DECEMBER 10, 2005 - SEAWORLD WILL SEND 4 WHALES TO ZOO
Jerry W. Jackson, The Orlando Sentinel
SeaWorld Orlando and its sister park in San Antonio are making final preparations to transport four young killer whales to a zoological park in the Canary Islands. SeaWorld Orlando recently welcomed the birth of a killer whale, bringing the total there to 10, and the three SeaWorlds nationwide are brimming with two dozen orcas. So the parks have enough that they can safely share four with the Loro Parque zoological park at Tenerife, said Fred Jacobs, spokesman for Busch Entertainment Corp., parent of the SeaWorld parks. "We've known them for a long time, and they do an excellent job," Jacobs said of Loro Parque, a privately owned facility that features sea lions, dolphins, alligators, parrots and land animals but no killer whales. Jacobs said Loro Parque trainers have been at SeaWorld in San Antonio for about the past year, learning to care for and train the big black-and-white sea mammals. A 7 million-gallon pool is under construction at Loro Parque to house the animals. Two juvenile killer whales from Orlando and two from San Antonio will be shipped to the park as soon as the work is complete, possibly in early February, Jacobs said. The killer whales are not being sold outright, but SeaWorld does have a "financial arrangement" with Loro Parque in the venture, Jacobs said. He would not provide details of the agreement. SeaWorld has been criticized in the past by animal-rights groups for the sale or transfer of animals, such as sea-lion pups. The Humane Society of the United States on Wednesday repeated its longstanding objection to marine parks that display whales and dolphins, saying that the public should not visit them or support them financially. "You can do OK with fish, but not whales and dolphins," Humane Society spokesman Richard Farinato said. "There's the space issue, a problem with acoustics, boredom. A tank is a very noisy, unnatural environment." Farinato said the Humane Society particularly objects to SeaWorld sending killer whales to a park outside the United States, where regulations are less stringent. "It's irresponsible," Farinato said. Brad Andrews, director of zoological operations for Busch Entertainment, said Wednesday that the SeaWorld parks have been working closely with Loro Parque to make sure it has adequate room and proper training to handle the big animals, which have on rare occasions injured or killed humans. Andrews said he just returned from a trip to Loro Parque and saw that the massive pool is coming along nicely. "It's going to be outstanding," Andrews said. "We've been providing technical expertise, not only on the habitat requirements but also on the care and training of killer whales." He said that once the four juveniles leave the U.S. parks, Orlando still will have eight (five adults and three juveniles); San Antonio will have five (two adults and three juveniles); and San Diego will have seven (four adults and three juveniles.) Jacobs said the four that will be sent to the Canary Islands are fully weaned and mature enough to be transported. The Canary Islands are in the Atlantic Ocean southwest of Spain and northwest of Africa, off the coast of Morocco. Jacobs said the whales will be flown to Tenerife island aboard chartered jets, with the animals secured in reinforced canvas slings that sit inside large watertight transport containers lined with foam.

DECEMBER 3, 2005 - KIM II DEATH UPDATE
Orca Homepage
Kim II at Marineland Cote D' Azur in Antibes, France passed away on November 23rd. Now ten days later, the cause of his sudden death is known. Acute septicemy and a lung infection due to the bacteria Pseudomomas was resistant antibiotics, and his immune system weakened. His condition was not contagious, however. The director of Marineland hopes that artificial insemination will play a part in the breeding program at the park now that their only breeding male has passed. Kim's eldest son, Valentin, might be nearing sexual maturity in the coming years, but due to the small gene pool at the park, his options for a mate will be limited.

NOVEMBER 26, 2005 - BOY OR GIRL, THIS ONE'S A WHOPPER
Jerry Jackson, The Orlando Sentinel
SeaWorld Orlando is celebrating the arrival of a baby killer whale that tips the scales at 300 pounds. The gender is not yet known, SeaWorld representatives said Friday, but baby and mother Takara are doing fine following the birth at 10:22 p.m. Wednesday. The baby is Takara's second and the 13th killer whale born at SeaWorld Orlando -- the most successful killer whale breeding park in the world. For at least the next several days, the regular Shamu Adventure show will not be held in Shamu stadium; instead, it will be replaced by a "Family Presentation" show, a more sedate event that allows trainers to present the mother and calf to the public.

