El Dorado News-Times

Killer whale dies suddenly at SeaWorld in San Diego

-

SAN DIEGO — A killer whale died unexpected­ly at SeaWorld San Diego and the reason was not immediatel­y known, the aquarium and theme park said Friday.

The 6-year-old female orca named Amaya died Thursday and the cause of death will not be known until results of a post-mortem examinatio­n are complete, which could take weeks, SeaWorld’s statement said.

“Amaya began showing signs of illness on August 18, and animal care specialist­s and veterinari­ans began treating her immediatel­y. Despite her care team’s efforts, Amaya’s condition continued to decline rapidly. Her death was sudden and unexpected,” it said.

SeaWorld said the specialist­s who cared for Amaya were heartbroke­n.

“This is a very difficult time for those who knew and loved Amaya. She inspired millions of guests to appreciate and learn more about this amazing species,” the statement said.

Amaya was the youngest of 10 whales at the San Diego park and spent time with her mother Kalia and father Ulises, according to its website.

Described as one of the most playful of the whales, Amaya “helped us gather and share critical informatio­n about calf developmen­t for researcher­s studying wild population­s,” the site said.

SeaWorld announced the end of its orca breeding program in March 2016, following years of pressure from animal rights protests and shifting public opinion about orcas being held in captivity.

The protests intensifie­d after the release of the 2013 documentar­y “Blackfish,” which focused on the life of Tilikum, a killer whale responsibl­e for killing trainer Dawn Brancheau when he dragged her into a pool at SeaWorld Orlando in 2010. The movie implied that orcas become more aggressive in captivity.

SeaWorld also subsequent­ly announced it was ending killer whale shows at its parks.

The last killer whale born in captivity in SeaWorld’s former breeding program died in 2017 while it was being treated for an infection at age 3 months at the company’s San Antonio park.

 ??  ?? In this March 18, 2015, photo provided by SeaWorld, Amaya, a 6-year-old female orca, swims a the park. Amaya died unexpected­ly on Thursday, with her animal care specialist­s by her side, in San Diego, Calif. The cause of death will not be known until the results of a post-mortem examinatio­n are complete, which may take several weeks. (SeaWorld via AP)
In this March 18, 2015, photo provided by SeaWorld, Amaya, a 6-year-old female orca, swims a the park. Amaya died unexpected­ly on Thursday, with her animal care specialist­s by her side, in San Diego, Calif. The cause of death will not be known until the results of a post-mortem examinatio­n are complete, which may take several weeks. (SeaWorld via AP)

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United States