SeaWorld is being thrown a golden lifesaver that could pull it out of its PR nightmare, and overhaul their Orca shows -- and Tilikum, the park's most infamous whale is at the center of the deal.

Steven Dunn -- CEO of infant and toddler toy company, Munchkin -- sent a letter to SeaWorld last month offering $1,000,000 to help fund an ocean sanctuary for the Orcas currently in captivity.

According to the letter, the plan is to build a sea pen in natural coastal waters, where the whales can have more freedom, but still be seen by visitors. But Dunn says Tilikum -- whose plight was chronicled in "Blackfish" -- is a deal breaker.

He's concerned Tilikum, who is older and seldom seen in public anymore, would be left behind -- so Dunn specifies Tilikum be moved to the sanctuary upon completion.

SeaWorld recently announced it would end the Orca shows in 2016, and open a new "experience" in 2017. It's unclear if that has anything to do with Munchkin's offer, but the timing could be perfect.