Killer whale back in SeaWorld show

ORLANDO, Fla. – Tilikum, the killer whale involved in the death of a SeaWorld Orlando trainer last year, returned to the theme park’s show schedule Wednesday.

It was the first public performance by the 6-ton Tilikum since the Feb. 24, 2010, death of trainer Dawn Brancheau during a “Dining With Shamu” experience.

Tilikum was not mentioned by name during Wednesday’s performance. Traditionally, the whales are not identified and perform under the stage name of “Shamu,” a symbol of the theme park.

Trainers have not been allowed in the water with any of SeaWorld’s whales since Brancheau’s death.

SeaWorld says it has made changes to improve trainer safety, including guard-rails around pool ledges and quicker ways to deploy safety nets.