SeaWorld: One of park's last orcas dies, aged 30
She began to show signs of discomfort on Saturday
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Your support makes all the difference.A 30-year-old orca has died at SeaWorld’s Orlando Park in Florida.
The orca, named Kayla, died on Monday after a brief illness, SeaWorld officials said.
Veterinarians began treating Kayla on Saturday, following a physical exam, after she showed signs of discomfort. Her condition worsened Sunday and she was given around-the-clock care until her death, park officials said.
The cause of death will not be known until a post-mortem examination is conducted.
Kayla was one of the last remaining orcas at SeaWorld’s Orlando park after the company announced in 2016 that it was stopping its orca breeding programme.
In a statement, SeaWorld officials said: “The entire SeaWorld family is deeply saddened by the loss. While today is a difficult day for all of us at SeaWorld, Kayla inspired generations of guests and employees to care and learn more about this amazing species.”
SeaWorld's orca shows came under criticism following the 2013 documentary Blackfish, which depicted orca Tilikum's life in captivity. Before his death in 2017, Tilikum was involved in the deaths of three people, including SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau.
In 2017, the company ended orca shows in California, with plans to phase out the shows at parks in Florida and Texas in 2019.
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