The story of how the life of Tilikum, the SeaWorld orca, came to mean the death of Dawn Brancheau, is complex and takes some telling. So I am glad to say that the uncut version of the story, which was originally published in Outside, is now available in e-book format.
This version is based on the original 11,500 word draft I wrote of the story, which chronicles Tilikum’s capture and separation from his family, and the physical and psychological stress he experienced in marine park pools over some 30 years. It explores Tilikum’s involvement in two previous deaths. And it details the history of the killer whale industry and the inherent risks of using captive killer whales for human entertainment.
The e-book version is available at the iTunes store, for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch.
And it is available at Amazon, for the Kindle.
Here is a photo I was recently sent, which dramatizes the contrast between Brancheau and the killer whale that tragically ended her life.
The Earthist Chronicles 