Tilikum back in show

[ellie]

Tilikum, the Killer Whale which killed its trainer a year ago, is being returned to public performances, beginning today.

There have been mixed reactions to this news.

However, there have been substantial improvements made to safety, and the trainers will stay further away from him than before.

Seaworld has said that allowing the whale to resume his performances is necessary for the 'animal's health and husbandry.'

[JAF]

It is unlikely the trainers will ever be allowed back in the water with him. Seaworld are correct in saying he needs to be allowed back for health reasons but it will be impossible to release him into the wild so it is a sad situation for both whale and trainers.

[ellie]

Too true, JAF. It must be a real quandry for Seaworld, and as you say, very sad.

This whale has killed three people so far, so it would be foolhardy to risk the lives of another person. But the health of these wild creatures has also to be considered as well as safety issues.