Latest news with #Blackfish
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Jim Irsay, Indianapolis Colts owner and force behind Tokitae's return to PNW, dies at 65
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay, who had led the team since 1997 and presided over one of the storied franchise's greatest eras, died at the age of 65. Locally, Irsay became a huge part of the movement to bring Tokitae back to Puget Sound waters. Tokitae, an endangered southern resident orca, was taken from Penn Cove on Aug. 8, 1970 in a mass capture of orcas. She was just four years old. She was taken to the Miami Seaquarium, where she remained until her death in August 2023-- 53 years. Tokitae was forced to perform for a public audience and lived in a 20-foot deep tank. She was given the name 'Lolita' at the Seaquarium. Tokitae was the only surviving whale of the seven captured on Aug. 8, 1970 until her death. She also outlived other whales captured after her who were sold to theme parks. Following a documentary about her in 2003, which pre-dated the famous 'Blackfish' documentary, word began to spread about her health and living conditions. When an agreement with the Seaquarium was reached in 2023 to bring Tokitae back to Puget Sound to live out her last few years, one of the biggest issues raised was the logistics of getting a 7,000 pound whale from Florida to Washington. That's where Irsay came in. The cost to move her was estimated to be up to $20 million and would need approval from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration. That doesn't include the cost it would be to create a safe home for her with barricades and provide constant care, food and veterinary exams On the Pat McAfee show on ESPN, Irsay committed to bankroll her transport and ongoing care. Before her death, she was trained to get into a sling that would have eventually been used to get her into a C-17 military transport plane. 'I'm into this thing with my hands on as a producer, and it was going nowhere,' Irsay said on the Patt McAfee Show. 'I'm putting up tens and tens of millions of dollars. I said, 'Let's go. She's healthy, I got the money. Let's move and get all these permits.' 'We're going to get a big C 17 or 747. We have her tanks. She's been practicing getting in her netting so she can get put in the tank,' Irsay said. 'It's four feet of natural water with whale whispers and vets with her. All the vets are moving out there, all the trainers, I'm getting housing for them. This is being planned to the detail with aggressive nature of saying, let's try to get this done.' Unfortunately, Tokitae died before these plans could be put in place. On top of efforts to free Tokitae, Irsay is remembered for his other philanthropic acts. He started an organization aimed at tackling advocacy and resources for those experiencing a mental health crisis in Indiana, and has advocated for music programs and animal welfare. In 1997, he was the youngest NFL franchise owner with the Colts. Under Irsay's watch, the Colts advanced to two Super Bowls, winning Super Bowl XLI after the 2006 season. Irsay died at the age of 65 on May 20. His cause of death is unknown but Colts chief operating officer Pete Ward said he 'died peacefully in his sleep.' Irsay is survived by his daughters Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson; his ex-wife and his daughters' mother, Meg Coyle; and 10 grandchildren. Irsay is survived by his daughters Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson; his ex-wife and his daughters' mother, Meg Coyle; and 10 grandchildren, according to ESPN.
Daily Record
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Netflix fans have just days left to see 'must watch' documentary that changed everything
Centred around the captivity of Tilikum, an orca that was blamed for the deaths of three humans, Blackfish speaks to the consequences of keeping these wild creatures in captivity and features footage from some of the actual attacks. 'You won't forget Cowperthwaite's documentary, and you shouldn't,' says one critic of the 2013 documentary film, Blackfish. Having premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January, 2013, Blackfish was picked up by CNN Films and Magnolia Pictures for a wider release. So impactful was Gabriela Cowperthwaite's Blackfish, it was nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Documentary. Slated to leave Netflix on 1 June, viewers only have a few days left to catch this cinematically gut-wrenching offering. Centred around the captivity of Tilikum, an orca that was blamed for the deaths of three humans, Blackfish speaks to the consequences of keeping these beautiful, wild creatures in captivity. Featuring footage from some of the actual attacks, the documentary also includes coverage from 1983 — the year Tilikum was captured off the coast of Iceland. Lending an insight into the orca's purported harassment by fellow captive orcas at Sealand, Blackfish sees Cowperthwaite arguing about the contribution of these incidents to Tilikum's fatal aggression. The