SeaWorld Orlando says killer whale Tilikum has become more active in recent days and is eating better.
On March 8, SeaWorld said that Tilikum had become increasingly lethargic over the past few weeks because of a suspected bacterial infection in his lungs that is very resistant to treatment.
In a statment posted on the SeaWorld Cares website, SeaWorld Director of Animal Training Kelly Flaherty-Clark said he is doing better.
We’re continuing to work with the veterinary and animal care teams to treat Tilikum’s illness. His energy level and appetite have both improved since he started this course of treatment, and that is positive. In the last several days, Tilikum has increased engagement with his trainers and also with the other whales in the facility that are often showing interest in him. We understand that he is very ill and will have good days and bad, but our team is cautiously optimistic about his response to treatment thus far.
SeaWorld says as is the case with all older animals, Tilikum’s status fluctuates, and veterinarians are focusing their efforts on giving him the best care possible.
In February 2010, Tilikum pulled trainer Dawn Brancheau into the water, drowning her. The killer whale was prominently featured in the film "Blackfish." He returned to performing in 2011. However, trainers have very limited contact with Tilikum. Brancheau's death changed the way trainers interact with the orcas in general, after the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ruled that trainers were to be kept out of the water.
Tilikum came to SeaWorld from Sealand of the Pacific in Canada, and the park estimates him to be about 35 years old. Orcas can live in the wild about 50 to 100 years, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries. Males on average live around 30 years, but they can live as long as 50 to 60 years. Tillikum has sired many whales for SeaWorld.