Niagara Falls, Ontario – Kiska, known as the world’s loneliest Orca whale, has died at the age of 47. For decades, the orca whale led a sad life, devoid of freedom and companionship, at the Marineland Aquarium.
On Friday, Marineland announced Kiska’s death; in a statement, the aquarium said:
“Marineland’s marine mammal care team and experts did everything possible to support Kiska’s comfort and will mourn her loss.”
Kiska had not experienced freedom since her capture in Iceland back in 1979 when she was three years of age. While in captivity at Marineland, Kiska gave birth to five calves; none of them outlived her.
The lonesome orca had been living by herself in her aquarium tank since 2011; she showed signs of emotional stress, including floating without moving, swimming in circles, and smashing her head against the side of her tank.
Aerial videos showed how small Kiska’s world was inside the aquarium tank.
BREAKING: Video taken above MarineLand on Feb 19/2023 shows Kiska, their last surviving orca swimming in circles in her tiny, concrete tank. She remains under 24 hour supervision for health concerns. More to come. #FreeKiska #WorldWhaleDay pic.twitter.com/otJ4lBpkWf
— Phil Demers (@walruswhisperer) February 19, 2023
Kiska is finally free of her lonely life. Rest easy Kiska.
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