Featured Image Credit: SeaWorld
On August 15, 2017, SeaWorld San Diego announced the loss of the matriarch of their killer whale pod, Kasatka. The whale’s veterinarians and caretakers were forced to make a difficult decision to humanely euthanize Kasatka to prevent her from suffering. She had been receiving lengthy treatment for a bacterial respiratory infection, or lung disease.
Kasatka was a mother of four, grandmother of six, and great grandmother of two. She was almost 42 years old and considered an ‘older killer whale’ according to the most current research. Kasatka lived a long life and had been treated for lung disease for several years. This is the most common cause of death among whales and dolphins both in the wild and zoos.
Her veterinarians gave her daily check-ups and individualized care. Over the past year, her immune system had aged and it became harder for her to fight off illnesses. They gave her the most loving and finest care possible. They ensured that the whale had the finest quality of life up until the time of death. The veterinary team will conduct a necropsy to examine the extent of her illness and how it impacted her internal functions. However, these results will not be finalized for up to several weeks.
“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.”
All of SeaWorld’s staff is deeply saddened by the loss of Kasatka. They are thankful to the amount of joy she has brought to all the employees and over 125 park guests. SeaWorld wants to stay focused on the rest of the orca pod and give them all the attention and care that is needed.
At approximately 8:15 p.m. on Aug. 15, 2017, Kasatka passed away at SeaWorld San Diego’s Orca Encounter facility. She was nearly 42 years old.
What happened…was she sick?
Kasatka had been diagnosed with a bacterial respiratory infection, or lung disease, several years ago. The diagnosis was made following analysis of blood samples and through a bronchoscopy, which allowed veterinarians to obtain a culture from deep within her lungs.
Was Kasatka suffering? Was that why you decided to euthanize?
Kasatka was being treated for a respiratory bacterial infection, or lung disease, for several years but as she aged she had a more difficult time fending off the illness. Kasatka had a dedicated team of veterinarians and care staff providing critical care. Despite their best efforts, her health and appetite significantly declined over the past several days despite continually tailored treatments. Kasatka’s veterinarians and caretakers made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize her to prevent compromising her quality of life.
Who was with Kasatka when she died?
Kasatka passed away surrounded by members of her pod, as well as the veterinarians and caretakers who loved her.
What type of medical treatment did she receive?
Because of the great relationship Kasatka had with her behaviorists, she participated in daily check-ups by her veterinarians and her individualized care such as treatments using a custom-built inhaler allowing the medicine to go directly to her lungs.
How long had she been sick?
Kasatka was diagnosed with this condition in 2008. The diagnosis was made following analysis of blood samples and through a bronchoscopy, which allowed veterinarians to obtain a culture from deep within her lungs.
How are the behaviorists taking the news?
Any loss of a SeaWorld family member brings great sadness. The passing of Kasatka is especially difficult for the staff that cared for and loved her. Kasatka’s behaviorists shared a special bond with Kasatka and are deeply saddened by her passing.
Was Kasatka’s condition contagious? Since she shared the pool with 10 other whales, are they in danger of becoming ill?
No. Her condition posed absolutely no threat to the other whales.
How are the rest of the killer whales doing?
The other 10 orcas appear to be doing well, but we’re monitoring and watching for any changes in their behavior. 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.
How many whales currently live at SeaWorld San Diego?
10 killer whales: five females and five males.
How many killer whales does SeaWorld care for now?
With the loss of Kasatka, SeaWorld now cares for 21 orcas at its three facilities in San Diego (10), Orlando (6) and San Antonio (5).
Did Kasatka have any calves?
Kasatka was a mom, grandmother and great grandmother. She bore two daughters and two sons (Takara, Kalia, Nakai and Makani). She also had six grandchildren (Kohana, Trua, Sakari, Kamea, Amaya and Kyara) and two great grandchildren (Adan and Victoria).
Was Kasatka involved in any research programs?
Yes, Kasatka participated in a number of important studies that could help killer whales in the wild. Most recently, Kasatka participated in the following research:
Audiogram (hearing) study
Photographic assessment of body shape changes study
Breath sampling (CO/CO2) study
These studies are not published yet; for information about already-published studies involving killer whales, visit SeaWorldCares.com and HSWRI.org.
Are any of Kasatka’s family members living at SeaWorld San Diego?
Yes, Kasatka’s daughter, Kalia, and two sons, Nakai and Makani, as well as her granddaughter Amaya (daughter of Kalia), all live at SeaWorld San Diego.
Are any of Kasatka’s family members living at other SeaWorld parks?
Yes, Kasatka’s oldest daughter, Takara, and granddaughters, Sakari and Kamea live at SeaWorld San Antonio. Her grandson Trua lives at SeaWorld Orlando.
To learn more about Kasatka and her legacy, please visit SeaWorld.com.