Tico and Friends

Tico and Friends, also known as Nanatsu no Umi no Tico (七つの海のティコ), is a Japanese anime television series produced by Nippon Animation. It revolves around the story of 11-year-old Nanami Simpson and her best friend Tico, a female orca. Unlike other series in Nippon Animation's World Masterpiece Theater line, Tico of the Seven Seas is an entirely original story. The series aired in Japan from January 16, 1994, to December 18, 1994, with a total of 39 episodes. The plot follows Nanami and her marine biologist father, Scott, aboard their research vessel, the Peperonchino, as they search for a mysterious creature called the "Luminous Whale." Nanami shares a deep bond with Tico, and they swim together daily, which helps Nanami develop the ability to hold her breath longer and swim deeper underwater. They also face opposition from the greedy Gaiatron Corporation and its leader, Adrienne Benex, who want to exploit the Luminous Whale for its rare elements. The anime emphasizes themes of family, friendship, and environmental preservation. An English dub titled "Tico & Friends" was produced by Ocean Studios in 1999, but it omits major character deaths and violent scenes.