documentary film also features footage of Tilikum's attacks on trainers and other orcas in captivity, as well as interviews from witnesses and SeaWorld trainers. Cowperthwaite began working on the film following the death of Tilikum's trainer, Dawn Brancheau, in February 2010. The incident sparked speculation that the orca had targeted Brancheau because she wore her hair in a ponytail. Cowperthwaite contended that this was mere conjecture and believed that "there had to be more to this story." The vice president for zoological operations at SeaWorld San Diego - Michael Scarpuzzi, said Blackfish had misused Brancheau's death and its gruesome details not to 'inform the public, but, rather regrettably, because of the desire to sensationalize." He said in a statement: "We have altered how we care for, display and train these extraordinary animals. We have changed the facilities, equipment and procedures at our killer whale habitats. The care and educational presentation of these animals at SeaWorld has been made safer than ever. Does Blackfish inform its viewers of that fact? No, it does not." Critic and audience reviews for the documentary were filled with praise, as people connected to the heartbreaking subject matter of Blackfish. One critic said: 'That Blackfish led SeaWorld to phase out both orca breeding and performances speaks to how we should view the film's legacy over ten years later.' Another one called it: 'An illuminating documentary not only about the cruel conditions that killer whales endure at theme parks such as SeaWorld, but the biology and psychology of the mysterious and majestic sea wolf.' While one review said: 'There are few movies that can change the way you see the world in 83 minutes. If Blackfish is seen by enough people, it has the power to affect attendance at SeaWorld,' another said: '[It] remains decidedly one-sided. But when that "side" is such a vital, convincing proponent for the greater protection and understanding of such evolved and majestic creatures, it can't help but win.' Audiences were blown away by Cowperthwaite's film, as one detailed review said: 'While walking through the St. Louis Zoo recently, my mind kept coming back to this wonderful documentary about the controversial captivity of killer whales used in theme parks, particularly Sea World. And looking into the eyes of the animals we passed, I found my heart breaking just a little. This film has forever altered my feelings about animal confinement for human enjoyment, and that's the mark of a powerful movie. 'The story of an orca named Tilikum, who ended up killing three people, including a whale trainer, is one I will never forget. And the interviews with witnesses and experts are not only informative but often heartrending. I'm an animal lover, not necessarily an animal LOVER, but this documentary gave me a new appreciation and even respect for the creatures around us and how humans often exploit them.' Another viewer said: 'I tear up every time I watch this, so gut-wrenching but so good. It makes me angry about the world and how humans exploit animals, but it also makes me happy to see the people who truly care. This is a MUST SEE!!' One audience review of the documentary bluntly said: 'Really, really, really f*cking disturbing and disgusting. So many moments where it was borderline too hard to watch, but it had to be seen so we could get the intended message and effect.'
Daily Mail
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
How SeaWorld's reputation fell out of fashion - as Peter Andre faces furious backlash for visiting the once iconic aquatic theme park
Millions of visitors still swarm each year to see SeaWorld's performing whales and seals but the theme park firm's reputation has taken a dive of its own. And now a trip by popstar and reality TV show personality Peter Andre to one of the once iconic aquatic company's bases in Abu Dhabi has prompted fresh criticism. Figures have suggested SeaWorld's 47 attractions worldwide take in 20.2million visitors over the course of a year. Yet the family-friendly image promoted since the first outlet opened back in March 1964 in San Diego, California, has suffered setbacks in recent years. Wildlife campaigners have accused Seaworld chiefs of mistreating the marine life in their care - with activists from Peta even saying whales were being kept like 'slaves', claims the company has denied. And a film investigation focused on the death of 40-year-old trainer Dawn Brancheau, killed by an orca named Tilikum in Florida in 2010. That tragedy featured in the acclaimed 2013 Netflix documentary called Blackfish, which focused on SeaWorld and campaigners' concerns about its ethics. New scrutiny has come after Australian singer Andre was condemned by fans for taking a family trip to a SeaWorld resort during a holiday in Abu Dhabi. The singer, 52, jetted off with his five children and his wife Emily, 35, to the United Arab Emirates for a family trip but has come under fire for an Instagram post about it. Andre shared online a photo of his children walking into the SeaWorld theme park there - only to face disapproval in response from animal lovers. He accompanied his social media post with the words: 'We had the best time at @yasisland exploring all the parks. 'So special to have the whole family together, there truly is something for everyone. We'll definitely be back!' Yet among the unimpressed responses was a post telling him: 'SeaWorld, definitely NOT a place for animal lovers.' Other replies included such comments as 'Great photos until you showed SeaWorld, how sad' and 'Promoting cruel, unethical hell holes for animals, such as SeaWorld. Vile. Way to go @peterandre'. SeaWorld has come under scrutiny following 2013 documentary Blackfish, which depicted the captivity and public exhibition of killer whales as inherently cruel. The film, which SeaWorld described as inaccurate and misleading, also explored the circumstances leading to Ms Brancheau's death in 2010. SeaWorld's killer whale Tilikum is pictured performing during a show called 'Believe' at SeaWorld Orlando in Orlando, Florida, on September 3 2009 She was pulled underwater and drowned by an orca named Tilikum with whom she had performed at SeaWorld's Florida theme park. Experienced trainer Ms Brancheau, 40, had been one of SeaWorld's most renowned stars after spending 15 years at the attraction. And she was said to share a special connection with Tilikum, the massive killer whale that would go on to take her life in 2010. Tilikum, who featured prominently in the Netflix programme Blackfish, had been in captivity for more than 30 years. Ms Brancheau's death came after a routine performance during the 'Dine With Shamu' show on February 24 2010. She climbed out of the pool and approached the ledge to chat with Tilikum, who was said to have always appeared to treat her with affection. As she leaned over the pool, Tilikum, without warning, grabbed her by the ponytail and dragged her into the water in front of spectators in a violent attack. After 45 minutes, Tilikum finally released an unresponsive Ms Brancheau, with an autopsy later revealing she had died by blunt force trauma and drowning. The trainer had suffered severe injuries fractures to her ribs, jaw and a cervical vertebra, while her arm was also torn off in the attack along with her scalp. Speaking at the time of Ms Brancheau's death, John Hargrove, a senior trainer at SeaWorld, said: 'We'll never know why Tilikum made that choice to grab Dawn and pull her into the pool. 'He had a great relationship with her, and she had a great relationship with him. I do believe that he loved her, and I know that she loved him.' Tilikum's fatal attack was not an isolated incident, with experts later suggesting that the killer whale was driven mad by captivity and had become 'psychotic.' In 1991, he was part of the deadly drowning of trainer Keltie Byrne at Sealand of the Pacific in Canada, and in 1999 he was involved in the death of Daniel Dukes, who had broken into SeaWorld. Tilikum was sold to SeaWorld in 1992, where he continued to perform with trainers until Dawn's death. The 2013 documentary Blackfish looked into the life of Tilikum, who was captured at two-years-old in Iceland in 1983 before being taken to Sealand on Vancouver Island, Canada, along with two female orcas named Haida and Nootka. Tilikum returned to performing for a time at SeaWorld following Ms Brancheau's death, though strict new protocols were introduced. Dawn Brancheau is seen performs with a killer whale during a show at SeaWorld in Florida These included preventing trainers from swimming with orcas and requiring them to stay at least 18in away. After years of declining health and a complicated lung infection, Tilikum - who had grown to more than 22ft long while weighting above six tons, died on January 6 2017. Tilikum, 36, was 'surrounded by trainers, care staff and veterinarians' at his death. Even Blackfish director Gabriela Cowperthwaite admitted to being scared of Tilikum before she actually began filming the documentary released in 2013. She told the National Geographic magazine: 'I was terrified of him. I had nightmares about him. 'It was only when I learned about his capture, his life in captivity, that I began to understand the depth of this tragedy on so many levels.' And former trainer John Jett, who cared for Tilikum when he arrived in Orlando in 1992, called the whale a 'tragic figure'. He told the same magazine: 'I have often thought about the terror, confusion and stress that Tiili has been forced to endure.' Since the release of the 2013 documentary, SeaWorld has come under increased scrutiny - while also suffering financial losses. Net income fell by 84 per cent between 2014 and 2015, and musicians including Willie Nelson, Barenaked Ladies and Heart cancelled planned performances at SeaWorld parks - while visitor figures have been falling, tallying at 20.2million in 2021 compared to 22million in 2017. The SeaWorld theme park in Florida operates welcomed 4.34million visitors in 2023, most recent statistics show - down 2.5 per cent on the previous