A couple of things:
1) If her hair was hanging into the water as a ponytail, I could see the orca confusing it with either a squid or toy, especially since that's what he grabbed. It's a horrid accident but it's an accident.
2) I agree with the post above about Keiko. Trying to re-introduce these animals into the wild just plain doesnt work most of the time.
3) The shows at SeaWorld are just using the natural play/hunting behavoirs of the orcas in a scyncronized way to entertain. The whales aren't "forced" to do it, and I've been there a few times when there was no show because the orcas just wanted to swim around and play (and I enjoyed that as much as the scripted show).
4) SW has that HUGE "naturalized" tank (the one that the restaurant overlooks). It's hardly ever used except as a play tank for the orcas, and I think it would make a great permanent home for Tillikum. The rest of the pod could visit him, and he would have lots of room while still recieving the care that he's used to.
As much of a huge animal person I am, I think zoos and aquariums fill a VERY important role in educating people about animals and making them care. I do think that the facilities need to be held to strict standards (and I know about the Miami Seaquarium and agree, that place is a dive and needs LOTS of help).
Seeing a television special on orcas is nothing compared to seeing them in real life. It's not until you see these animals interact in person really gives you a sense of their intelligence and power. It gives people a reason to care for them and care about what happens to them.
