Okay, I've never rescued a whale,dolphin or manatee but have rehabilatated many a small mammal (squirrels, possums, flying squirrels). I did this for several years and I will say it is best to return things to the wild when possible. With that said, some animals tend to "imprint" on humans thus rendering them ineligible to release into the wild.
If an animal imprints it sees humans as a food source or friend. If you have an animal that sees humans that way you are endangering both the animal and the humans by releasing them into the wild. Even the best of rehabbers have this happen from time to time. Oh, and as far as toys go, there is nothing "perverse" about it as one poster stated. Granted that in the wild there is no "critters R us" stores but animals DO make their own "toys" and it does indeed stimulate their minds. Not to be offensive but one of the favorite "toys" of Orcas are dead seals. They will toss them around for hours like a human would play with a basketball. It's just animal behavior but I don't think that would fly at SW for the public.
I was saddened to learn that SW did indeed have purchased animals that had been captured from the wild. For years I thought all of them fell under the unreleasable/born in captivity category.
That is one area I do not and will not ever support. If something is wild, leave it be wild. No one has the right to steal it and imprison it. I just think it is so wrong and I hope SW never engages in this practice again.
SW HAS done more for the marine world in education, conservation and awareness than any other organization I can think of. It is a business but I can't think of too many business's that give so much to a worthwhile cause.
Oh, by the way, one final point...of the wildlife I have released by my house, I do have about 5 squirrels who choose to be "tame". One will even greet people on the porch (although not everyone thinks it's cute!
I'm pretty sure if the SW and DC animals could talk many would tell you they want to stay right where they are.
I also agree with the people who stated it is wrong to be an "activist" and just post hatred on boards. I'm not saying anyone here is doing that but that is how PETA is and truth be told, they have done a LOT of things to bring harm to animals. I will never understand the point of locking young women naked in cages with their faces painted like cats. They seem to do that a lot!
Also don't understand when they "free" lab animals. Yeah, that's a really good idea....just let a rat or ferret who doesn't have a clue how to find food, know what their predators are or aren't acclimated to outside weather run free.
Sorry for my soap box post. I am an animal lover and think there are valid points from all of the posters on here. Hopefully there will one day be a good resolution for Tili. He obviously is not a happy Orca.