Jim Atchison, President and CEO of SeaWorld said that Tilikum, the killer whale which took the life of an experienced trainer, Dawn Brancheau, on Wednesday, will remain part of the team of whales. He said that although the Shamu Show has been currently suspended since the incident, the whale shows will recommence tomorrow, Saturday, February 27th in Orlando. However, Atchison said that there would be no in-water interactions with trainers, until a review into the incident is complete.
Atchison said that SeaWorld has invited trainers and specialists from around the country to review the policies, procedures and protocols, currently in place and that changes would be made if needed. Atchison said that once the report is completed, its findings would be made public. He declined to say when the review might be completed and when in-water interactions between whales and trainers would resume.
In response to a question regarding protocols and procedures guiding trainers’ interaction with whales, Atchison declined to elaborate on these and whether there had been recent modifications. He did indicate however, that there are special procedures and policies related to Tilikum, on account of his large size.
Tilikum, the killer whale which took Brancheau’s life last Wednesday, weighs 12,000 pounds. Other whales at SeaWorld are in the 6,000–9000 pound range.
