SeaWorld whale Kayla, 30, dies; cause is a mystery
ORLANDO, Fla. _ A 30-year-old whale at SeaWorld died Monday after becoming ill over the weekend, the theme park said.
It could take several weeks before SeaWorld finds out Kayla's cause of death.
SeaWorld is monitoring the five other orcas that live in the Orlando park.
"It is possible the other orcas could be affected socially by her passing, and the orca behaviorists will be monitoring the other whales closely," SeaWorld said in a release. "We don't, however, anticipate any physical health issues amongst the other orcas."
Kayla had been otherwise healthy, SeaWorld said, until the first indication something was wrong was Saturday afternoon when Kayla showed "signs of discomfort."
"Her veterinarians immediately began treatment based on a physical examination. Unfortunately, her condition worsened on Sunday. Although animal care specialists and veterinarians devoted around the clock attention to Kayla, she did not survive," the release said.
Kayla died with an animal care specialist who monitors the animals overnight at her side around 12:15 a.m.
"The entire SeaWorld family is deeply saddened by the loss," the theme park said. "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."
In September, Kayla was part of the park's Killer Whale Up-Close Tour to teach visitors about the animals.
Kayla was the second oldest captive-born orca ever, said Dr. Naomi Rose, a marine-mammal scientist at the Animal Welfare Institute.
For an orca, "30 is prime of life," said Rose, who works for the animal advocacy group that has been critical of SeaWorld in the past.
_Orlando Sentinel
.jpg?w=600)
