Matriarch orca dies at SeaWorld
Kasatka, a 42-year-old killer whale that SeaWorld calls the matriarch of its orca family, died Tuesday night, the second orca death in a month at the marine parks.
The orca’s passing at SeaWorld San Diego followed years-long treatment for lung disease. In recent days, Kasatka’s health and appetite had declined significantly despite specialized treatments, and veterinarians euthanized her to “prevent compromising her quality of life,” SeaWorld said Wednesday.
A mother of four, grandmother of six and greatgrandmother of two, Kasatka died surrounded by members of her pod, as well as veterinarians and caretakers, SeaWorld said.
“I have spent the past several years with Kasatka and was truly blessed to be part of her life,” said Kristi Burtis, orca behaviorist. “I am grateful for the special time we had together and for the difference she has made for wild orcas by all that we have learned from her.”
Kasatka is believed to be the second-oldest whale in SeaWorld’s marine parks. The oldest is Corky, a female orca living at the San Diego park who is believed to be 53.
Last month, Kyara, a 3month-old killer whale born at SeaWorld San Antonio, died after suffering from pneumonia.
The calf was the final orca born in captivity at a SeaWorld park. Orlando-based SeaWorld Entertainment announced early last year that it would immediately stop breeding orcas after years of protests and declining attendance.
In January, one of SeaWorld’s most widely known whales, Tilikum, believed to be 36, died at the Orlando park. The orca, responsible for the 2010 drowning death of trainer Dawn Brancheau, was the centerpiece of the 2013 documentary “Blackfish,” which was critical of SeaWorld’s treatment of its killer whales.
SeaWorld said the type of bacterial respiratory condition that Kasatka was suffering from is considered the most common cause of mortality and illness in whales and dolphins, both in the wild and in captivity.
One of the last orcas to come to SeaWorld from the wild, Kasatka was captured near Iceland in 1978.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, which has been critical of SeaWorld and has called for the parks to release their orcas to seaside pens, said it held a memorial Wednesday for Kasatka. “The dead bodies at SeaWorld are stacking up about as fast as its stock is falling, with Kasatka dead just a few weeks after the death of her 3-month-old granddaughter,” said Tracy Reiman, PETA’s executive vice president.