year's 4.45million. Animal rights groups opposed to SeaWorld say large, intelligent marine animals cannot live healthy and happy lives in aquariums and parks. One of SeaWorld's last remaining orcas, 30-year-old Kayla, died in January 2019 two days after being taken ill at SeaWorld's flagship park in Orlando, Florida. Kayla was the second oldest captive-born orca ever, according to Dr Naomi Rose, a marine-mammal scientist at the Animal Welfare Institute. The average age for killer whales in the wild is 50 years after they survive the first six months of their lives when they are most vulnerable - though orcas have been known to live up to 80 or 90 years old. SeaWorld announced in 2016 that it had stopped its orca breeding programme, following criticisms such as in the film Blackfish. Other controversies raised relating to the company include a former SeaWorld stunt skier suing the theme park and a production company after suffering injuries to her foot during a performance. Chelsea Hall, 22, is seeking more than $2.5million from theme park operator Village Roadshow and Showtime Entertainment Group after her foot allegedly became stuck in a hole mid-show in 2021, it was revealed last November. Ms Hall claimed she was performing in the Thunder Lake show at Sea World on the Gold Coast in May 2021 and needed to run to the end of a ramp to retrieve her skis. Court documents seen by the Courier Mail allege: 'As (she) was running down the ramp, her foot became stuck in a hole at the bottom of the ramp. (Her) right foot became stuck in the hole, causing immediate pain.' Ms Hall allegedly suffered torn ligaments, depression and anxiety from the incident. Village Roadshow denies any responsibility for Ms Hall's injuries and insisted if any duty of care was owed it was 'completely and effectively delegated' to Showtime. A previous controversy emerged in 2016 when SeaWorld admitted sending an employee to secretly infiltrate animal rights group PETA and spy on their activities. Paul T. McComb posed as an animal rights activist named Thomas Jones to join the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals organisation. The spy then tried to glean inside information about the activist group which has been protesting against SeaWorld over its treatment of animals. McComb, an undercover HR employee from the San Diego theme park, also tried to incite violence among peaceful protesters. His attempts included posting messages on social media such as 'burn [SeaWorld] to the ground' and 'drain the new tanks at #SeaWorld,' according to PETA. SeaWorld Entertainment CEO Joel Manby then admitted using the controversial tactic to spy on activist groups as he insisted the firm was bringing the practice to an end. He said the company had planted spies in opposing organisations to protect the company from 'credible threats,' the New York Post reported. Following the social media furore over Peter Andre's Instagram post, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi has stated it was 'committed to providing the highest standard of animal welfare based on best practices and standards set by internationally recognised animal welfare organisations'. SeaWorld said in a statement: 'Our animal care team consists of over 100 highly experienced and passionate veterinarians, scientists, animal care specialists, and educators who devote their lives to caring for and sharing their passion for animals.' The Abu Dhabi Seaworld was the first in the company's history to be free of orcas, after the US-based park stopped breeding the whales in 2016, and instead predominantly houses dolphins and seals. The first killer whale was born in a SeaWorld park in 1985. Since then, 30 have been born in the parks, including the first-ever births through artificial insemination.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Must-watch critically-acclaimed documentary that went viral is about to leave Netflix
Critically acclaimed documentary Blackfish is due to leave Netflix soon. Directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite, the 2013 film examines the life of performing killer whale Tilikum, who spent most of his life at SeaWorld Orlando and was involved in the deaths of three people during decades in captivity. The documentary, which multiple critics have described as a "must-see", tells his story to "underscore problems within the sea-park industry, man's relationship to nature, and how little has been learned about these highly intelligent mammals". Blackfish is currently available to stream on Netflix, but this will soon change as the film is due to leave the streaming service on 31 May – so fans will have to act quickly if they want to watch it there. The film was widely acclaimed by both audiences and critics following its release for its powerful exposé of orca captivity, earning it a near-perfect score of 98% on Rotten Tomatoes. Related: Best streaming services Empire described it as "informative, impassioned and damningly indicting", while The Hollywood Reporter wrote: "This gripping film presents a