SeaWorld Euthanizes Killer Whale Kasatka; Matriarch Had Lung Disease ~DesertLotus

https://timesofsandiego.com/business/2017/08/15/seaworld-euthanizes-killer-whale-kasatka-matriarch-had-lung-disease/

Six weeks after being rumored near death, killer whale matriarch Kasatka has died at SeaWorld San Diego, the park announced late Tuesday night.

Nearly 42 years old, Kasatka was euthanized around 8:15 p.m. at Orca Encounter after a long bout with bacterial respiratory infection, or lung disease, officials said.

“Despite their best efforts, her health and appetite significantly declined over the past several days despite continually tailored treatments,” SeaWorld said. “Kasatka’s veterinarians and caretakers made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize her to prevent compromising her quality of life.” Kasatka — the mother of four, grandmother of six and great grandmother of two orcas — “passed away surrounded by members of her pod, as well as the veterinarians and caretakers who loved her,” SeaWorld said.

The park said Kasatka’s behaviorists shared a special bond with the killer whale and were deeply saddened by her passing.

The loss leaves 10 orcas in San Diego — five females and five males, who appear to be doing well, SeaWorld said.

“But we’re monitoring and watching for any changes in their behavior,” said a statement. “While the loss of Kasatka is heartbreaking for the animal care, veterinary and training teams, as well as the entire SeaWorld family, our focus is to continue the care of the rest of the orca family at the Orca Encounter facility.”

In late June, SeaWorld critic and former orca trainer John Hargrove told Times of San Diego that SeaWorld was “doing everything known to science to keep her alive” for the sake of avoiding a third orca death in relatively quick succession — including the male Tillikum in January.

Hargrove shared photos that he said showed open sores, and lesions over the orca’s face and skin, indicative of a massive fungal infection.

In a tweet near midnight, Hargrove said: “I tried to get the media to expose it, I tried to have ANYONE force them to take pics of her.”

An hour later, Hargrove tweeted: “Why didn’t the media ever force SeaWorld to answer why they forcibly impregnated her in Aug. 2011 while chronically ill & given major drugs?”

Kasatka’s passing comes three weeks after the death of 3-month-old orca calf Kyara at SeaWorld San Antonio — Kasatka’s granddaughter and San Diego-born Takara’s daughter.

SeaWorld said it now cares for 21 orcas at its three facilities, including six in Orlando and five in San Antonio.

A veterinary team will conduct a full post-mortem examination known as a necropsy to examine the extent of Kasatka’s illness and how it impacted her organ function, the park said.

SeaWorld said it may take several weeks before results are finalized.

“Nobody knows more about caring for killer whales than the professionals at SeaWorld,” said Dan Ashe, president and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. “Having the privilege of working with these animals daily provides veterinarians and other animal care staff with the expertise and insight to make very difficult choices, like with Kasatka.

“Certainly, this was a difficult and wrenching decision, but I have absolutely no doubt that it was made with Kasatka’s best interest in mind. On behalf of the entire AZA family, we offer condolences to the dedicated SeaWorld professionals who have loved and cared for Kasatka throughout her life.”

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I don't see how this orca could have been happy being so sick, much less feeling very uncomfortable. And this happened over the course of more than a few days.

And throughout her life? She was captured off the coast of Iceland on October 26, 1978, at the age of less than two years. She was estimated to be born around late 1976.

And she would eventually arrived at SeaWorld San Diego. For her whole life, she only knew two years worth of Freedom at themost.

I wonder if they prolonged her suffering in the hopes that she would recover, and be able to give birth to more calfs. Or perform in the so-called shows.

Empty the tanks!

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