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Valentine's Day Ushers in a Baby Killer Whale at SeaWorld San Diego

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VOA News

February 15, 2013

A killer whale on display at SeaWorld in the western state of California delivered a very special Valentine's Day gift to visitors at the park Thursday when it gave birth to a calf.

The whale, known as Kasatka, gave birth after a nearly 18-month pregnancy at the San Diego park.

The baby is estimated to weigh between 136 and 156 kilograms and was born after little more than an hour of labor.

Seconds after birth, the baby instinctively swam to the water's surface to take its first breath.

Whale trainers described the birth as "the best Valentine's Day present ever."

The trainers say a team of veterinarians and animal trainers will monitor both the mother and baby whale's health around the clock to make sure both are well.

The calf is Kasatka's fourth baby and the sixth successful killer whale birth at SeaWorld San Diego.

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by: Jean from: New Jersey

February 19, 2013 4:45 PM

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I agree that it is very sad it will never know the wild where it belongs!!!! These beautiful creatures deserve better than a cement pool.

by: jay

February 15, 2013 3:28 PM

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it's a sad day when an orca is born in captivity. i doubt it will live very long, a much shorter life than in the wild

by: Mercè from: Barcelona (Catalonia)

February 15, 2013 12:58 PM

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Congratulations to SeaWorld´s veterinarians for their successful labor.
I wish that Kasatka give birth another calf in the future. It is fantastic can see as the baby seconds after birth to swam and take its first breath. Thanks VOA for your news.

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