MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION

1825 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W. #512

WASHINGTON, DC 20009
Ms. Ann D. Terbush
Chief, Permit Division
Office of Protected Resources
National Marine Fisheries Service
NOAA/Department of Commerce
1335 East-West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Dear Ms. Terbush:
20 April 1992
Enclosed for your information and response is a letter
recently sent to the Commission from Ms. Candace Batycki.
The letter expresses concern regarding the issuance of a
public display permit for Tillicum, the male killer whale which
was imported from Sealand of the Pacific, and is currently
maintained at Sea World of Florida. The letter also advocates
that the whale be returned to the wild.
I would be grateful if you would be kind enough to write Ms.
Batycki and address her concerns.
Thank you.
Enclosure
cc: Ms. Candace Batycki
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
._iohn T\'viss, L:;t!cutlve Director
lylari ne l'"lamma 1 Commi ::.si on
1625 Connecticut Ave Nv\"_. Suite 512
't/ashington, DC 20009
F'.O. Eio;.:; 957
Nel::.on. B.C.
\:'1 L 6A5
Apri 1 4, 1992
I arn vvriting in to \\,.orld Orlar11jo'::: application for a puttlic
permit to place the orca Tillicum on putdic ,jisplay. I feel rnost
that this permit should be denied and Tillicum should be released back into
the wild, as provijed for under National r1arine Fisherie::; Ser.,..1ce 9Uijeline::;.
Gro ... vi n'd a.,.varene;:; of the pi i ght of capt i '..'8 cetacean::: .. inc 1 u,ji
orca:::. rtcr:: u::: to the cur-rent \Vt"tere a 1 se;Jrnent of H-te
population rtas been cnvakened to H-te rnora l wTong of i rnpri soni ng viha 1 es and
,jolpt-tins .. and wants to see cetacean captivity in form ended, Viith no
further captures frorn the 'vVild and no further of the:;e SO'lt!reign
creatures for human amusement. Indeed, Tillicum's previous prison, Seal and
of Victor-ia, B.C., \..vhere Tillicum kllled a young trainer previous to being
sent to Orlando, vl'ill no longer capture or display orcas, on of hav1ng
ttiei r rnuni ci pa 1 1 i cen:;e revoked. Ttit :; is in direct response to
pres:::ure anj a shift in puttl i c att i t_wje:;.
Please note Sea \\"orltj.':: dismal reconj captive orcas. Of Ute
26 orcas Sea \
1
/orlj has "o\vner :;i nee 1965, 19 ,ji ed, rnost recent 1 y the
orca k:nov.TI a::; Kenau on Augu:::t 6. 1991. Orcas in capti ... ity tla'/e life-span':.
les::: trtan one-thinj of tho:;e in U"te Vlild. 'i/e are not arlld
real sc1entific .,..,.hen the \Ve are are
,ji::tcwte,j t''d the of capti'iitld. The onl1d vvorthvihile orca
1.-. 111-1t-;:::. r-.::..-.,-,.-.,-.+ rJli' 1r k- \"]!1-l t. ,-. ,,-.f-, '.-. =. ;.:.r-,- i r t f- ,-, -.-,,., - -. L-.,._
l -I I . = ..J - ! - . c = r-1 I:'- ,_ '- J I 'j I i I_ ! ! !'',' I 1 = 1_1 -! ! 1 1::' 1...,: f_,. - . :- . I -I 1 t:J I f . '-i. lj . f
Paul .:;ponq of Eint1::;r, i'i ..tP= inC1ijentallid 1:: oppo::;e,j ro or-ca
c ;j p t i '</ i t )
n ~ e tirne nas corne for a ne.,...,.. ;:JpproacJI to coe::<istence //itt-1 our
cetace;:tn COIY3ins. Oeny Sea Worhrs public display permit for
Tillicum. and release this beleaguered being to his ocean home_
Ttiis vvill pave the vvay for further release::;, and eventuEIIly an er11j to all
cetacean cap1Uv1ty. Please respond.
cc: Canebrake EF!
Forever ViiJ,j.
Candace Batycki
Oceans Task Force
MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION
1825 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W. #512
WASHINGTON, DC 20009
Ms. Ann D. Terbush
Chief, Permit Division
Office of Protected Resources
National Marine Fisheries Service
NOAA/Department of Commerce
1335 East-West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Dear Ms. Terbush:
20 April 1992
Enclosed for your information and response is a letter
recently sent to the Commission from Mr. Dave Shortt.
The letter expresses concern regarding the issuance of a
public display permit for Tillicum, the male killer whale which
was imported from Sealand of the Pacific, and is currently
maintained at Sea World of Florida. The letter also advocates
that the whale be returned to the wild.
I would be grateful if you would be kind enough to write Mr.
Shortt and address his concerns.
Thank you.
Enclosure
cc: Mr. Shortt
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
John Tii i s s
Executive Director
IIIJ.arine
1825 Connecticut Ave .. Nt, S1ite
DC
Sir:
6co. Conifer '-;,cy
Astlend, OR 97520
6, 1992
i'm 0riting Orlando, Sea Kbrld's
t2in a ps.rmit. tc di_splty Til1icum, en orca. tr-.ey ohtairted from'Can-
ada 's Seal"nd. I oppo::o.e the frc:nting- oLEuch s perrriit to Sea World.
. . . . . .
