The third SeaWorld killer whale to die this year has recently been euthanized
(Mirror Daily, United States) – After suffering a serious bacterial infection for a few years, Kasatka, a killer whale at SeaWorld in San Diego, lost the battle with death. This has been the third orca to die this year in the SeaWorld facilities, worrying environmentalists and park officials.
One of the oldest killer whales in captivity died
Kasatka was almost 42 years old, but she kept struggling with a bacterial infection in her lungs for several years. Just the day before her death, the staff at SeaWorld noticed how her condition had suddenly gone worse. This convinced them to take the wisest decision regarding the killer whale, namely euthanize her.
The whale was the matriarch of the orca family at SeaWorld San Diego. During her long life, she gave birth to four calves, became the grandmother of six others, and the great-grandmother of two. She was among the oldest killer whales to have lived in captivity.
Two other SeaWorld orcas have died this year
This year, bad luck has followed orcas at SeaWorld. For instance, near the end of July, the last killer whale born in captivity died. It was only three months old. The orca was born as a result of a breeding program held by SeaWorld. After several environmental groups put a lot of pressure on the park, it ended the program when the calf died.
However, this was not the first time when SeaWorld was highly criticized. The Blackfish documentary condemned the park for keeping captive orcas, especially after Tilikum, a male killer whale held captive at SeaWorld, caused the death of three people in January.
On the other hand, others support SeaWorld in their attempt to help orca populations. The CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Dan Ashe, thinks SeaWorld has a professional staff who, after years of working with these animals, is capable of making the right decisions regarding them. This is related to, of course, the tough but humane decision to euthanize Kasatka.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons