Tragedy struck SeaWorld in February 2010 when Dawn Brancheau, a highly experienced trainer, was fatally attacked by Tilikum, the largest bull orca in captivity. Spectators at the Dine with Shamu event were horrified as Tilikum grabbed Dawn by her ponytail and dragged her into the tank during a training session. Despite efforts by her colleagues to intervene, Tilikum continued his aggressive behavior, leading to Dawn’s tragic death.

Witnesses recounted the terrifying scene as Tilikum thrashed Dawn around in the water, causing severe injuries. Former trainers have since raised concerns about Tilikum’s history of violence, linking him to previous fatal incidents. The 2013 documentary Blackfish shed light on Tilikum’s troubled past, suggesting that captivity had a detrimental effect on his mental well-being.

Tilikum’s tragic legacy includes multiple fatalities, raising questions about the ethical implications of keeping such intelligent creatures in confinement. Despite SeaWorld’s attempts to downplay the incidents, critics argue that the treatment of orcas like Tilikum has far-reaching consequences. His death in 2017 marked the end of a controversial chapter in marine entertainment history.