SeaWorld reconsiders using killer whale for shows

Orlando Sentinel

ORLANDO, Fla.

SeaWorld Orlando said Tuesday it is reconsidering whether to continue using in performances the 6-ton killer whale that drowned its trainer last month.

In the immediate aftermath of the Feb. 24 tragedy, in which 40-year-old trainer Dawn Brancheau was killed, SeaWorld said it intended to return Tilikum to the park’s shows.

But SeaWorld has since decided not to make any final decisions about its interactions with killer whales until it has completed an internal review of its training and safety policies.

The company says it has asked representatives from outside marine parks and aquariums to participate in the review.

Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.