Tilikum the Killer Whale Pleads Not Guilty to Murder Charges

30 year-old killer whale Tilikum pled not guilty Wednsday to murder charges in connection with the horrifying death of Dawn Brancheau at Sea World Orlando two weeks ago.

Appearing beside his court-appointed attorney Miguel Estrada, the 6 ton Orlando area bull orca submitted his plea by waving his pectoral fins twice for not guilty, raising an angry uproar from members of the public assembled in the gallery.

According to inside sources, Tilikum, who's vicious slaying of Brancheau took place in front of several witnesses, plans to claim that he mistook the 130 pound human female for a seal.

"Yeah, the seal argument – like we didn't all see that one coming," fumed Denise Towers, Brancheaur's sister, "There weren't any seals in that tank that day or ever, because they keep the killer whales in separate facilities - and Tilikum knows that. This was nothing other than pre-meditated murder."

Tilikum's plea of not guilty and arrogant attitude in court have swung public favor stronger against the whale as a new poll indicates that, of the 92% of respondents who believe he is guilty, 65% believe he should be given the chair.

In addition, though sales of Tilikum and Shamu related merchandise has risen 45% over the past two weeks, officials say that most of those stuffed animals, t-shirts and various other souvenirs are being purchased by members of angry mobs taking part in massive public burnings of tchotchkes associated with the once adored killer whale.

Those following the court proceedings expect Estrada to file a request for a change of venue from the Orlando County Court, claiming that a fair trial there would be infeasible since local prejudice against the whale has grown so strong since last week, when Tilikum was reported to have been overheard remarking to a walrus, "She (Brancheau) is balancing beach balls on her nose in hell –we're not called killer whales for nothing."