SeaWorld confirms Tilikum died of pneumonia

Just weeks after his tragic death, SeaWorld have confirmed that the orca, Tilikum, died as a result of bacterial pneumonia.

The discovery was made after a necropsy was carried out on his body after he died on January 6th. Tilikum had originally been diagnosed with an infection back in March 2016 when concerns about his long-term health were raised.

At the time of his death, he had spent around 34 years in captivity.

Find out more about orcas in captivity