BBC Interview with

JV is interviewed by the BBC after Tilikum dies at SeaWorld 6 Jan 2017 after suffering with an antibiotic resistant lung infection for about one year. He likely suffocated in the end.

[@sharpcanines3347]

Jeffrey, I am very sorry about Tilikum, thank you for sharing this with us.

[@megaroo6110]

I was so sad when I heard about Tili's death. I am glad to see this issue back in the news and to see people discussing this on Facebook and other social media outlets. The picture in the thumbnail has always blown my mind, what a magnificent creature! Really awesome interview, as always you are eloquent and informative.

[@michelejankelow617]

Jeff thank you to you and your friends for all you have done the Orcas! Your steadfast belief has moved mountains! THANK YOU!

[@michelemenard6954]

FANTASTIC interview, as usual! So beautifully explained and so educational. Jeff, you are a legend and justifiably loved and respected all over the world! God bless you, and VOTO. You guys took a courageous, selfless stand and MADE a difference! Your hard work and sacrifices personify the BlackFish effect and your impeccable character is something most can only read about!

[@calypsomaiden]

Jeffrey, you are so factual and clear about what Tilikum was up against, why any large animal would act out, with the mere space constraints alone. I am always grateful to hear from your experience. Wishing that Tili's life is not in vain and that we can start retiring all Orca, Beluga and Dolphin to sea sanctuaries as soon as they are ready.

[@JeffreyVentre]

Thank you & me too regarding sea sanctuaries & Tili's life... hopefully not in vain

[@leonajansevanrensburg805]

I am so tired of people who keep animals in captivity

[@tealishseas9630]

Same

[@karmanbeamon4889]

I just found this and it is so very sad. Tilikum was a beautiful animal and should have been free. Even if his pod is long gone from him he should have been allowed to live out the remainder of his life in the ocean in a sea pen. RIP Tilly 😔

[@Televeris]

Rest in peace, Poor Tilikum He should have been free!

[@starlitecc]

This is so important and valuable to know what is being done and how these massive animals are suffering getting abnormal tissue degradation , cataract's, severe bruxism, etc all these are completely unnatural and unheard of but only due to the conditions they are forced to live their entire lives enclosed in a pool when their built for swimming and living in oceans. It is absolute torture for these mammals! Thank you both for the interview.

[@OliviaEllinger]

Your day is better ⛈️⛈️⛈️⛈️⛈️⛈️

[@orcagirl8874]

very well said

[@trekin01]

Tragic & awful these and other poor animals are treated this way. Poor Tilikum was forced into captivity and suffered for years like other captive Orca. At least now he's free. I just hope now no more Orca & sealife will have to suffer like him.

[@leonajansevanrensburg805]

Because they kept in captivity

[@dorat8981]

Sad to hear of his passing but glad he's finally free. Wish SeaWorld would do right by helping orcas in the wild in honor of Tilikum but I doubt it! Thank you for the eye opening interview and mentioning Taiji dolphin Cull!

[@29tenshi]

Don't buy tickets at sea world

[@owensaviation2856]

Just saying Tili was 22.5 feet and all of the holding pools are at least 25ft or deeper. Obviously med pools are not very deep.

[@adaml5690]

So SAD. The only thing I disagree with him about is that I believe they should have put Tili down long ago. He would have been A LOT better off than sitting in that damned tank. Actually, it would have been best if they would have put him back where he belongs, but second to that, death would be better than his miserable life in that tank. When conditions get that bad for humans, we'd rather go. I'm sure Tili would have rather "went" too. The saddest thing about it is that he probably felt like he was being punished by being put in that tank and he didn't know why. I'm very sad and sorry for the victims who he "killed", but I wonder if he really understands what it means to kill someone. He might have just been pissed and meant to harm them. Who knows. He's an animal and we don't know WHAT he was thinking. That's why he shouldn't have ever been in that tank. Poor fellow.

[@tealishseas9630]

I agree sorry I misread the first time