Who Doesn’t Love Science?

(Photo Credit: Wikimedia)

When people visit SeaWorld they do three main activities, see the incredible shows and presentations, ride rides, and make connections with the animals. One thing that the general public rarely has the opportunity to see is the research conducted on the animals, specifically killer whales.

The data and science that has been collected through research on killer whales at SeaWorld has been an extremely valuable asset to the scientific community. Since the first whale arrived at SeaWorld in 1966 we have learned so much about these magnificent creatures. One of the first discoveries was that killer whales use echolocation to find food or to understand their surroundings. Another finding was that juvenile whales leave their mother’s side and form a social bond with other whales soon after their mother has another calf.

Perhaps one of the most incredible and inspiring periods of discovery in SeaWorld’s history occurred September 26, 1985 when Kalina, the first killer whale to thrive in man’s care was born at SeaWorld Orlando. Her life provided valuable insight into lactation periods, growth rates, and the bond between mother and calf.

Since her birth there have been more than 30 successful births of killer whales at SeaWorld parks and as such scientists have been able to replicate the mothers milk, and hand raise the calf if the mother rejects it. SeaWorld shares the information they receive with the scientific community and with other killer whale facilities around the globe.

If you speak with any killer whale researcher they would tell you that it is nearly impossible to conduct long term research on these animals in the wild, through having these animals in zoological care scientists can monitor the animals 24/7. One of the other benefits of observing killer whales in a zoological setting is the husbandry. Animal husbandry is the training of the animals for care purposes. Through these husbandry behaviors researchers can obtain blood samples, measurements, weight fluctuation information, as well as other data that is crucial to understanding these animals. In conclusion, killer whales at SeaWorld receive the utmost care.