As Eic O'B.2rry, prer.ident of tne Dolphin ProJect; sa_';,B, ''Three
things "'eE nttE. ::;c.llutir:n n:;c ccotiv.ity." Indeed,
o"f t":;e ::::_5 crc.c'f 0\ 0'.' 3E''' -,,,orld '?ince 19 bt:V2 :iec 'cL U:'::'-
tivit.Y Ttcugh Gee tje}:: overcc.;e-
inj: ..L ies sustcined vbile E.t Se::::lr:nci.,. t:Je. ::ot:ti"ticE. _sb()y, thct
suPteininf in CEotivity will only lend to hie demise.
up to 100 per da} in the
ou.ttin,q tt!e.ii t[c'nl:::: ebout tc: lf the size of c: fcotbsl1 field, 0nd
. . .
forcine: tc.E:J to :1c tr.ic%::: lor ic cruel

I ure-e you
tsciJ.l'L'te
to Sef reqJest to displaj Tillicum, to
. .
',:is.ret-.'lrrl to "'.1l.'s r:;:,r1.,.I-J.l rr-..ne .,....,E 'ncrl ce.<:;s
" - - lJ - :c_ " "' V U ' '-' lJ L.

.Dave 1:3hortt
RECEt\1!0 APR 1 3 1992
MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION
1825 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W. #512
WASHINGTON, DC 20009
Ms. Ann D. Terbush
Chief, Permit Division
Office of Protected Resources
National Marine Fisheries Service
NOAA/Department of Commerce
1335 East-West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Dear Ms. Terbush:
23 April 1992
Enclosed for your information and response is a letter
recently sent to the Commission from Mr. Matthew Scott.
The letter expresses concern regarding the issuance of a
public display permit for Tillicum, the male killer whale which
was imported from Sealand of the Pacific, and is currently
maintained at Sea World of Florida. The letter also advocates
that the whale be returned to the wild.
I would be grateful if you would be kind enough to write Mr.
Scott and address his concerns.
Thank you.
Enclosure
cc: Mr. Scott
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
~ ~
R. Twiss, Jr.
utive Director
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JlECEM!O AP.R 2 n \992
Matthew Scott
MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION
1825 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W. #512
WASHINGTON, DC 20009
333 NW 8th Street
Corvallis, Oregon 97330
Dear Mr. Scott:
23 April 1992
Thank you for your letter. It was received at the Marine
Mammal Commission on 20 April 1992.
Inasmuch as the Commission does not issue permits, your
letter requesting that a public display permit for the killer
whale, Tillicum, not be issued to Sea World has been forwarded to
the National Marine Fisheries Service, the agency that does have
regulatory authority.
Enclosed for your information is a copy of the Commission's
8 January 1992 letter to the National Marine Fisheries Service
regarding the request by Sea World to import. Tillicum from
Canada.
Thank you for having written and apprised us of your
thoughts.
Sincerely,
'-2!
Twiss, J
Enclosure
cc with incoming: Ms. Ann D. Terbush
Chief, Permit Division
cutive Directo
National Marine Fisheries Service
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION
1825 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W. #512
WASHINGTON, DC 20009
Ms. Ann D. Terbush
Chief, Permit Division
Office of Protected Resources
National Marine Fisheries Service
NOAA/Department of Commerce
1335 East-West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Dear Ms. Terbush:
23 April 1992
Enclosed for your information and response is a letter
recently sent to the Commission from Mr. Brian Waters.
The letter expresses concern regarding the issuance of a
public display permit for Tillicum, the male killer whale which
was imported from Sealand of the Pacific, and is currently
maintained at Sea World of Florida. The letter also advocates
that the whale be returned to the wild.
I would be grateful if you would be kind enough to write Mr.
Waters.
Thank you.
Enclosure
cc: Mr. Waters
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
Sincerely, \.
R. Twiss, JN \
utive Director
John Twiss
Executive Director
Marine Mammal Commission
1825 Connecticut Ave. NW
Suite 512
Washington, DC 20009
Dear Mr. Twiss:
17449 Arminta St.
Northridge, CA 91325
17 April 1992
I am writing to you to ask that your office not to grant Sea
World a permit to place the Orca Whale, Tillicum, on public
display.
Sea World does not know how to care for these precious animals.Of
the 26 Orcas that they have captured or imported 19 have died
since 1965. The most recent being the death of Kenau in Orlando
on August 6, 1991.
Most of the worlds leading marine scientists are opposed to
keeping sea mammals in captivity, including Jacques Cousteau,
Dr. Paul Spong and Ric O'Barry. These people have studied the
oceans for most of their adult lives, they should know what
is best for these animals.
On the matter of Tillicum, this mammal killed his trainer last
year at Canada's Sealand and then preceded to smash himself
against the sides of a holding tank that is only two feet longer
than his body. These animals can swim up to 100 miles a day
in the ocean, and it is cruel and unusual punishment to imprison
them for the sole purpose of entertaing humans.
When Sea World obtained Tillicum, the Marine Fisheries Service
placed special conditions on the temporary import and indicated
that releasing the animal is an option if the public permit
to display is denied. This is why I am writing to you, because
you are the person who can deny the permit. Please look at
the facts, and consult the experts, becasue everything points
to the fact that this beautiful creature must be released.
Tillicum needs to return home.
Sincerely,
Brian Waters
RECEIVED APR 2 0 1991
Mr. Brian Waters
17449 Arminata St.
Northridge, CA 91325
Dear Mr. Waters:
23 April 1992
Thank you for your letter. It was received at the Marine
Mammal Commission on 20 April 1992.
Inasmuch as the Commission does not issue permits, your
letter requesting that a public display permit for the killer
whale, Tillicum, not be issued to Sea World has been forwarded to
the National Marine Fisheries Service, the agency that does have
regulatory authority.
Enclosed for your information is a copy of the Commission's
8 January 1992 letter to the National Marine Fisheries Service
regarding the request by Sea World to import Tillicum from
Canada.
Thank you for having written and apprised us of your
thoughts.
Enclosure
cc with incoming: Ms. Ann D. Terbush
Chief, Permit Division
\
1
\
n R. Tw1ss, r.
cutive Direc or
National Marine Fisheries Service
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION
1825 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W. #512
WASHINGTON, DC 20009
23 April 1992
. "'
..... ... ,... .., .... , .