NOVEMBER 25, 2005 - THANKSGIVING BIRTH AT SEAWORLD ORLANDO
Zoo News Network
SeaWorld Orlando Celebrates a Special Thanksgiving with Birth of New "Baby Shamu" Add another seat to the Thanksgiving table, as SeaWorld welcomes its newest family member - a 7-foot-long, 350-pound baby killer whale. The baby was born on Thanksgiving eve, November 23rd. The calf's mother, Takara, gave birth to the newborn at 10:22 p.m. in SeaWorld Orlando's multimillion-gallon research and breeding facility, Shamu Stadium. Moments later, the baby whale instinctively swam to the surface of the water for its first breath of air. This is the second calf born to Takara, a 17-foot-long, 5,700-pound killer whale. SeaWorld animal care specialists remain cautiously optimistic about the progress of the baby and its mother. The sex of the calf is yet to be determined. SeaWorld visitors can catch a glimpse of the park’s new pride and joy starting tomorrow during special family presentations at Shamu Stadium. SeaWorld's killer whale breeding program is the most successful in the world. This calf is the 23rd killer whale to be born and successfully raised at SeaWorld parks in Orlando, Fla., San Diego, Calif. and San Antonio, Texas. Thirteen of those whales, including this calf, have been born at SeaWorld Orlando.

NOVEMBER 24, 2005 - KIM II PASSES AWAY
Orca Homepage
Kim II at Marineland Côte d' Azur in Antibes, France passed away last night. The cause of death is not yet known. His death leaves the park with two mature females and three juveniles. Kim was the only breeding male at the park, and it's unsure as to what Marineland will do for their breeding program. Kim had fathered four successful offspring since he arrived at the marine park in October 1982. His eldest offspring, Shouka, resides at Six Flags Marine World in California. His two sons, Valentin and Inouk, and daughter, Wiki, still live at Marineland with their mothers, Freya and Sharkane. Kim also fathered four stillborns that Freya suffered. This is indeed a sad loss for Marineland. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Marineland staff and their orcas.

NOVEMBER 24, 2005 - TAKARA GIVES BIRTH!
Nicki
According to a source, Takara at SeaWorld Orlando finally gave birth last night around 22:30 EST. This is her second calf. There's been no word on how Takara and Baby are doing. The sex of the newborn is also unknown, and it could take a few days to determine it with bloodwork. The father is also unknown, however, it's rumored to be Taku. This would be his first offspring. With this birth, SeaWorld Orlando's breeding program is now up to 13 successful orca births. This is SeaWorld's second successful birth this year with the first being at the San Antonio park. No official word has been posted yet, but I'll keep my eye out for more news throughout the day. Congratulations, Takara, and best wishes to the SeaWorld Orlando staff!

NOVEMBER 16, 2005 - BABY WHALE SHOWING PROGRESS AT SEA WORLD
Abe Levy, The Associated Press
A Sea World killer whale whose mother rejected her at birth may be just fine without mom after all. Instead of her mother, the five-week-old killer whale known as K Calf has been fed by nearly 50 specialists and appears to be moving closer to independence, her trainers said Wednesday. "We're happy with the progress," said Dudley Wigdahl, Sea World's vice president of zoological operations. "Physically she looks healthy. Certainly the staff has taken this matter close to heart." It's taken a lot of work, too. K Calf has been nursed 12 times daily since her Oct. 9 birth at Shamu Stadium, fed through a tube inserted in her mouth that contains formula and her mother's pumped milk. She has gained about 100 pounds and now checks in at 7 feet long and 366 pounds. Daily weighing and weekly blood samples are taken to monitor the calf's health, especially her immune system. Trainers are watching closely for infection, the biggest hurdle toward her development, Wigdahl said. To help provide a nurturing environment, trainers have a female bottlenose dolphin swimming in the calf's pool where sounds of other killer whales are broadcast. Because she is teething, trainers are preparing to feed her fish soon. The goal is to reintroduce her in a few months to Shamu Stadium and take part — along with the park's seven other killer whales — in entertainment and educational events. Later she could also be part of the breeding colony. Of the 20 whales born in the Sea World system, this is the only one abandoned by her mother. Until now, such specialized rearing has involved baby dolphins, manatees, sea lions and walruses.

