The orca came to international attention after killing trainer Dawn Brancheau in front of horrified spectators at the Orlando, Florida, amusement park in 2010.

SeaWorld said Tilikum’s life would be “inextricably connected with the loss of our dear friend” who dragged the 40-year-old her by her ponytail into the water at the end of a show.

Having battled a bacterial lung infection since March, he passed away in the early hours of January 6, “surrounded by the trainers, care staff and veterinarians”

SeaWorld said in a statement.