Ms. Ann D. Terbush
Chief, Permit Division
Office of Protected Resources
National Marine Fisheries Service
NOAA/Department of Commerce
1335 East-West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Dear Ms. Terbush:
Enclosed for your information and response is a letter
recently sent to the Commission from Mr. Mark Kelsey.
The letter expresses concern regarding the issuance of a
public display permit for Tillicum, the male killer whale which
was imported from Sealand of the Pacific, and is currently
maintained at Sea World of Florida. The letter also advocates
that the whale be returned to the wild.
I would be grateful if you would be kind enough to write Mr.

Thank you.
Enclosure
cc: Mr. Kelsey
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
R. Twiss,
utive Director
April 11, 1992
John Twiss
Executive Director
Marine Mammal Commission
Mark Kelsey
1825 Connecticut Ave. NW Suite 512
Washington, DC 20009
Dear Mr. Twiss,
The Busch Entertainment Corporation has has been responsible for the unneeded
deaths and suffering of many orcas and other marine mammals over the years at
Sea World.
And yet, the Marine Fisheries Service has allowed the "public display permit"
over and over again. jacques Costeau is opposed to keeping sea mammals in
captivity, as you know, because there is no "science" here.
Now in the case of Tillicum, actual abuse, severe animal injury and even human
death has been the result. Scientific research is NOT public amusement and
private profit. On the other hand, if the torture of marine mammals is "scientific
research'', than Tillicum should remain the "property" of the Busch Entertainment
Corporation for them to exploit.
The public amusement permit must and should be denied. It is sad to discover
that the Marine Fisheries Service has NINER released an orca back into the wild.
Then, why have we been trying to save them? just for the Busch Entertainment
Corporation?
~ t l G b
Mark Kelsey ~
cc. Senator John F. Kerry
RECEIVED 'APR 2 0 1992
165 Winthrop Street, Winthrop, MA 02152 (617) 846-3402
,,_......_RINE MAMMAL COMMISSION
Mr. Mark Kelsey
165 Winthrop Street
Winthrop, MA 02152
Dear Mr. Kelsey:
CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W. #512
WASHINGTON, DC 20009
20 April 1992
Thank you for your letter. It was received at the Marine
Mammal Commission on 20 April 1992.
Inasmuch as the Commission does not issue permits, your
letter requesting that a public display permit for the killer
whale, Tillicum, not be issued to Sea World has been forwarded to
the National Marine Fisheries Service, the agency that does have
regulatory authority.
Enclosed for your information is a copy of the Commission's
8 January 1992 letter to the National Marine Fisheries Service
regarding the request by Sea World to import Tillicum from
Canada.
Thank you for having written and apprised us of your
thoughts.
Enclosure
cc with incoming: Ms. Ann D. Terbush
Chief, Permit Division
Sincerely,
nR. ~ .
cutive Director
National Marine Fisheries Service
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION
1825 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W. #512
WASHINGTON, DC 20009
10 April 1992
Ms. Ann D. Terbush
Chief, Permit Division
Office of Protected Resources
National Marine Fisheries Service
NOAA/Department of Commerce
1335 East-West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Dear Ms. Terbush:
Enclosed for your information and response is a letter
recently sent to the Commission from Mr. David cutler.
The letter expresses concern regarding the issuance of a
public display permit for Tillicum, the male killer whale which
was imported from Sealand of the Pacific, and is currently
maintained at Sea World of Florida. The letter also advocates
that the whale be returned to the wild.
I would be grateful if you would be kind enough to write Mr.
cutler and address his concerns.
Thank you.
Enclosure
cc: Mr. David Cutler
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
Sincerely,
Twiss, 'Jr.
utive Director
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Mr. David Cutler
64 Farmgate Road
MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION
1825 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W. #512
WASHINGTON, DC 20009
South Berwick, ME 03908
Dear Mr. Cutler:
10 April 1992
Thank you for your letter. It was received at the Marine
Mammal Commission on 8 April 1992.
Inasmuch as the Commission does not issue permits, your
letter requesting that a public display permit for the killer
whale, Tillicum, not be issued to Sea World has been forwarded to
the National Marine Fisheries Service, the agency that does have
regulatory authority.
Enclosed for your information is a copy of the Commission's
8 January 1992 letter to the National Marine Fisheries Service
regarding the request by Sea World to import Tillicum from
Canada.
Thank you for having written and apprised us of your
thoughts.
Enclosure
cc with incoming: Ms. Ann D. Terbush
Chief, Permit Division
Sincerely,
R. TWiss: J r ~

cutive Director
National Marine Fisheries Service
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION
1825 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W. #512
WASHINGTON, DC 20009
Ms. Ann D. Terbush
Chief, Permit Division
Office of Protected Resources
National Marine Fisheries Service
NOAA/Department of Commerce
1335 East-West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Dear Ms. Terbush:
10 April 1992
Enclosed for your information and response is a letter
recently sent to the Commission from Ms. Joanne Forman.
The letter expresses concern regarding the issuance of a
public display permit for Tillicum, the male killer whale which
was imported from Sealand of the Pacific, and is currently
maintained at Sea World of Florida. The letter also advocates
that the whale be returned to the wild.
I would be grateful if you would be kind enough to write Ms.
Forman and address her concerns.
Thank you.
Enclosure
cc: Ms. Joanne Forman
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
Sincerely,
... l
R. Twiss, Jr
utive Directo
"\._ ..
