Tilikum, the Killer Whale Featured in Documentary ‘Blackfish,’ Dies

Tilikum, the orca who killed a trainer at SeaWorld in Orlando, Fla., in 2010 and later became the subject of the documentary “Blackfish,” died on Friday. The death of the male orca, who was estimated to be about 36 years old and had been kept in captivity by the organization for 25 years, was not a surprise to the staff.

Staff at SeaWorld who cared for Tilikum’s said last March that the whale was afflicted with the infection that was likely to lead to his death.

“While today is a difficult day for the SeaWorld family, it’s important to remember that Tilikum lived a long and enriching life while at SeaWorld and inspired millions of people to care about this amazing species,” SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment said in a statement.

“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,” said the president of SeaWorld, Joel Manby.