NOVEMBER 16, 2005 - KILLER WHALE CALF CELEBRATES ONE-MONTH BIRTHDAY
SeaWorld San Antonio
A female killer whale calf born at SeaWorld San Antonio Oct. 9 recently celebrated her one-month birthday. The calf, which was rejected by its mother soon after birth, now weighs 366 pounds, is over 7 feet long and has started teething! Fifty SeaWorld San Antonio animal care specialists and trainers have been giving the calf twenty-four hour care, including bottle feedings every two hours of 900 milliliters of commercial formula, supplemented by milk from her mother on a daily basis. The calf also is weighed daily to assist in preparing formula and weekly blood samples are being taken to determine the calf's health and follow the development of her immune system. "In the past 30 days, we have learned an incredible amount about hand-rearing a killer whale," said Dudley Wigdahl, vice president of zoological operations at the marine life adventure park. "Respirations, nursing and other vital indicators look good, and we'll continue to keep a close watch on the calf," he said. This is the first time any SeaWorld park has intervened to rear a killer whale calf at birth. The SeaWorld parks have extensive experience hand-rearing dolphins, manatees, sea lions and walruses, particularly animals adopted by the parks after being orphaned in the wild. SeaWorld San Antonio's Entertainment Department connected an audio system from Shamu Stadium to the zoological support area, where the calf currently resides, that allows the calf to hear the sounds of other killer whales. The calf also has a companion female bottlenose dolphin swimming with her in her pool. This was the first birth for 17-year-old mother whale, Kayla, who measures 18 feet long and weighs approximately 6,000 pounds. This birth increases SeaWorld San Antonio's killer whale population to eight. The calf has not been formally named, but she is being referred to as "K-calf" by her caregivers. The "K" stands for Kayla, her mother.

NOVEMBER 6, 2005 - THE SEAQUARIUM LOST ALMOST ALL OF ITS FISH IN WILMA AND WILL BE CLOSED UNTIL NEXT YEAR
Douglas Hanks III, MiamiHerald.com
The Miami Seaquarium lost 1,000 fish, including 20 sharks, when Hurricane Wilma pushed Biscayne Bay into the marine park, Seaquarium executives said Friday. The widespread deaths -- the worst since Hurricane Andrew flooded the Virginia Key park in 1992 -- spared the Seaquarium's star mammals: dolphins, sea lions and Lolita, the killer whale. But they add to the woes facing the 50-year-old park, which now doesn't expect to reopen until sometime next year. Wilma pushed a four- to six-foot tidal surge over the park's southern sea wall, which lost entire sections to the storm. The sea water pushed so much silt and dirt into the moat-like shark and fish tanks -- known to park-goers as Discovery Bay and Shark Channel -- that the creatures were smothered, park executives said. "It's really a tragedy," said Robert Rose, animal curator. He estimated 50 sting rays, 20 tarpon and hundreds of reef fish died in the contaminated tanks. Two sea turtles are also missing, the only animals the Seaquarium identified as unaccounted for after Wilma. Andrew closed the Seaquarium for four months, and general manager Andrew Hertz said he doubted the post-Wilma recovery would go faster. And while the park hoped to start generating revenue by resuming its popular dolphin-swim program this month, Hertz said all profit-making activities must stop in order to collect business-interruption service. That leaves the dolphins nothing to do but eat fish and practice shows; Hertz said the park will keep on its trainers and animal-care staffs. But it laid off about 35 full-time workers and 40 part-timers, or about 25 percent of the Seaquarium's workforce, Hertz said. Park executives guided reporters through parts of the park, revealing a bruised but not devastated attraction. A section of an enclosed concrete walkway collapsed under a fallen tree, a wall with marine-life murals was ripped off by the wind and parts of the roof at Flipper Lagoon stadium were gone. Hertz said he would ask Miami-Dade County, which leases the site to the Seaquarium, for financial help to repair the damage. He would not put a dollar figure on the repairs or the value of the fish. The structures were insured, but the fish weren't. To restock, the Seaquarium is pondering one of the biggest fishing expeditions it has ever undertaken. The park has a permit to capture fish in open waters, and it regularly sends boats out to catch specimens for its tanks. Rose and Hertz said the Seaquarium has no defense against sea surges, which also killed the park's sharks in 1992. While some animals are evacuated from their captive habitats when a storm approaches, there is nothing to be done for the sharks, rays or fish that live there, they said. Animal-rights activist Russ Rector criticized the Seaquarium for allowing the fish to die. "You'd think that a place like the Seaquarium would have learned their lesson after Andrew," he said. "But they didn't." Since dolphins and sea lions breathe at the surface, they were able to survive the flooding, Seaquarium executives said.