SATURDAY 4 APRIL 1992
MR. JOHN TWISS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION
1825 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #512
WASHINGTON DC 20009
DEAR MR. TWISS:
P.O. BOX 1101
RANCHOS DE TAOS NM 87557
THIS IS TO REQUEST THAT THE COMMISSION NOT GRANT TO SEA WORLD
OF FLORIDA PERMISSION TO DISPLAY TILLICUM, THE ORCA WHICH HAS ALREADY
HAD AN HORRENDOUS HISTORY AT THE HANDS OF HUMAN BEINGS.
NO LESS A FIGURE THAN JACQUES COUSTEAU, AMONG MANY OTHERS, IS
OPPOSED TO THE KEEPING OF ANY MARINE MAMMALS IN CAPTIVITY.
IT IS A CURIOUS ASPECT OF OUR SOCIETY, TO SAY THE LEAST THAT A
CHILD WHO TORTURES AN ANIMAL SIGNALS PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND THE NEED FOR
PSYCHIATRIC CARE -BUT ADULTS WHO DO THE SAME, ESPECIALLY IF IT IS FOR
PROFIT ARE ALLOWED TO GET AWAY WITH IT.
IT IS A DISGRACE, AND UNWORTHY OF A CIVILIZED SOCIETY. TILLICUM
AT LEAST SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE OCEAN AND ALLOWED TO LIVE OUT HIS
LIFESPAN WITHOUT HUMAN INTERFERENCE.
RECEIVED APR 0 7 1992
Ms. Joanne Forman
P.O. Box 1101
MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION
1825 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W. #512
WASHINGTON, DC 20009
Ranchos De Taos, NM 87557
Dear Ms. Forman:
10 April 1992
Thank you for your letter. It was received at the Marine
Mammal Commission on 7 April 1992.
Inasmuch as the Commission does not issue permits, your
letter requesting that a public display permit for the killer
whale, Tillicum, not be issued to Sea World has been forwarded to
the National Marine Fisheries Service, the agency that does have
regulatory authority.
Enclosed for your information is a copy of the Commission's
8 January 1992 letter to the National Marine Fisheries Service
regarding the request by Sea World to import Tillicum from
Canada.
Thank you for having written and apprised us of your
thoughts.
Enclosure
cc with incoming: Ms. Ann D. Terbush
Chief, Permit Division
Sincerely,
n R. TWiss, ~
cutive Director
National Marine Fisheries Service
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION
1825 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W. #512
WASHINGTON, DC 20009
Ms. Ann D. Terbush
Chief, Permit Division
Office of Protected Resources
National Marine Fisheries Service
NOAA/Department of Commerce
1335 East-West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Dear Ms. Terbush:
10 April 1992
Enclosed for your information and response is a letter
recently sent to the Commission from Ms. Joann Fitt.
The letter expresses concern regarding the issuance of a
public display permit for Tillicum, the male killer whale which
was imported from Sealand of the Pacific, and is currently
maintained at Sea World of Florida. The letter also advocates
that the whale be returned to the wild.
I would be grateful if you would be kind enough to write Ms.
Fitt and address her concerns.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
.. {
. \
n R. Tw1.ss, Jr.
cutive Director
Enclosure
cc: Ms. Joann Fitt
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
Ms. Joann v. Fitt
MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION
1825 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W. #512
WASHINGTON, DC 20009
316 Robinhood Lane
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Dear Ms. Fitt:
10 April 1992
Thank you for your letter. It was received at the Marine
Mammal Commission on 6 April 1992.
Inasmuch as the Commission does not issue permits, your
letter requesting that a public display permit for the killer
whale, Tillicum, not be issued to Sea World has been forwarded to
the National Marine Fisheries Service, the agency that does have
regulatory authority.
Enclosed for your information is a copy of the Commission's
8 January 1992 letter to the National Marine Fisheries Service
regarding the request by Sea World to import Tillicum from
Canada.
Thank you for having written and apprised us of your
thoughts.
Sincerely,

R. Twiss, J:.k
Executive Director
Enclosure
cc with incoming: Ms. Ann D. Terbush
Chief, Permit Division
National Marine Fisheries Service
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
Ms. Candace Batycki
P.O. Box 957
Nelson, B.C.
V1L 6A5
Dear Ms. Batycki:
MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION
1825 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W. #512
WASHINGTON, DC 20009
17 April 1992
Thank you for your letter. It was received at the Marine
Mammal Commission on 17 April 1992.
Inasmuch as the Commission does not issue permits, your
letter requesting that a public display permit for the killer
whale, Tillicum, not be issued to Sea World has been forwarded to
the National Marine Fisheries Servicei the agency that does have
regulatory authority.
Enclosed for your information is a copy of the Commission's
8 January 1992 letter to the National Marine Fisheries Service
regarding the request by Sea World to import Tillicum from
Canada.
Thank you for having written and apprised us of your
thoughts.
Enclosure
cc with incoming: Ms. Ann D. Terbush
Chief, Permit Division
Sincerely,
\
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R. 'I'wiss, Jr.
\Jcutive Director
National Marine Fisheries Service
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
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MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION
1825 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W. #512
WASHINGTON, DC 20009
Ms. Ann D. Terbush
Chief, Permit Division
Office of Protected Resources
National Marine Fisheries Service
NOAA/Department of Commerce
1335 East-West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Dear Ms. Terbush:
3 April 1992
Enclosed for your information and response is a letter
recently sent to the Commission from Ms. Gayle Young.
The letter expresses concern regarding the issuance of a
public display permit for Tillicum, the male killer whale which
was imported from Sealand of the Pacific, and is currently
maintained at Sea World of Florida. The letter also advocates
that the whale be returned to the wild.
I would be grateful if you would be kind enough to write Ms.
Young and address her concerns.
Thank you.
Enclosure
cc: Ms. Gayle Young
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
Sincerely,
n R. Twiss,
utive Direct r
Ms. Gayle Young
MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION
1825 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W. #512
WASHINGTON, DC 20009
2003 Grove St. #7
Boulder, Colorado 80302
Dear Gayle Young:
3 April 1992
Thank you for your letter. It was received at the Marine
Mammal Commission on 2 March 1992.
