Watch Blackfish

Blackfish is a heart-wrenching, thought-provoking and eye-opening documentary film that exposes the dark side of the killer whale entertainment industry. Directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite, the film takes a closer look at the story of Tilikum, a captive killer whale who is responsible for the deaths of several people, and the impact that captivity has on these intelligent creatures.

The film begins by telling the story of Tilikum, a male killer whale who was captured off the coast of Iceland in 1983 at the age of two. Tilikum was brought to Sealand of the Pacific, a marine park in British Columbia, Canada, where he was trained and forced to perform in shows for the entertainment of the public.

Throughout the documentary, we're given a glimpse of what life was like for Tilikum and other captive killer whales. We see how they're kept in small tanks, cut off from the natural world, and forced to perform tricks for food. We also hear from former trainers, people who have worked in the industry and witnessed the abuse and suffering of these intelligent creatures.

Throughout the film, there are interviews with trainers, scientists, and journalists who share their experiences and opinions on the issue of captivity. Dave Duffus, a former Sealand of the Pacific trainer, sheds light on the conditions at the park and how they used punishment and intimidation to train the animals. Samantha Berg, another former trainer, speaks about her friendship with Tilikum and how her bond with him led her to question the ethics of the industry.

The documentary also explores the incidents that led to Tilikum's reputation as a killer whale. In 1991, a man named Keltie Byrne fell into the pool where Tilikum was kept and was quickly dragged underwater by the whale. This was Tilikum's first recorded incident of aggression towards a human.

In 1999, Tilikum was purchased by SeaWorld Orlando and moved to the United States. Here, he was involved in two more incidents where trainers were killed. The film examines these incidents in detail and raises questions about the safety of trainers and the ethics of keeping these creatures in captivity.

The film also looks at the impact that captivity has on the physical and mental health of killer whales. We see footage of the whales in their small tanks, showing signs of boredom and distress, and hear from experts who explain how captivity can lead to health problems such as dorsal fin collapse and tooth decay.

Overall, Blackfish is a powerful and emotional film that raises important questions about the exploitation of animals for entertainment. It's a wake-up call for the public to question the ethics of keeping animals in captivity and to consider the impact that these practices have on the animals. Whether you're an animal lover, an advocate for animal rights, or simply a curious viewer, Blackfish is a film that will leave a lasting impression.