OCTOBER 23, 2005 - SEAWORLD STAFF HAS A WHALE OF A NURSING JOB
Vincent T. Davis, San Antonio Express-News
For the first time at any SeaWorld park, staffers have had to take over nursing duties from a mother whale. Kayla, a 17-year-old killer whale, gave birth to a female calf Oct. 9 at the Shamu Stadium. After a two-hour delivery, she rejected her calf, leaving SeaWorld specialists to rear the baby by hand. It takes more than three people to feed her — a prolonged process that takes place every two hours around the clock. The calf was 6 feet, 9 inches long and weighed 264 pounds. This is the first birth for the mother, who measured 18 feet and weighs 6,000 pounds. Specialists immediately paired the calf with a companion — a female bottlenose dolphin — to swim with and serve as a maternal presence. The dolphin didn't connect with the baby either, and trainers returned her to her tank. "We don't know all of the specifics of why an animal rejects a baby," said Dudley Wigdahl, vice president of zoology. "A first-time mother may have been confused with the birthing process or mechanics of birth." Wigdahl said though it's the first time that the SeaWorld San Antonio staff has had to raise a baby killer whale, it has reared other species, including a sea lion and dolphin. He said trainers at the San Diego park raised a gray whale beached on the coast until it reached 18,000 pounds. The next hurdle, Wigdahl said, will come in the next three to six months, when the calf's teeth will come in. That's when the team plans to start weaning the baby on a whole food diet of fish, just as her mother would. Now, trainers feed the baby via a tube placed in the mouth with milk pumped from her mother. Their goal is to bring the baby to the point where she can eat on her own, then reintroduce her to Shamu Stadium where she was born, Wigdahl said. The trainers and animal specialists said the birth has given them an opportunity to learn from the calf that likes to be rubbed down and is friendly with caretakers. "This is a career goal to work with a calf from day one," said Julie Sigman, a 10-year veteran at the park. "It's usually several months before we can work with a calf." Sigman is one of the trainers involved in collecting milk from Kayla, the calf's mother. The calf has shown steady weight gain and interacts with the trainers, all good signs for the day they reintroduce her to her mother and the other killer whales at Shamu Stadium. "They're very social animals," Wigdahl said. "Everybody will have to try and see where they fit in the social order."