Inasmuch as the Commission does not issue permits, your
letter requesting that a public display permit for the killer
whale, Tillicum, not be issued to Sea World has been forwarded to
the National Marine Fisheries Service, the agency that does have
regulatory authority.
Enclosed for your information is a copy of the Commission's
8 January 1992 letter to the National Marine Fisheries Service
regarding the request by Sea World to import Tillicum from
Canada.
Thank you for having written and apprised us of your
thoughts.
Enclosure
cc with incoming: Ms. Ann D. Terbush
Chief, Permit Division
Sincerely,
National Marine Fisheries Service
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
1 ~ S ~ :
Director
MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION
1825 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W. #512
WASHINGTON, DC 20009
Ms. Ann D. Terbush
Chief, Permit Division
Office of Protected Resources
National Marine Fisheries Service
NOAA/Department of Commerce
1335 East-West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Dear Ms. Terbush:
3 April 1992
Enclosed for your information and response is a letter
recently sent to the Commission from Mr. Richard Arklin.
The letter expresses concern regarding the issuance of a
public display permit for Tillicum, the male killer whale which
was imported from Sealand of the Pacific, and is currently
maintained at Sea World of Florida. The letter also advocates
that the whale be returned to the wild.
I would be grateful if you would be kind enough to write Mr.
Arklin and address her concerns.
Thank you.
Enclosure
cc: Mr. Richard Arklin
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
Sincerely,
Twiss, Jr.
utive Director
Mr. Richard Arklin
7641 Nelin Ave #8
Whittier, CA 90602
Dear Mr. Arklin:
MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION
1825 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W. #512
WASHINGTON, DC 20009
3 April 1992
Thank you for your letter. It was received at the Marine
Mammal Commission on 2 March 1992.
Inasmuch as the Commission does not issue permits, your
letter requesting that a public display permit for the killer
whale, Tillicum, not be issued to Sea World has been forwarded to
the National Marine Fisheries Service, the agency that does have
regulatory authority.
Enclosed for your information is a copy of the Commission's
8 January 1992 letter to the National Marine Fisheries Service
regarding the request by Sea World to import Tillicum from
canada.
Thank you for having written and apprised us of your
thoughts.
Sincerely,
~
Joh R. Twiss, Jr.
Enclosure
cc with incoming: Ms. Ann D. Terbush
Chief, Permit Division
Executive Director
National Marine Fisheries Service
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION
1825 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W. #512
WASHINGTON, DC 20009
Ms. Ann D. Terbush
Chief, Permit Division
Office of Protected Resources
National Marine Fisheries Service
NOAA/Department of Commerce
1335 East-West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Dear Ms. Terbush:
12 February 1992
Enclosed for your information and response is a letter
recently sent to the Commission from Mr. Frank Smith.
The letter expresses concern regarding the issuance of a
public display permit for Tillicum, the male killer whale which
was imported from Sealand of the Pacific, and is currently
maintained at Sea World of Florida. The letter also advocates
that the whale be returned to the wild.
I would be grateful if you would be kind enough to write Mr.
Smith and address his concerns.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
~ ~ \
~ } ~ i v e Director
Enclosure
cc: Mr. Frank Smith
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
-------
MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION
1825 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W. #512
WASHINGTON, DC 20009
6 February 1992
Ms. Ann D. Terbush
Chief, Permit Division
Office of Protected Resources
National Marine Fisheries Service
NOAA/Department of Commerce
1335 East-West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Dear Ms. Terbush:
Enclosed for your information and response is a letter
recently sent to the Commission from Mr. William R. Brooks.
The letter expresses concern regarding the issuance of a
public display permit for Tillicum, the male killer whale which
was imported from Sealand of the Pacific, and is currently
maintained at Sea World of Florida. The letter also advocates
that the whale be returned to the wild.
I would be grateful if you would be kind enough to write Mr.
Brooks and address his concerns.
Thank you.
Enclosure
cc: Mr. William R. Brooks
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
Sincerely,
n R. Twiss, Jr.
cutive Director
John Twiss,Executive Director
Marine Mammal Commission
1825 Connecticut Ave. NW
Suite 512
Washington,DC 20009
Dear Mr. Twiss,
William R. Brooks
3294 Latana Drive
Palm Harbor, Fl. 34684
I feel a need to write you about a problem which has come to
my attention concerning the recent arrival at Sea World/Orlando
of a male orca,Tillicum.
I am the understanding that Tillicum,when treated for his
injuries will be added to the Sea World Killer whale program
at their Orlando facility and he will be their main breeder in
their captive breeding program.
After seeing video of Tillicum on our Channel 8 News I
was upset with the condition that Tillicum was in upon his
arrival at Sea World. I think that this poor creature has
suffered enough.
I am asking that your office not grant .a permit for
Sea World to place Tillicum on public display. Again I feel he
has suffered enough.
By what I have read,Sea World seems to have a very poor
track record for keeping orcas alive.
I hope that your office will take steps that I have
requested and have Sea World begin a program to prepare Tillicum
for his return home,to the open seas.
Sincerely,

William R. Brooks
MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION
1825 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W. #512
WASHINGTON, DC 20009
6 February 1992
Mr. William R. Brooks
3294 Latana Drive
Palm Harbor, FL 34684
Dear Mr. Brooks:
Thank you for your letter of 22 January 1992. It was
received at the Marine Mammal Commission on 27 January 1992.
Inasmuch as the Commission does not issue permits, your
letter requesting that a public display permit for the killer
whale, Tillicum, not be issued to Sea World has been forwarded to
the National Marine Fisheries Service, the agency that does have
regulatory authority.