persuasive case against keeping the species - and by extension any wild animal - in captivity for the purposes of human entertainment." "The impression the film leaves is of a deep-pocketed institution that, for all its claims of humane and professional treatment, tolerates practices that are fundamentally at odds with the animals' well-being," added Variety. In 2016, SeaWorld made the decision to end all orca shows and put an end to its breeding programme shortly after it confirmed that Tilikum was dying. Related: In January 2017, it was announced that Tilikum had sadly died at the age of 36. "The SeaWorld family is deeply saddened to announce that one of its most well-known orcas, Tilikum, has passed away," a statement from SeaWorld read at the time. "Tilikum passed away early this morning, January 6, surrounded by the trainers, care staff and veterinarians that provided him around-the-clock world-class care. "While today is a difficult day for the SeaWorld family, it's important to remember that Tilikum lived a long and enriching life while at SeaWorld and inspired millions of people to care about this amazing species." Blackfish will be available to stream on Netflix until 31 May. Digital Spy's first print magazine is here! Buy British Comedy Legends in newsagents or online now, priced at £7.99.£18.99 at at EE£328.00 at at Amazon at Audible£49.99 at at at at at at at at EE at at at at at at at Amazon at Pandora at at at at Game at EE£29.98 at at at at at Sky Mobile at at Game£123.99 at at at Three at at at at at Pandora at at at at at $15.00 at at AO at at Fitbit£49.99 at at at at at at at at at at at at at at £1299.00 at John Lewis at at at at at at John Lewis£184.00 at John Lewis & Partners at at at at at at at Amazon at at at Three£6.62 at at at Amazon at at at Amazon at at Fitbit at at John Lewis & Partners at at at £699.00 at at Apple£189.99 at at Amazon at at at at at at at Three at at at at at John Lewis at at at at EE at at at Audible at at at John Lewis at EE at at £379.00 at at at at Amazon at at at Apple at at at Samsung at Three at Apple at at Microsoft at at at at John Lewis at at crunchyroll at at AO£79.00 at Samsung£449.00 at John Lewis£79.98 at at at at Amazon at at at John Lewis & Partners£79.98 at at Microsoft£299.00 at Microsoft at at at at Amazon at at at at at at John Lewis at at John Lewis & Partners at now at at at Microsoft at at at John Lewis at at at at at at at at at at at at at at at at at at at at at at at at You Might Also Like PS5 consoles for sale – PlayStation 5 stock and restocks: Where to buy PS5 today? IS MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE 7 THE BEST IN THE SERIES? OUR REVIEW AEW game is a modern mix of No Mercy and SmackDown
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Watch: Potential albino pygmy killer whale spotted off Hawaii
HONOLULU (KHON) — Whale watchers around Hawaii are crossing their fingers for another glimpse of what could be an albino whale. This particular whale species known as Blackfish resides in Hawaii year round, but what divers saw on March 28 off Makaha was an extremely rare sighting, according to marine biologists. 'We noticed there was a white baby with them,' said Travis Woo, a safety diver on Iruka Hawaii Dolphin Snorkeling Tours. 'My initial reaction was euphoria.' 'It's one of four species that we call Blackfish — because they're all kind of black in color and hard to distinguish,' said Dr. Jessica Jacob, assistant professor at Hawaii Pacific University. 'Based on the shape of the fin and the white lips, I would say it's a pygmy killer whale.' Experts said there has never been a sighting of a true albino whale of any species in Hawaii. There have been more common sightings of leucistic or lighter colored whales, however. 'It is potentially an albino individual, but there's really only two ways to confirm that. One is to do genetic sampling and look for that mutation that would cause a lack of pigmentation and lack of melanin production, which produces the color of individuals. Or, sometimes, you can examine the eyes of those individuals and the lack of color in their eyes makes them appear pink,' said Pacific Whale Foundation Chief Scientist Jens Currie. The Cascadia Research Institute stated the calf is in pretty rough shape with major sunburns and blistering. Jacob said it's hard for albino whales to reach adulthood because they are easier prey for predators. Maui dog makes an unlikely friend — a whale 'Usually these dolphins, they go and hunt … kind of far off shore and we don't see them that often, but we're seeing them hanging in closer to shore trying to guard this calf,' Woo said. 'So, they're sticking with it. We're all rooting for it and hopefully it makes it. It's unlikely, but it is possible.' These whale species are protected and it is illegal to come within 100 feet of the animals, according to marine biologists. 'If they approach you, that's different. You know, if you're idling, but you're not allowed to approach them,' Jacob said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
