Marine conservationist says SeaWorld death may increase the use of killer whales in shows

Video footage has been published of the late SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau interacting with Tilikum, the largest and oldest killer whale in captivity, moments before the fatal attack, NY Daily News reports. Contrary to previous witness reports of the orca grabbing the trainer down from the rocks—and contrary to SeaWorld statements that said trainers did not interact with Tilikum while in the water—the video shows Brancheau swimming and playing with Tilikum in the tank.

A marine conservationist from the American Museum of Natural History interviewed by the Associated Press said that the popularity of orcas used in shows is likely to increase.