The fight for the freedom of a 12,000 pound killer whale, named Tillikum, has come along way since it began in 2011, SeaWorld’s largest orca and focal point of the documentary Blackfish. The impact of the film was so compelling, the CEO of a baby product company wants to donate $1 million to start an orca sanctuary.. as long as Tillikum can live in it.

Steven Dunn, CEO of Munchkin Inc., like many people saw the film Blackfish, said “I’m never going to SeaWorld again,” and then moved on with his life, not thinking much about the film. That is, until he needed an MRI for an injury, and as he entered the machine he had, “a total freak-out,” according to spokeswoman Michelle Ravelo.

Dunn kept seeing scenes of Blackfish run through his mind, and when he was in the claustrophobic chamber, he thought of the massive animals being caged in tanks much too small.

“These animals obviously were put on earth for a reason and they shouldn’t be kept in these small tanks especially for their size it’s honestly sad to see,” Ravelo said.

PETA recently announced they would donate another million but there caveat is if Sea World releases ALL of their orcas… not just Tillikum.

Both offers went ignored by SeaWorld, as expected, but regardless Dunn will still donate the million dollars to Orcas In Oceans, which was estimated to cost about $5 million to construct. According to Ravelo, Munchkin donated 100 percent of online sales for a week to the sanctuary as well.

“It’s like a prison for them. It’s really really sad. They’re not killer whales. They’re just so stressed out they just don’t know what else to do. It’s heartbreaking,” she said. “At least in the sanctuary they can be somewhat free, beause unfortunately they’ve been in captivity so long they probably won’t survive in the wild. But at least they’re in their natural waters,” she added.

But according to SeaWorld Tilly might not actually want to leave. “Tilikum’s day continues to be filled with variety and stimulation, including time with other whales, participating in training, husbandry, exercise and playtime sessions and the opportunity to breed.”

Although Tillikum is responsible for the death of trainer Dawn Brancheu, her family said, “Dawn would not have remained a trainer at SeaWorld for 15 years if she felt that the whales were not well cared for.”

“Considering SeaWorld reported a $15.9 million loss in profits and suffered tremendous damage to their image, the gesture could certainly turn public opinion around and ultimately benefit their company,” said animal lover and PR major at ASU, Anthony Mitchell.

“Munchkin will work closely with the top orca marine biologists and conservation groups to ensure the coastal sanctuary can also serve as a rescue sanctuary for beached or hurt whales with the hope of returning them to the ocean,” said Dunn in his letter.

According to Ravelo, the company also removed the orca from their top-selling Sea Squirt Bath Toy Collection because “a bathtub isn’t big enough for an orca.” Additionally, Munchkin has created cool tees for men, women and kids, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the Orcas Live in Oceans campaign available now on http://www.munchkin.com.