Explore the harrowing world of whaling in the Pacific, where a ship faces the wrath of an enormous whale. Delve into Tilikum's tragic tale, raising ethical questions about captivity and the close bond between orcas and their trainers. Experience a desperate fight for survival against nature's fury, contrasted with the emotional depths of human-animal connections. Discover the unpredictable beauty of wildlife and ponder the complexities of revenge, empathy, and morality in life-and-death situations.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Essex Whaleship Sinking
In 1819, the whaleship Essex was sunk by a whale in the Pacific Ocean.
First Mate Owen Chase described the whale's attack with "fury and vengeance."
question_answer ANECDOTE
Tilikum and Keltie Byrne
In 1983, Tilikum, a captured orca, was involved in the death of trainer Keltie Byrne at Sealand.
Tilikum's capture involved separating young whales from their mothers, causing distress.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Tilikum and Dawn Brancheau
Tilikum, after being transferred to SeaWorld, killed trainer Dawn Brancheau in 2010.
The incident sparked debate about orca captivity and anthropomorphism.
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Narrative of the most extraordinary and distressing shipwreck of the whaleship Essex
Owen Chase
This book chronicles the harrowing events surrounding the whaleship Essex's destruction by a sperm whale in the Pacific Ocean on November 20, 1820. The narrative, written by Owen Chase, details the crew's desperate struggle for survival in open boats, facing extreme conditions and unimaginable hardships. The story has become legendary, influencing literature such as Herman Melville's 'Moby Dick'.
Moby Dick
Herman Melville
Moby-Dick is a novel that tells the story of Captain Ahab's maniacal quest for revenge against Moby Dick, the giant white sperm whale that bit off his leg. Narrated by Ishmael, the story follows the crew of the whaling ship Pequod as they embark on a journey that explores themes of obsession, man vs. nature, and the existential questions of good and evil. The novel is rich in detailed descriptions of whale hunting and life aboard a culturally diverse crew, and it has become a cornerstone of American and world literature[2][3][5].
In the middle of the Pacific Ocean, in 1819, Owen Chase is standing on a slowly sinking ship. It's just been headbutted by an 85 foot whale. It's taking in water. And now the creature is coming back for another go. This is a whaling ship, and Chase is convinced that he observes "fury and vengeance" in the animal.
In 2010, an orca is performing for a crowd at SeaWorld - but he misses his mark and so he doesn't get his reward. That's when he grabs hold of his trainer, Dawn Brancheau, and pulls her under water. By the time he's finished, her savaged body has multiple fractures and dislocations. And her scalp has been ripped off.
To some observers, these whales were surely out for revenge. But how much is what we think we understand about the natural world shaped by human guilt?
For a full list of sources, see the show notes at timharford.com.
Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford 
