SeaWorld whale that killed Dawn Brancheau performs for the first time since trainer's death

(CBS/AP) ORLANDO, Fla. - Tilikum, the killer whale that drowned trainer Dawn Brancheau at Orlando's SeaWorld facility last year, performed Wednesday for the first time since last year's death.

PICTURES: Dawn Brancheau SeaWorld Trainer Killed

Tilikum participated without incident in the marine park's signature "Believe" show for the first time since dragging the 40-year-old trainer from poolside by her pony tail and drowning her during a performance Feb. 24, 2010.

Trainers on the platform stood Wednesday behind the stout metal bar shaped as an inverted "U'' that was designed to prevent a whale from coming up out of the pool and biting and dragging a trainer into the water.

Plans to get trainers back in the water with the whales progressed earlier this month despite findings last summer by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration that accused SeaWorld of recklessly putting trainers in danger.

SeaWorld Animal Training Curator Kelly Flaherty Clark says they feel it's an important part of Tilikum's physical, social and mental enrichment to perform again.

"Participating in shows is just a portion of Tilikum's day, but we feel it is an important component of his physical, social and mental enrichment," Clark said. "He has been regularly interacting with his trainers and the other whales for purposes of training, exercise and social and mental stimulation, and has enjoyed access to all of the pools in the Shamu Stadium complex."

The park is still working on plans to get trainers back in the water with the whales. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration last summer accused SeaWorld of recklessly putting trainers in danger. The company is fighting OSHA's citations and a $75,000 fine. SeaWorld contends its parks have a good safety record during more than four decades of shows involving killer whales.

Complete coverage of the SeaWorld trainer's death on Crimesider.