Tilikum Biography: Age, Death, Cause of Death, Weight, Place of Birth

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Tilikum, nicknamed Tilly, was a captive male orca who spent most of his life at SeaWorld Orlando in Florida. After being captured in Iceland in 1983, he was transferred to Sealand of the Pacific near Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

For the next several decades, he was trained and used as a performer at various theme parks until he died in 2017.

However, many animal rights activists argue that keeping orcas in captivity for entertainment purposes is inhumane and can lead to aggressive behavior and health issues for the animals. This controversy has sparked a conversation about the ethics of keeping wild animals in captivity for human entertainment.

Profile

• Full Name: Tilikum
• Stage Name: Tilly
• Born: December 1981
• Died: 6 January 2017, SeaWorld Orlando, Florida, United States
• Birthplace: Iceland
• Nationality: Irish
• Occupation: unknown
• Weight: 12,500 lb (5,700 kg)
• Parent: unknown
• Siblings: unknown
• Spouse: unknown
• Children: 6
• Relationship: none
• Net Worth: Unknown

Early Life And Education

Tilly, a male orca, was captured in Iceland in December 1981. Two years later, he was transferred to Sealand of the Pacific, a marine mammal park near Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. In 1992, Tilly was moved once again to SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida, where he lived until his death. During his time in captivity, Tilly fathered 21 calves.

Career

Tilly, a male orca, was captured in Iceland in 1983 and spent most of his life at SeaWorld Orlando in Florida. He was then transferred to Sealand of the Pacific near Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

In 2013, Tilikum was featured in CNN Films’ documentary Blackfish, which highlighted the psychological damage and unnatural aggression that orcas in captivity may experience. Tilikum was involved in three out of four fatal attacks by orcas in captivity, including Keltie Byrne, a trainer at Sealand of the Pacific, Daniel P. Dukes, a man trespassing in SeaWorld Orlando, and SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau.

Despite being a popular attraction, Tilikum’s life in captivity and involvement in these incidents raises questions about the welfare and safety of orcas in captivity.

Tilly, or Tilikum, was a beloved and iconic orca who sadly passed away in 2017. He was known for being the largest orca in captivity, measuring 22.5 feet long and weighing 12,500 pounds. Despite his impressive size, he suffered from a collapsed dorsal fin and other health issues due to his captivity.

Tilikum’s name, which means “friends, relations, tribe, nation, common people” in the Chinook Jargon, reflected his gentle and social nature. However, his life in captivity was far from natural and took a toll on his physical and mental well-being. He was captured at a young age and spent most of his life in small tanks, performing tricks for entertainment. This highlights the dark side of keeping wild animals in captivity for human amusement.

Tilikum, a captive orca, was known for siring many offspring while living at SeaWorld. However, his health began to deteriorate in March 2016, and he was thought to have a lung infection. Despite initial concerns, his health began to improve in May 2016.

Sadly, Tilikum passed away in January 2017 due to a bacterial infection. During his time at Sealand of the Pacific and SeaWorld, Tilikum sired 21 offspring, seven of which are still alive as of April 2024.

His first son, Kyuquot, was born when Tilikum was only eight or nine years old and has remained at SeaWorld San Antonio since 1993. Tilikum’s legacy lives on through his many offspring with various females.

Social Media

Tilly’s social media account is unknown to the media

Personal Life

Tilly, a male orca, started his fatherhood journey when he was about eight or nine years old at Sealand of the Pacific. His first son, Kyuquot, was born on December 24, 1991, to Haida II.

However, a year later, both Kyuquot and his mother were transferred to SeaWorld San Antonio, while Tilikum was moved to SeaWorld Orlando. Kyuquot has remained at the San Antonio park since then.

Tilikum continued to sire many calves with different females after he arrived at SeaWorld Orlando. One of his first calves born there was Taku, born to Katina on September 9, 1993. Sadly, Taku passed away on October 17, 2007.

Net Worth

Tilly, also known as Tilikum, was a captive male orca who spent most of his life at SeaWorld Orlando in Florida. He was captured in 1983 and was estimated to be worth millions of dollars to SeaWorld due to his performance abilities.

However, his exact net worth was never disclosed to the media. Sadly, Tilly passed away in 2017 after years of being in captivity and being involved in the deaths of three individuals.

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