Autumn AmickMs. RussellAdvanced CompositionMarch 19, 2014The Truth Behind SeaWorldOn March 21, 1964, the dream of four UCLA students came to life when their marine park, SeaWorld, opened in San Diego, California. Once the park's popularity increased, the SeaWorld brand began expanding its locations and marine life, thus introducing killer whales to the park. Since the park's opening in 1964, SeaWorld has become one of the most visited theme parks in the United States and is loved by children and adults alike. However, SeaWorld has been the subject of speculation after the recent killer whale attack and the release of the documentary film "Blackfish," which caused SeaWorld to face accusations. In 2013, Gabriela Cowperthwaite's documentary, "Blackfish," premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. The film featured a SeaWorld killer whale, Tilikium, and his involvement in three deaths that were ruled "accidents". Former SeaWorld instructors were interviewed in the film and shared their memories of the events and how little they were told by the parks. The film received most of its attention when the CNN network premiered the documentary. SeaWorld responded to the film by stating that the film was "inaccurate and misleading". Tilikium has been in captivity since 1983, when he was captured outside Iceland. Since then, Tilikium has experienced harsh conditions during transportation to and from the parks and during his stay in Sealand Canada. After Tilikium's first attack, Sealand closed and put Tilikium up for sale. SeaWorld found Tilikium's large size, 12,000 pounds, attractive and purchased it with the intent of using it in its own breeding program. Tilikium's weight also allowed it to be used for the "big splash" portion of... middle of paper......le Attack at SeaWorld: How It Happened." US Time 25 February 2010. Web. 5 March 2014.Kirby, David. Death at SeaWorld: Shamu and the Dark Side of Captive Orcas. New York: St. Martin's Press, 2012. Print.Kuo, Vivian. “The Orca Trainer Has Seen the Best of Keiko , the worst of Tilikum." CNN. Cable News Network, October 28, 2013. Web. March 7, 2014. .MacDonald, Elizabeth. "SeaWorld's Problems." Fox Affairs. NP, January 16, 2014. Web. March 8, 2014. “SeaWorld defends itself against whale abuse allegations.” 5 San Diego.NP 20 December 2013. Web. 07 March 2014.