SeaWorld Orlando says Tillikum the orca is having good days and “not-so-good days.”
- Tilikum, a killer whale at SeaWorld Orlando, sick since March
- Health is still precarious, some good days and some rough days, say veterinarians
- Tilikum is about 35 years old
In a new update released Monday, SeaWorld’s director of animal training said in the last few days the well-known killer whale’s appetite and engagement with trainers has increased.
Last month, SeaWorld said that Tilikum had become increasingly lethargic from a suspected bacterial infection in his lungs.
There were, however, some signs of improvement only a few weeks later.
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- March 21, 2016: Killer whale Tilikum more active, eating better
It seems his health has not improved much since then, however.
“Because he had some rough days over the past week, he is in the medical pool where trainers, care staff and veterinarians can monitor him around the clock, and offer him the care and attention he deserves,” said animal training director Kelly Flaherty-Clark. “We know that his fans want him to feel better, and are cautiously optimistic that he will maintain this trend so they can see him soon.”
Tilikum came to SeaWorld from Sealand of the Pacific in Canada. SeaWorld estimates him to be about 35 years old. Orcas can live in the wild about 50 to 100 years, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries. Males on average live around 30 years, but they can live as long as 50 to 60 years. Tillikum has sired many whales for SeaWorld.