Freedom for Tilikum!

You are most likely already aware that on February 24, 2010, a horrible tragedy occured...Dawn Brancheau (one of Seaworld, Orlando's veteran trainers) was killed by one of the park's orcas (Tilikum).  Our prayers and condolences go out to her family and friends.



It is our understanding that Dawn had an incredible love and passion for the animals she worked with.  This invariably included Tilikum.



What an outrage to learn that this animal has been subjected to more than twenty years of abuse and mistreatment, and that this treatment is responsible for the pain Dawn must have suffered, and the pain her loved ones must now endure.

It is horrifying to come to know that Tilikum is a wild whale...born in freedom and raised in the ocean by members of a pod with close family relationships.  He was captured off the coast of Iceland in 1983, torn form the companionship of his pod, plucked from his domain, and forced into virtual slavery...an existence which deprives him of the most basic needs (psychological welfare, family ties, adequate exercise, mental stimulation, etc.).  Tilikum has proved time and again that he is not suited for captivity and that his experience of the life he has been forced into is tortuous at best, no matter how idyllic we have been made to believe it is.


Will you unite with me and others to request that Tilikum be released to an adequate and appropriate whale sanctuary?  Beseech Seaworld, Orlando to reinstate its integrity in our eyes, the world's eyes, and the hearts of Dawn's family and friends.


After signing this petition, you can further demonstrate your resolve by calling, mailing, or emailing Seaworld and its sister parks to inform them that you will postpone any future visits indefinately unless Tilikum is released.



SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
9205 South Park Center Loop
Suite 400
Orlando, FL  32819


SeaWorld Orlando (Texas and California)
7007 SeaWorld Drive
Orlando, FL  32821
http://www.seaworld.com/
Jim Atchison (President/Chief Operating Officer
1-888-800-5447
1-407-363-2280
GuestRelations@WorldsofDiscovery.com


Aquatica
5800 Water Play Way
Orlando, FL  32821
http://aquaticabyseaworld.com/flash/homepage/Default.aspx
1-888-800-5447


Busch Gardens Tampa (location also in VA)
Busch GArdens
Post Office Box 9158
Tampa, FL  33674
http://buschgardens.com/bg/
1-888-800-5447


Discovery Cove
6000 Discovery Cove Way
Orlando, FL  32821
http://discoverycove.com/
1-877-557-7404
DCO-GuestRelations@DiscoveryCove.com.


Adventure Island
10001 N. McKinley Drive
Tampa, FL  33612
http://adventureisland.com/Ai/default.aspx
1-888-800-5447
BGA.GuestINformation@Busch Gardens.com


Sesame Place
100 Sesame Rd.
Langhorne, PA  19047
http://www.sesameplace.com/Sesame2/park-info.aspx?id=contact-us
1-215-752-7070


Water Country USA
176 Water Country Parkway
Williamsburg, VA  23185
http://watercountryusa.com/wc/
1-800-343-7946


The Blackstone Group
Owners of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
ATTN:  Peter G. Peterson and Stephen A. Schwarzman
info@blackstone.com
http://www.blackstone.com/
1-888-756-8443



Thank you in advance for your support!

SeaWorld:


To say that SeaWorld is a model for marine wildlife care, advocacy, and education is an understatement...SeaWorld is unmatched...the spark that has fueled the world's love for marine life.  SeaWorld has captured and enraptured the hearts and minds of millions of children and adults alike.  It has taught the world to cherish marine life, and to desire to protect and secure a future for this life.  SeaWorld has grounded this world's minds in respect, and it has eliminated our fears of the unknown depths of our oceans.  We respect SeaWorld.  We love SeaWorld.


Perhaps that is why we were so shocked by the tragedy of February 24th.  Maybe that is why we have yet to realize the disrespect demonstrated by SeaWorld to the family/friends of Dawn Brancheau, and to the public when it revealed its intent to keep Tilikum in captivity.


We were quick to wipe from our minds the possibility that money could mean more to SeaWorld than its integrity, more than the safety of its staff and visitors, and more than the dignity of the animals SeaWorld has made it its mission to protect and cherish.



SeaWorld has informed the public of its intention to change the way staff interacts with Tilikum.  What will this entail? Invariably, further isolation from other orcas, as well as from human contact.


As a leader in marine life advocacy and care, SeaWorld must know that Tilikum's existence, in his experience, is already tortuous enough!  This is an outrage!


How can SeaWorld continue to espouse love for marine life this way?  How can it teach the world's children respect for marine mammals with these actions?


The public requests that SeaWorld begin plans to release Tilikum to an adequate and appropriate whale sanctuary.  Failing to do so may lead to a boycott of SeaWorld and its sister parks.



Thank you in advance for recognizing your error in keeping a wild-born marine mammal and predator in captivity, and for upholding your integrity by making moves to release Tilikum.

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