tags: Tilikum, Tillikum, Tilly, Orcinus orca, Killer Whale, SeaWorld, Sea World, Orlando, Florida, whales, animals, news, behavior, streaming video
Sea World officials say Dawn Brancheau was pulled into the tank by the adult male orca, Tilikum (also spelled "Tillikum"). Witnesses say she was in the tank and was dragged underwater by her ponytail by the whale.
The Connells saw the entire event happen just after they finished their "Lunch with Shamu," just before 2 p.m. They said the Tilikum (also spelled as "Tillikum") and Brancheau had been playful during the entire lunch. The Connells…
Dawn Brancheau
grrlscientist | February 24, 2010tags: Tilikum, Tillikum, Tilly, Orcinus orca, Killer Whale, SeaWorld, Sea World, Orlando, Florida, whales, animals, news, behavior, streaming video
Whale trainer, Dawn Brancheau, with male orca, Tilikum (also spelled as "Tillikum"), at SeaWorld Orlando.
Yesterday afternoon, experienced whale trainer, 40-year-old Dawn Brancheau, was attacked and killed by 30-year-old male orca, Tilikum (also spelled as "Tillikum"), during the afternoon show at SeaWorld, in Orlando, Florida. The 12,300 pound male orca, Orcinus orca, apparently grabbed his trainer and thrashed her to death in front of the…