drop in SeaWorld attendance and revenue. The film and a subsequent online petition led to several popular musical groups cancelling performances at SeaWorld and Busch Gardens' "Bands, Brew & BBQ" event in 2014.

Career, Business and Investments

Tilikum's 'career' was largely centered around his performances at SeaWorld, where he performed various tricks that showcased orca intelligence and abilities. However, most discussions surrounding his life have highlighted concerns regarding animal welfare and ethical practices within marine entertainment facilities. Tilikum’s story prompted significant changes in public perception and led to an increase in calls for better treatment of captive animals.

Social Network

While Tilikum did not participate in social networking as humans do, his story has been widely shared across numerous platforms. His legacy continues through social media discussions among animal rights activists, marine biologists, and conservationists, with hashtags like #FreeTilly often trending. He remains a symbol of both the beauty and the tragedy of captive marine life.

The case of Dukes's death has become a frequent example in arguments over the welfare of marine mammals in captivity. Former marine mammal trainer Ric O'Barry argued that Dukes was probably not near Tilikum's tank with any form of malicious intent, but instead that the nature-loving man was "fascinated" by the whale and wanted to visit it.

He further argued, "I think the whale probably pulled [Dukes] down, held him underwater. I don't think they know how often we breathe. The problem is that the whales have nothing better to do," O'Barry explains. "They're bored. We literally bore them to death. It's like you living in the bathroom for your life."

Education

Tilikum did not attend formal schooling, but his life contributed fundamentally to the education of millions about orcas and marine life. Documentaries, including Blackfish, alongside various studies, have educated the public about the complexities of orca behavior, communication, and the importance of marine conservation.

Although Tilikum has been gone for several years, his legacy persists in ongoing discussions about marine life and conservation. His life serves as a poignant reminder of the need for change in how we view and treat these magnificent creatures.

Keltie Lee Byrne (December 6, 1970 – February 20, 1991) was a 20-year-old Canadian student, animal trainer, and competitive swimmer. She had been working with orcas Tilikum, Nootka IV, and Haida II at Sealand of the Pacific to earn extra money. On February 20, 1991, Byrne was working a shift when she slipped and fell into the whale pool.

Witnesses recalled that Byrne screamed and panicked after realizing that one of the whales was holding her foot and dragging her underwater.