ORLANDO, Fla. — WFTV heard Monday from a family member of Dawn Brancheau, the SeaWorld trainer who was killed by a killer whale last year.
Brancheau's nephew, Anthony Frogameni, told WFTV the family supports the decision by SeaWorld to let Tilikum the whale return to the Shamu Show. He said Dawn would support it, too.
Brancheau's family takes solace knowing she died doing something she lived for.
"All we can say as a family is, Dawn loved these animals. If you ever heard her talk about them or interact, she just loved them. She would want what's best for Tilikum," Frogameni said.
Tilikum is the killer whale that grabbed Dawn by her ponytail and dragged her underwater, killing her in February 2010. Just last week, the whale began performing again. It's a move welcomed by her nephew.
"If this is what's best, we full support it," he said.
The choice was met with opposition by some animal rights groups. Tilikum, after all, killed twice before.
Ever since the incident, SeaWorld trainers can't swim with the whales like they used to, and new safety bars are in place near performing pools.
Frogameni said the family still copes with sadness and miss Dawn every day. Recently, they formed the Dawn Brancheau Foundation to inspire others to follow their dreams like Dawn did.
"We want to carry on her spirit and her way of living and help children in need," Frogameni said.
Later this month, on Dawn's birthday, there will be a walk at SeaWorld to celebrate her life.
"Dawn loved birthdays. She was just a great person. We all want to come out and remember her for all the positive things she did while she was alive," Frogameni said.
The Foundation will continue to hold events in Orlando to remember Dawn, and a complex at the park will be named after her.
Previous Stories: March 30, 2011: Whale That Killed SeaWorld Trainer Returns March 29, 2011: Whale That Killed Trainer To Return To Show February 24, 2011: SeaWorld Trainers To Swim With Whales Again February 3, 2011: SeaWorld Trainers To Stay Out Of Water December 3, 2010: Judge Tosses Part Of Suit Against SeaWorld November 16, 2010: SeaWorld To Debut New Killer Whale Show November 5, 2010: Lawsuit Filed By Former SeaWorld Employee
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