SeaWorld has welcomed the last killer whale to be born in one of its parks.
SeaWorld has welcomed the last killer whale to be born in one of its parks.
The orca’s birth in San Antonio, Texas, follows a decision in 2016 by the Florida-based company to stop breeding killer whales.
SeaWorld did not immediately name the calf because the park’s veterinarians have not yet determined whether it is male or female.
Its mother, 25-year-old Takara, was already pregnant last year when SeaWorld said it had stopped the breeding programme.
The gestation period for orcas is about 18 months. SeaWorld said it had been a smooth delivery and both mother and calf appear to be healthy.
SeaWorld’s chief zoological officer, Chris Dold, described the birth as one of those “extraordinary moments”.
