Tilikum: Seaworld orca at the centre of Blackfish documentary dies

Tilikum, the killer orca at the centre of the controversial Blackfish documentary, has died, Seaworld has announced.

The whale died on Friday at the estimated age of 36 surrounded by trainers, care staff and vets. His official cause of death has not been revealed but the company said he was suffering from "very serious health issues."

He spent 25 years at Seaworld after he was collected from Sealand of the Pacific in Victoria, British Columbia in 1992, nine years after he was captured in Iceland.

During his time in captivity he has been linked with the deaths of three people which was explored in Blackfish.

The documentary sought to analyse the behaviour of killer whales in captivity.

In 2010, he killed 40-year-old Seaworld trainer Dawn Brancheau following a post-show routine when she was pulled into the water.

The tragedy came following



the death of a 27-year-old man, who evaded security at the park, in 1999.

In 1991, 21-year-old part-time trainer Keltie Byrne was submerged by three orcas, including Tilikum, at Sealand of the Pacific.

Seaworld made reference to Ms Brancheau when it confirmed Tilikum's death. 

It said: "Tilikum’s life will always be inextricably connected with the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Dawn Brancheau.  While we all experienced profound sadness about that loss, we continued to offer Tilikum the best care possible, each and every day, from the country’s leading experts in marine mammals.

President & CEO of SeaWorld Joel Manby added: “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.

“My heart goes out to our team who cared for him like family.”