Here the killer whales roam free

The orca, or killer whale, is known widely as a traditional symbol of British Columbia’s native heritage. The large, black and white whales that can be found bouncing and arcing above the waters of British Columbia’s coastline are also known as quite a common attraction for whale watchers from all over the world who flock to the West Coast of Canada and take guided boat tours to view these massive mammals in their natural habitat. Sadly, since the rising popularity of zoos and other wildlife facilities in the 1900’s, several of these large whales have found themselves within the confines of man made walls and filtered water. The whole idea surrounding the captivity and confinement of any animal is a questionable one, never mind, when it is a twenty four foot whale weighing almost several tons.
 

A large majority of the Killer Whales in captivity have been born to their confinement, many of them sired by Tilikum, currently of the Florida SeaWorld. According to the Wikipedia information about Tilikum, the largest Orca in captivity, he was captured at a very young age off the shores of Iceland and was from there taken to Sea Land in Victoria, British Columbia. After fifteen years at the West Coast facility, he was emergency airlifted to the Orlando, Florida Sea World where he has since resided. This is not the first front page feature for Tilikum. He was first brought under public scrutiny in 1991 after an accident at the Victoria aquatic facility which resulting in a trainer’s death. The National Post reports that:

“…Tilikum -- the five-tonne orca already linked to two other human deaths since 1991 -- grabbed Dawn Brancheau, 40, by her ponytail and dragged her into the water at the end of a show at Sea World Orlando on Wednesday…”

Source: http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=2618103#ixzz0ggAFBHKM

Unfortunately, the experienced trainer and long time companion of the whale drowned during the incident, which opened a massive debate about what to do with the massive killer whale. Many suggestions have arose over the last few days, some think the large whale should be put to death, many say set the whale free, but the decision over what to do with Tilikum lies solely in the hands of his owner, SeaWorld. A statement released in the Star News further reports that in regards to suggestions that Tilikum should be set free, “… SeaWorld President Jim Atchison said that will never happen…”
 

After reading further into the article found in the Star, one may see another side of why SeaWorld is so adamant about keeping the siring star, Tilikum, on the team.

“…Breeding orcas in captivity has been keeping marine parks worldwide supplied with the lucrative stars of their shows after live captures in the wild led to deaths. Tilikum has also helped SeaWorld pioneer its whale artificial insemination program…”
 

Source:http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/772065--expert-says-killer-orca-should-be-set-free-seaworld-says-never?bn=1

Plain and simple, the killer whale, just as every other species on our planet, belongs in its natural habitat. Why not just come to Vancouver and see them up close and personal, in their natural environment where they are meant to live? The killer whale should only be known as the massive proud beasts they are, that hunt, roam and magically dance from the oceans off of British Columbia’s west coast.