Last killer whale calf born in captivity at SeaWorld dies
The last orca to be born in captivity at a SeaWorld park in the US under its former breeding program has passed away.
The three-month-old killer whale calf, named Kyara, died in San Antonio, and was being treated for an infection at the park’s Animal Hospital.
A press release from the company says that for the last three days staff fought tirelessly to save the orca, but unfortunately her health continued to deteriorate before she passed away on Monday.
An orca trainer named Julie spoke about the sad loss for the company. She said, “Kyara had a tremendous impact on each of her care staff, not to mention all of the guests that had the chance to see her.
"From late nights to early morning, rain or shine, we dedicate our lives to these animals, and this loss will be felt throughout the entire SeaWorld family.”
The mother of the calf, Takara, was already pregnant with Kyara when the company announced it was suspending its captive breeding program.
She was born in April after an 18-month-long pregnancy.
After the birth of Kyara, SeaWorld Chief Zoological Officer Chris Dold said: "This is the last one, and that makes this a particularly big deal.
"It is a bit bitter sweet. We love these killer whales."
A full post-mortem examination will be conducted by the veterinary team to establish the exact cause of death.
"Kyara had faced some very serious and progressive health issues over the last week that the animal care and veterinary teams had been aggressively treating," a release from SeaWorld said.
"While the official cause of death will not be determined until the post-mortem exam is complete, we know that Kyara had an infection, likely pneumonia, and that her health continued to decline."
The company said the illness was not caused by her being in captivity and said that pneumonia is the most common cause of illness and death for dolphins and whales, in facilities and in the wild.
SeaWorld has said it is monitoring other members of the orca pod in San Antonio, and none of them are showing any signs of illness.