OCTOBER 14, 2005 - KILLER WHALE CALF PROGRESSING AT SEAWORLD SAN ANTONIO
SeaWorld San Antonio
A killer whale calf born at SeaWorld San Antonio Oct. 9 is progressing well, SeaWorld officials said today. SeaWorld animal care specialists and trainers are providing round-the-clock care to the infant, which was rejected by its mother shortly after birth. "As soon as the mother indicated her disinterest in the calf, our team stepped in to begin the process of hand-rearing," said Dudley Wigdahl, SeaWorld San Antonio's vice president of zoology and general curator. "This is a complicated and challenging process as we attempt to establish a feeding and care schedule." Twenty-four hour care at SeaWorld San Antonio includes feedings every two hours as well as periodic weigh-ins and blood samples. SeaWorld keepers also are monitoring the calf's breathing and swimming patterns. In addition to providing a special whale formula for feeding sessions, SeaWorld's team is collecting milk from the mother. SeaWorld's animals are trained in several husbandry behaviors that can assist in their care, including urine and milk samples. "This is a critical time for the calf," said Wigdahl. "Infant mammals are very vulnerable, but SeaWorld parks have a great deal of experience raising sea lions, walruses and dolphins. Much of what we've learned from those challenges can be applied to this case." This is the first time any SeaWorld park has intervened to rear a killer whale calf at birth. The SeaWorld parks have extensive experience hand-rearing dolphins, manatees, sea lions and walruses, particularly animals adopted by the parks after being orphaned in the wild. Perhaps the best example is J.J., an orphaned California gray whale brought to SeaWorld San Diego in 1997 after beaching near Los Angeles. Just days old, the calf was emaciated and dehydrated. After 14 months of intensive care, J.J. she was released back into the Pacific Ocean. While at SeaWorld San Diego, J.J. grew from 1,700 pounds to 20,000 pounds. The five-day-old calf now weighs 284 pounds. This was the first birth for 17-year-old mother whale, Kayla. This birth increases SeaWorld San Antonio's killer whale population to eight. The calf's condition is considered fair; the mother is in good condition and is eating well. Although SeaWorld officials are not sure why the mother became disinterested in the calf, they theorized it to be the naivete of the mother. "Many first-time mothers struggle with the mechanics of the birthing process, both in marine parks and in ocean populations," Wigdahl said. "As Kayla is a first-time mother, she could have been confused about what to do."

OCTOBER 14, 2005 - DOLPHIN SWIMS WITH NEWBORN KILLER WHALE
San Antonio Express-News
SeaWorld San Antonio animal care specialists are caring for a female killer whale calf after the mother rejected it after giving birth Sunday. This is the first time that staff from any SeaWorld park has intervened to raise a calf from birth. A female bottlenose dolphin has been paired with the calf to swim with it at the park's Shamu Stadium. Specialists have started feeding formula to the infant, whose birth increases the park's killer whale population to eight. The calf was the first born to 17-year-old Kayla, who weighs 6,000 pounds. The calf weighs 264 pounds and is 6 feet, 9 inches. The staff is monitoring both animals daily. The calf is in guarded condition. The mother's condition is good and she is eating well.

