SeaWorld had not answered written questions from CNN as of Wednesday evening , but did issue a statement saying Tilikum 's participation in the shows was `` an important component of his physical , social and mental enrichment . '' Tilikum makes his first appearance since killing a trainer in February 2010 . Dawn Brancheau , 40 , died when the orca pulled her underwater by her hair . Brancheau had been growing her hair for Locks of Love , her family says . TL;DR A killer whale named Tilikum, who was captured off California last year, has made its debut on national television and is now being held at SeaWorld San Diego.
Tilikum makes his first appearance since killing a trainer in February 2010 . Dawn Brancheau , 40 , died when the orca pulled her underwater by her hair . Brancheau had been growing her hair for Locks of Love , her family says . TL;DR A killer whale named Tilikum, who was captured off California last year, has made its debut on national television and is now being held at SeaWorld San Diego.