SeaWorld San Diego had a big announcement to make recently. On December 2, Kalia, a killer whale, gave birth.
She delivered her calf in Shamu Stadium, with zoologists standing by. Kalia's mother, Kasatka, was present, as were Kalia's brothers, Nakai and Makani. This is the seventh time in the park's 50-year history that an orca has successfully given birth.
Kristi Burtis, who is the supervisor of animal training, said SeaWorld staffers will be keeping a close eye on the new arrival, looking for Signs that the mother and her baby are bonding, and that Kalia is starting to nurse the infant. Burtis said that each birth is more exciting than the last.
The last time a killer whale was born at SeaWorld San Diego was in 2013, when Kasatka had Makani. The birth previous to that was Kalia herself, who was born in 2004. Kasatka has given birth to four calves in total.
The first time a killer whale was born at any SeaWorld park was in Orlando in 1985. The San Diego location's first delivery was in 1988, when Orkid was born. Orkid still lives in San Diego.
SeaWorld officials could work with a banner printing company to create a ‘Happy Birthday’ banner to hang above Shamu Stadium, to welcome the new orca to the SeaWorld San Diego family.Get a Free Quote for Signs
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