Blackfish

In 1983, a Killer Whale named Tilikum was captured and brought to a water park to serve as a main attraction. In 2010, he gained national attention after brutally killing one of his trainers at Seaworld in Orlando. It wasn't the first person he killed, yet he remains a performer daily at the park.

The documentary "Blackfish" tells the story of Tilikum, and an industry that's in denial. Most documentaries don't get screened in our local theaters. There is a variety of reasons why, but none of them are great. Thankfully "Blackfish" got a special airing on CNN, which enabled it to be accessed by a wider audience.

I recorded the documentary a few weeks ago and watched in Friday night. What I saw was amazing, compelling, frustrating, and heart-breaking. It tells the story of Tilikum, and so many Killer Whales like him, who live lives of isolation, pain, and trauma.

We all appreciate zoos and aquariums as places to learn. I have never been to Sea World, but I've often thought it could be a fun experience. Even as we began watching "Blackfish," that was something I said to my wife. But when you consider the cost to the animals themselves, it puts that experience in a new light.

If we wanted to create a sociopath or a psychopath among humans, there are steps we could take. We could make sure he or she was abused by their peers, spent a great deal of time in isolation, and lived a life of quiet despair.

The more we learn about Dolphins, Killer Whales, and other intelligent mammals, the more we realize that a big part of their lives are built around social interaction and connection, as it is for humans. We wouldn't allow a human to be terrorized and mentally abused without assuming there'd be consequences. Yet, in places like Sea World, that happens to these animals all the time.

During his formative years, Tilikum was abused by his fellow whales. He often displayed marks of having been attacked and wounded. He also spent a great deal of time in complete isolation, in a cold, dark enclosure for hours at a time. Given that, it should be no surprise that it has damaged his temperament and personality. It should be expected.

What I loved most about "Blackfish" is that it took the time to really explore the issue. It doesn't take sides, it presents research, opinions, and first-hand reports. Then it asks each of us to look into our hearts and consider what is right.

"Blackfish" is due to come to DVD this week, and I hope many will take the time to check it out.