Enclosed for your information is a copy of the Commission's
8 January 1992 letter to the National Marine Fisheries Service
regarding the request by Sea World to import Tillicum from
Canada.
Thank you for having written and apprised us of your
thoughts. 1
Sincerely,
~
Jo n R. Twiss, Jr.
Executive Director
Enclosure
cc with incoming: Ms. Ann D. Terbush
Chief, Permit Division
National Marine Fisheries Service
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION
1825 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W. #512
WASHINGTON, DC 20009
Ms. Ann D. Terbush
Chief, Permit Division
Office of Protected Resources
National Marine Fisheries Service
NOAA/Department of Commerce
1335 East-West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Dear Ms. Terbush:
6 February 1992
Enclosed for your information and response is a letter
recently sent to the Commission from Ms. Paula Wheeler.
The letter expresses concern regarding the issuance of a
public display permit for Tillicum, the male killer whale which
was imported from Sealand of the Pacific, and is currently
maintained at Sea World of Florida. The letter also advocates
that the whale be returned to the wild.
I would be grateful if you would be kind enough to write Ms.
Wheeler and address her concerns.
Thank you.
Enclosure
cc: Ms. Paula Wheeler
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
Sincerely,
n R. Twiss, Jr.
cutive Director
f;
?o. W7
rjJ yyr;f?-1..2;2/
RCEWEO JAN 3 1 1992'
MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION
1825 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W. #512
WASHINGTON, DC 20009
Ms. Paula J. Wheeler
P.O. Box 1227
Dunedin, FL 34697-1227
Dear Ms. Wheeler:
6 February 1992
Thank you for your letter of 22 January 1992. It was
received at the Marine Mammal Commission on 31 January 1992.
Inasmuch as the Commission does not issue permits, your
letter requesting that a public display permit for the killer
whale, Tillicum, not be issued to Sea World has been forwarded to
the National Marine Fisheries Service, the agency that does have
regulatory authority.
Enclosed for your information is a copy of the Commission's
8 January 1992 letter to the National Marine Fisheries Service
regarding the request by Sea World to import Tillicum from
Canada.
Thank you for having written and apprised us of your
thoughts.
Enclosure
cc with incoming: Ms. Ann D. Terbush
Chief, Permit Division
Sincerely,
hn R. Twiss, l:
ecutive Director
National Marine Fisheries Service
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION
1825 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W. #512
WASHINGTON, DC 20009
6 February 1992
Ms. Ann D. Terbush
Chief, Permit Division
Office of Protected Resources
National Marine Fisheries Service
NOAA/Department of Commerce
1335 East-West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Dear Ms. Terbush:
Enclosed for your information and response is a letter
recently sent to the Commission from Ms. Monique Amado.
The letter expresses concern regarding the issuance of a
public display permit for Tillicum, the male killer whale which
was imported from Sealand of the Pacific, and is currently
maintained at Sea World of Florida. The letter also advocates
that the whale be returned to the wild.
I would be grateful if you would be kind enough to write Ms.
Amado and address her concerns.
Thank you.
Enclosure
cc: Ms. Monique Amado
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
~
n R. Twiss, Jr.
cutive Director
MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION
1825 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W. #512
WASHINGTON, DC 20009
Ms. Ann D. Terbush
Chief, Permit Division
Office of Protected Resources
National Marine Fisheries Service
NOAA/Department of Commerce
1335 East-West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Dear Ms. Terbush:
6 February 1992
Enclosed for your information and response is a letter
recently sent to the Commission from Mr. Michael Whalen.
The letter expresses concern regarding the issuance of a
public display permit for Tillicum, the male killer whale which
was imported from Sealand of the Pacific, and is currently
maintained at Sea World of Florida. The letter also advocates
that the whale be returned to the wild.
I would be grateful if you would be kind enough to write Mr.
Whalen and address his concerns.
Thank you.
Enclosure
cc: Mr. Micheal Whalen
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
sincerely,
o n R. Twiss,
cutive Director
Ms. Monique Amado
MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION
1825 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W. #512
WASHINGTON, DC 20009
2956 Flint Drive South
Clearwater, FL 34619
Dear Ms. Amado:
6 February 1992
Thank you for your letter of 22 January 1992. It was
received at the Marine Mammal Commission on 27 January 1992.
Inasmuch as the Commission does not issue permits, your
letter requesting that a public display permit for the killer
whale, Tillicum, not be issued to Sea World has been forwarded to
the National Marine Fisheries Service, the agency that does have
regulatory authority.
Enclosed for your information is a copy of the Commission's
8 January 1992 letter to the National Marine Fisheries Service
regarding the request by Sea World to import Tillicum from
Canada.
Thank you for having written and apprised us of your
thoughts.
Enclosure
cc with incoming: Ms. Ann D. Terbush
Chief, Permit Division
Sincerely,
hn R.
ecutive Director
National Marine Fisheries Service
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
John Twiss, Exec. Director
Marine Mammal Commission
1825 Connecticut Ave. NW
Suite 512
Washington, DC 20009
Dear Sir:
January 23, 1992
M TCl-l.AEL WHALEN
\ii 71h Reynolds Apt.<:
Clearwater, FL 346lt>
'\
Freedom is a an elusive quality to define. To capture
the very meaning of the word is, in itself, to somehow limit
it. Often it is easier to say what freedom is not. One
could say that freedom is not anything that occurs
unnaturally, or out of the ordinary.
A person talking to another with the fear that their
words may be used as grounds to confinement is one common
definition of what freedom is not.
Likewise, a mind hesitant to explore the heights and
depths of an idea for fear of confinement or abuse is
unfree.
Eagles on tethers have no freedom.
Panthers in cages, forced into the unnatural behavior
of pacing by being placed in out of the ordinary confines,
cannot be said to know freedom.
