Tilikum was a male orca, or killer whale, captured in 1983 near Iceland. He was held in captivity for over 30 years, primarily at SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida. Tilikum became well-known for his size and strength, as well as for his involvement in several incidents that raised concerns about the ethics of keeping orcas in captivity. Tilikum was part of a breeding program and fathered several calves. His life and the controversies surrounding it contributed to a broader discussion about the treatment of marine mammals in captivity, leading to increased scrutiny of marine parks and their practices.