OCTOBER 12, 2005 - SEAWORLD ANNOUNCES "BELIEVE" SHOW
SeaWorld.com
SeaWorld San Diego, along with SeaWorld Orlando and SeaWorld San Antonio, has embarked on the most ambitious killer whale show in the history of the parks. Believe, the new Shamu show scheduled to open spring 2006, will blend new killer whale behaviors with elaborate set pieces, music, choreography and state-of-the-art multimedia. "Believe is definitely the most exciting killer whale show we have ever undertaken," said general manager Andy Fichthorn. "Shamu has been our park's icon for more than 40 years and with new killer whale behaviors, original music, visual beauty and remarkable technology, our new show will showcase Shamu as never seen before." The magnificent presence of Shamu will be reflected in a new two-story stage. A spectacular water fountain will spray across the width of the show pool; three new underwater cameras will capture Shamu below the surface; a giant three-story whale tail will soar high above the set; and four LED screens will move and rotate as they highlight the power and beauty of Shamu and his crew. The new show's audio system is also one of the most sophisticated systems in the world, and many of the whales' new behaviors will be choreographed to Believe's original and inspiring musical score. "Believe will take guests on a journey where anyone believes they can connect with these magnificent mammals," said Mike Scarpuzzi, SeaWorld's vice president of animal training. "This inspirational new show will reflect the close relationship our trainers have with the killer whales, as well as amaze our guests with a series of exciting new behaviors." In mid-October, when construction begins at the performance pool, the Shamu show will continue at the newly remodeled Shamu: Close Up pool. This 20-minute show, known as the "Shamu Experience" will feature many of the high-energy acts from The Shamu Adventure show, but will also allow guests a more intimate opportunity to see Shamu, Baby Shamu and their friends closer than ever before. During the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, the regular show, The Shamu Adventure, will return to the performance pool through the rest of the year. Shamu has starred in more than 15 shows since the park's opening in 1964, including Shamu World Focus, 1995-1998; New Visions, 1992-1995; Baby Shamu Celebration, 1989-1991; 25th Anniversary Show, 1988-1989; Shamu's Water Symphony, 1987-1988; Shamu's House of Douse night shows, 1986-present; Shamu Celebration, 1984-1987; Shamu Take a Bow, 1982-1984; This Is Shamu, 1980-1982; Shamu Goes to College, 1977-1979; Shamu the Yankee Doodle Whale, 1975-1977; Shamu for Mayor, 1974-1975; Shamu Goes Hollywood, 1971-1973; and Doctor Do Little, 1966-1971. Also in 2006, SeaWorld San Diego will relaunch Dine With Shamu, the park's only buffet-style restaurant that allows visitors to meet trainers and get a whale-size view of Shamu. Located at the new Shamu: Close Up pool, Dine With Shamu will feature new menu items, more daily dining opportunities, and increased viewing of the whales, all in a unique backstage environment.

SeaWorld San Antonio today announced it will premiere a new show featuring Shamu and companion killer whales titled "Believe" to its 2006 lineup. The new show, which includes new music, video and animal behaviors, will be presented in a completely enhanced Shamu Stadium. The area will include a new roof, stunning new set pieces, sound system and lights, and an additional point-of-view camera that will offer an overhead view of the action in the water during show presentations. "After a number of years in which our park has focused on showcasing the depth and breadth of attractions we offer to guests, in 2006 we will focus completely upon our icon killer whale, Shamu," said Dan Decker, executive vice president and general manager at SeaWorld San Antonio. "Shamu the killer whale is the reason that many people choose to visit our parks; next year, the "Believe" show will create a whole new look and a completely different presentation that families will be talking about for years to come. Work is already underway as the park is removing the fabric cover from atop the dome at Shamu Stadium and cleaning the framework to prepare it for the new aluminum cover. "Guests visiting SeaWorld this autumn will see the changes underway at Shamu Stadium as we take advantage of our seasonal operation to begin the renovation," Decker said. "This process is done without interrupting our weekend show schedule. The set adds a completely new dimension to the Shamu presentation. First, a giant set of tail flukes soars to the ceiling at the south side of the stadium. The fabric surface will be imprinted with forms of killer whales. The stage area which currently features the giant screen will be surrounded by a similar treatment. The stage itself will be lengthened and enhanced for the show. A new POV camera placed at the apex of the domed stadium will offer SeaWorld guests incredible overhead views of the show in progress and transmitted onto the giant viewing screen at the north end of the stadium. The show will open with images of a teenager who wants to experience killer whales up close. The action soon transitions to the pool, where whale and trainer discover each other in a series of gentle behaviors. This turns to rambunctious fun as more whales and trainers enter the pool. The playful behaviors and upbeat tempo suddenly end, leaving two trainers and whales center stage. Next, a beautiful ballet section highlights the power and awe of the relationship between man and marine mammal. With help from screen images, the storyline returns to the young whale enthusiast, now a SeaWorld killer whale trainer, whose enthusiasm for Shamu is passed on to a member of the audience. This kicks the show into high gear, with an inspiring musical and behavioral finish. "Believe is truly a theatrical production, the first of its kind for Shamu Stadium," said Doug Minerd, vice president of entertainment for SeaWorld San Antonio. "It is a new way of looking and showcasing Shamu which our guests will find fascinating." The show will feature new animal behaviors in a more synchronous presentation than trainers and whales have ever presented before. "Our killer whales and trainers will attempt to bring the audience 'into the pool,'" said Dave Force, vice president of animal training and education. "The relationship we establish and build with our killer whales is based on trust, understanding and respect. Believe enables our guests to see this bond in a new way." "Believe" is scheduled to open for the park's 2006 season on March 4.