Babes, born into slavery, a ~ e not free.
Yet, we in this country have taken on the task of
defining what it means to be "free". We have done so
voluntarily and at times with great delight. While on other
occasions, we have suffered under the bloody chore and not
always without a struggle to do the thing we know is right.
We have sought to champion the right of all peoples to
live without unnecessary and unagreed to controls of
another. We call this a democratic voice. It is of great
value to us to be allowed the chance at defining freedom.
It is to our credit that we seek to allow others this same
opportunity.
We have come to the point in time where we can no
longer remain in denial of our unfortunate success in
oppressing, exploiting and otherwise brutalizing our fellow
inhabitants of their (and our) home, EARTH. It is time to
allow our awareness to embrace our d e e d ~ Only then can we
change.
Change is our nature, it is what we are good a ~ It is
the root of the system we employ to discover freedom. We
listen to what others are saying. We open our tired eyes to
the sights we do not like to see and we change them for the
better.
Our success can be measured by our humanness; our
compassion and empathy for others. It is not a far leap to
empathize with those who speak a different language. We
RECEIVED FE 8 0 3 1992
\
with them the intangible notion of
Intangible , but so
So that its notion is spoken by those whom we
have not But today, they SILENT NO MORE. And it
is voice you now. I join with those voices in
demanding Two legged finned.
John Twiss, you have the to act as
in decisions the well being of
mammals. As MY I thank you
accepting this and I now demand that you the
of all mammals capable of living
lives as to the of being, in unconfined

I demand that you listen and when he has
healed, that some call 'Tillicum. Do not allow this
fellow to be publicly displayed. Do not allow his
condition of captivity and confinement to continue one day
past his ability to live beyond his He was
the wide and the deep. He, as like him have,
will die unhappy if That, John Twiss, is the voice
we must The seven captive deaths speak loudly
to the cause of the mammals of
the sea. them shallow tanks.
call them, John Twiss, and act.
MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION
1825 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W. #512
WASHINGTON, DC 20009
Ms. Ann D. Terbush
Chief, Permit Division
Office of Protected Resources
National Marine Fisheries Service
NOAA/Department of Commerce
1335 East-West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Dear Ms. Terbush:
6 February 1992
Enclosed for your information and response is a letter
recently sent to the Commission from Mr. Erik Botsford.
The letter expresses concern regarding the issuance of a
public display permit for Tillicum, the male killer whale which
was imported from Sealand of the Pacific, and is currently
maintained at Sea World of Florida. The letter also advocates
that the whale be returned to the wild.
I would be grateful if you would be kind enough to write Mr.
Botsford and address his concerns.
Thank you.
Enclosure
cc: Mr. Erik Botsford
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
Sincerely,
R. Twiss, J ~
utive Director
January 23, 1991
Dear Mr. Twiss:
I would like to express my concern for the male orca, Tillicum,
currently being held at Sea World Orlando. I believe that this
whale had endured enough pain and discomfort in its illness and
transfer from Canada to Florida. To allow Sea World to display
Tillicum at the park would not be in the whales best interest.
I urge you to deny Sea Worlds attempts to obtain a permit for
display and urge you to push Sea World to quickly rehabilitate and
release Tillicum into the wild. I do not trust Sea Worlds record
regarding whale maintenance in captivity and am very unhappy
knowing that he is being held there.
Once again, I ask you to not grant Sea World the permit for
display. Please see to it that Tillicum is safely returned to the
wild.
APT G
Gainesville, FL 32601
904-338-1489
MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION
1825 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W. #512
WASHINGTON, DC 20009
Ms. Ann D. Terbush
Chief, Permit Division
Office of Protected Resources
National Marine Fisheries Service
NOAA/Department of Commerce
1335 East-West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Dear Ms. Terbush:
6 February 1992
Enclosed for your information and response is a letter
recently sent to the Commission from Mr. Erik Botsford.
The letter expresses concern regarding the issuance of a
public display permit for Tillicum, the male killer whale which
was imported from Sealand of the Pacific, and is currently
maintained at Sea World of Florida. The letter also advocates
that the whale be returned to the wild.
I would be grateful if you would be kind enough to write Mr.
Botsford and address his concerns.
Thank you.
Sincerely,

Director
Enclosure
cc: Mr. Erik Botsford
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION
1825 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W. #512
WASHINGTON, DC 20009
Ms. Ann D. Terbush
Chief, Permit Division
Office of Protected Resources
National Marine Fisheries Service
NOAA/Department of Commerce
1335 East-West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Dear Ms. Terbush:
5 February 1992
Enclosed for your information and response is a letter
recently sent to the Commission from Ms. Cynthia Alsaffar.
The letter expresses concern regarding the issuance of a
public display permit for Tillicum, the male killer whale which
was imported from Sealand of the Pacific, and is currently
maintained at Sea World of Florida. The letter also advocates
that the whale be returned to the wild.
I would be grateful if you would be kind enough to write Ms.
Alsaffar and address her concerns.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
~ ~ \ .
~ ~ - Twiss, Jr.
Executive Director
Enclosure
cc: Ms. Cynthia Alsaffar
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
Dear Mr. John Twiss,
I am writing to you regarding the male orca "Ti 11 icum". I
find it distressing that after the incident with Keltie Burn the
issue of Tillicum's release back into the wild was not taken more
seriously. Tillicum has suffered greatly while in captivity, as
have all captured marine mammals. I urge you to please not grant
the permit allowing Sea World to place Tillicum on public display.
Tillicum should be treated for his injuries, and then put into a
program which will prepare him for release back into the wild. In
the past four years seven killer whales have died at Sea World,
let's not have Tillicum become number eight.
