Tilikum , thekiller whalethat feature in the documentary " Blackfish , " is currently suffer from a bacterial lung infection that veterinarians at SeaWorld fear may pop him . In a video post on the park’sblog , staff vet Scott Gearhart explained that the orca has “ what we consider to be a respiratory condition that is very hard to treat , ” adding that “ we have not found a cure for this disease at this point . "
Having been house at SeaWorld in Orlando for the retiring 23 years , Tilikum has make for a central function in the park ’s upbringing program and live performance , becoming something of an image for visitors . However , this illusion was shattered when " Blackfish " was resign in 2013 , bring out how SeaWorld had handle up a figure of deaths because of Tilikum , and propose that his wild tendencies may have resulted from a type of psychosis produced by his substandard living shape .
Since then , the parking area has suffered a massive drop cloth in profits , beenbanned from breeding intent orcas , and announced plan toend its live showsfeaturing killer whales . Though aesculapian faculty are presently stress to cope Tilikum ’s condition and insure he is as well-off as potential , he has so far been unresponsive to handling , and the release of their illustrious sea wolf will sure enough come as another vast blow to SeaWorld officials .
At present there is no misgiving that the hulk ’s experimental condition has been get in any room by his captivity , as Gearhart explains that the species of bacterium infect Tilikum ’s lungs is on a regular basis found in uncivilised cetaceans . Among non - captive heavyweight , the contagion often proves fatal , and while vets have so far not managed to cure Tilikum , they are continuing to dispense antibiotics and anti - fungous medications , return daily in his Pisces the Fishes dieting , in the hope of at least prolonging his life .
The outlook , however , is not particularly bright , with Gearhart put forward : “ I wish I could say I was tremendously optimistic about Tilikum and his future but he has a disease that is continuing and progressive and at some degree might cause his demise . ”
