This is an amazing documentary that takes you into the world of the Orca Tilikum killing of his trainer Dawn Brancheau. The story is tragic but what is even more tragic is the way these beautiful, intelligent creatures are treated. The hero in this story is amazingly OSHA who found the working environment to be unsafe. The documentary does not discuss anything about the legality of this industry. It also lacks any solution to the problem short of banning captive Orcas. The 90 minute film shows its CNN Films heritage in the filming style although it’s better than your typical cable special. It shies away from the economics of these animals. Tilly is still working in Florida because of those economics. I’m sure at such point as he’s no longer capable or willing to perform he will be quietly euthanized like a race horse or greyhound that has outlived his usefulness. There is no pasture in his future. That will be a sad day.
I’ve marveled at the show at Sea World and even taken my kids. I’ve also been lucky to see orca frolicking free in the Pacific. There’s no comparison. The documentary had an opportunity to talk about the education and economic benefits of Sea World. The problem with SW is that it pretends to be a zoo with the morales of Wal-Mart.