Cynthia Alsaffar
811 S.W. 11st Apt. A
Gainesville, Fl 32601

/
saffar
Mr. Michael Whalen
MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION
1825 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W. #512
WASHINGTON, DC 20009
1217 1/2 Reynolds Apt. C
Clearwater, FL 34616
Dear Mr. Whalen:
6 February 1992
Thank you for your letter of 22 January 1992. It was
received at the Marine Mammal Commission on 3 February 1992.
Inasmuch as the Commission does not issue permits, your
letter requesting that a public display permit for the killer
whale, Tillicum, not be issued to Sea World has been forwarded to
the National Marine Fisheries Service, the agency that does have
regulatory authority.
Enclosed for your information is a copy of the Commission's
8 January 1992 letter to the National Marine Fisheries Service
regarding the request by Sea World to import Tillicum from
Canada.
Thank you for having written and apprised us of your
thoughts.
Enclosure
cc with incoming: Ms. Ann D. Terbush
Chief, Permit Division
Sincerely,
Twiss, Jr.
ecutive Director
National Marine Fisheries Service
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION
1825 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W. #512
WASHINGTON, DC 20009
The Honorable William W. Fox, Jr., Ph.D.
Assistant Administrator for Fisheries
National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA
1335 East-West Highway, Room 9334
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Dear Dr. Fox:
8 January 1992
Sea World of Florida has requested authorization under
sections 109(h) (2) and 112(c) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act
to import a male killer whale from Canada on an emergency basis
"to render medical treatment [of the animal] that is not
otherwise available." The Marine Mammal Commission, in
consultation with its Committee of Scientific Advisors on Marine
Mammals, has considered Sea World's request and, based on the
information available to it, has concluded that the health of the
male killer whale currently being held at Sealand of the Pacific
is threatened by continued maintenance of the animal in the small
medical holding pool at the facility. The record available to
the Commission indicates that: (1) no alternative facility
capable of maintaining the animal exists in Canada; (2) attempts
to place the animal in the main pool at Sealand of the Pacific,
which is occupied by two female killer whales and a calf, have
been unsuccessful; (3) the health of the whale in question has
already been affected; and (4) it is not possible to construct an
alternative enclosure or modify the existing facility in time to
alleviate the problem.
While the Commission believes that authorizing the
importation of the male killer whale under section 109(h) (2) of
the Act approaches the limit of that statutory provision, the
importation clearly appears to be in the best interest of the
animal. The Commission therefore recommends that the Service
issue an emergency importation authorization to Sea World.
In making this recommendation, the Commission notes that the
medical emergency now faced results in part from poor planning.
The facility has known for months that the female killer whales
it maintains were pregnant and should have taken steps to ensure
that all of the whales would be properly cared for after the
birth of the calves. In recognition of the possibility that the
two females may become less compatible once the second female
delivers, the Commission encourages the National Marine Fisheries
Service to use its influence to ensure that other provisions are
made now, such as building another enclosure, to anticipate the
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
'
2
possibility of such problems arising.
It is important the Service make sure that the applicant
understand that section 109(h) requires that "[i]n any case in
which it is feasible to return to its natural habitat a marine
mammal taken or imported under [that provision], steps to achieve
that result shall be taken." In recognition of this, the
Service, in consultation with all interested parties, should
identify what steps (g.g., identification of an area and/or group
of wild animals to which release would be appropriate,
authorization under u.s. andjor foreign law, retraining the
animal, monitoring the animal once released, etc.) would be
necessary to effect a return of the whale to Icelandic waters and
determine if such a release is feasible.
Please contact me if you have any questions concerning these
recommendations.
Sincerely,
\
[)'k ''
R. Twiss, Jr.
Director
cc: The Commissioners
The Members of the Committee of Scientific Advisors
MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION
1825 CONNECTICUT AVENUE., N.W. H512
WASHINGTON. DC 20009
The Honorable William w. Fox, Jr., Ph.D.
Assistant Administrator for Fisheries
National Marine fisheries Service, NOAA
1335 East-West Highway, Room 9334
Silver Spring, MD 20910
24 February 1992
Re: Permit Application No. P-2W
(Sea World, Inc.)
Dear Dr. Fox:
The Marine Mammal Commission, in consultation with its
committee of Scientific Advisors on Marine Mammals, has reviewed
the above-referenced permit application with reference to the
goals, policies, and requirements of the Marine Mammal Protection
.Act.
The applicant is requesting to obtain two female killer
(Orcinus orcg) and their calves from Sealand of the
Pacific, Victoria, British Columbia. Sea World requests to
import one mother-calf pair to Sea World of Florida, and the
other mother-calf pair to Sea World of Texas. The animals v/OUld
be imported within two years after issuance of a permit.
The Commission recommends approval of the request provided
that the Service, in consultation with the Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service, is satisfied that the applicant's
plans and facilities for transport and maintenance of the
requested animals are adequate to provide for their health and
well-being. In relation to this, it is recommended that the
service note that unweaned animals (whether or not the nursing is
facultative) should not be transported unless and until the
Service determines that such an import is necessary for the
protection of the welfare of the animal.
The Service also should be assured that the food the animals
are fed fully meets all relevant Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service standards in terms of quality, nutritional
value, adequacy of storage facilities, and adequacy of
preparation, and that relevant Animal and Plant Health Inspection

2
Service standards with respect to quarantine and the health of
newly introduced animals are met.
Further, the Service should be satisfied that the
applicant's educational program is acceptable i . ~ . , that the
program is in place as a component of the proposed public
display, that the basic message and purpose of the program are
accurate and are consistent with the policies of the Marine
Mammal Protection Act; and that the program include information
about the life history, behavior, sensory capabilities, or
characteristics of the species).
The Commission believes that the activities for which it has
recommended approval are consistent with the purposes and
policies of the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Please contact me if you have any questions concerning this
recommendation.
cc: Ms. Ann D. Terbush
4t:005