Tilikum, SeaWorld killer whale that drowned trainer, may be dying

Source: Associated Press

The killer whale responsible for the death of a SeaWorld trainer is very sick from a bacterial infection that may eventually kill him, SeaWorld officials said on Tuesday.

In a post on the park’s blog, officials said the infection in Tilikum’s lungs has been resistant to treatment thus far. Tilikum has been lethargic, and veterinarians and trainers are trying to manage the infection and make sure he is comfortable.

“It’s extremely difficult to treat,” staff veterinarian Dr Scott Gearhart said in a video posted to the blog. “I wish I could say I was tremendously optimistic about Tilikum and his future but he has a disease that is chronic and progressive and at some point might cause his death.”

Tilikum has been at SeaWorld Orlando for 23 years and has been used many times for the park’s breeding program.

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Read more: http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/mar/08/tilikum-seaworld-orlando-killer-whale-trainer-blackfish