(Thumbnail image: The Orlando Sentinel)

The biggest killer whale in captivity killed its trainer at SeaWorld Orlando. An attack like this has never happened in SeaWorld’s history. Trainer Dawn Brancheau’s death is sparking debate over whether killer whales should be kept in captivity, especially when human life is in danger.

The whale, named Tilikum, had already been linked to two human deaths since the 1990s. Brancheau was on the side of the tank when Tilikum pulled her in. She died soon after.

A CBS Early Show anchor spars with wildlife expert Jack Hanna over the risk of working with whales.


Jack Hanna: "So I take my hat off to SeaWorld to take a killer whale that someone said, ‘Should we euthanize?’, 'Bring it to SeaWorld.'

Reporter: But Jack, it killed another trainer, after already having killed one years ago.”

But a blog in The San Francisco Chronicle says captivity is cruel, and that SeaWorld’s claims of research are unfounded.

“If humans are known to crack under the strain of imprisonment, should we not expect the same of this brainy species? … [T]he corporate exhibiting of killer whales today in show parks is for pure and simple profit."

West Palm Beach's ABC affiliate spoke with the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida, who says killer whale captivity is dangerous.

"Members of ARFF, like Nick, have spent years campaigning against the captivity of marine mammals at parks like SeaWorld."

But San Diego’s FOX affiliate spoke with SeaWorld’s head trainer who says it WAS a surprise, because the trainers’ goal is to form relationships with the animals.

“She was one of our most experienced trainers and especially with Tilikum. She was really familiar with his behavior and knew how to work with him, so this was quite an anomaly for us... We spend a great deal of time with these animals... Our whole goal is to have them trust us and work with us and interact with us.”

So, should parks like SeaWorld keep killer whales? What should happen now to Tilikum?