SeaWorld announced today a major overhaul of its signature Shamu killer whale show and plans for three new rides aimed at children, all part of an ongoing effort to freshen the park's image in a national leisure market that is growing more competitive. The changes, which are set to debut in May, come as SeaWorld also plans a new water park to offer guests more variety on its property off International Drive. The new show, called "Believe," will feature the choreography of killer whales and their trainers matched to an original musical score. It is the first change to the park's signature show in eight years. "This is a highly competitive market in Orlando," said Dave Goodman, the park's vice president of entertainment. "We always want to continue to be fresh. Maintaining the status quo in our minds means you're falling backwards." Construction for the new three-story set, which includes with more than 80 feet of screens, is scheduled to begin in January. Three thrill rides geared toward children are also scheduled to open at the same time as the new show. The rides will include a Shamu-themed roller coaster, a jelly-fish shaped samba tower ride and oversized beach buckets that spin and whirl. "This gives us a chance to do something special for our younger guests," Goodman said. "Everybody can be together." SeaWorld added a new show called "Blue Horizons" earlier this year as well as the seasonal daytime show "Fusion" and nighttime's "Mistify." Industry consultant Bill Coan said the constant remaking of an attraction is a critical part of its survival, especially if it depends on repeat visitors. "People expect to see something new when they come back," said Coan, president of Orlando-based ITEC Entertainment Corp. Also, if rising gas prices force theme parks to rely more on locals than on tourists traveling farther distances, a makeover takes on even more importance. "Then enhancements to the parks are an absolute requirement because everybody's seen them," he said. The company recently won design approval for the water park it plans to build east of International Drive and south of Sea Harbor Drive. The new park is scheduled to open in 2007.

OCTOBER 11, 2005 - KILLER WHALE CALF BORN AT SEAWORLD SAN ANTONIO
SeaWorld San Antonio
SeaWorld San Antonio officials expressed guarded optimism on the health of a killer whale calf born yesterday afternoon at the park's Shamu Stadium. The female calf, which was rejected by its mother soon after birth, is now being hand-reared by SeaWorld animal care specialists and trainers. "As soon as the mother indicated her disinterest in the calf, our team immediately stepped in to begin the process of hand-rearing," said Dudley Wigdahl, vice president of zoology and general curator at the marine life park. "We've introduced a companion animal, one of our female bottlenose dolphins, to swim with the baby and we are beginning the process of feeding formula to the newborn." This was the first birth for 17-year-old mother whale, Kayla, who measures 18 feet long and weighs approximately 6,000 pounds. She gave birth to the calf following a two hour labor and delivery in the main pool at Shamu Stadium. The calf is 6 feet, 9 inches long and weighs 264 pounds. This birth increases SeaWorld San Antonio's killer whale population to eight. "This calf has already overcome several hurdles," said Wigdahl. "Her breathing is strong and she is calm when interacting with staff. Raising an infant killer whale is a very challenging process." This is the first time any SeaWorld park has intervened to rear a killer whale calf at birth. The SeaWorld parks have extensive experience hand-rearing dolphins, manatees, sea lions and walruses, particularly animals adopted by the parks after being orphaned in the wild. The calf's condition is considered guarded; the mother is in good condition and is eating well. SeaWorld's animal care and training staffs are monitoring both animals 24 hours per day.

OCTOBER 11, 2005 - KILLER WHALE GIVES BIRTH TO CALF AT SEAWORLD SAN ANTONIO
San Antonio Business Journal
SeaWorld San Antonio's family of killer whales just got bigger. A killer whale calf was born at the marine park's Shamu Stadium. The calf was 6 feet, 9 inches long and 264 pounds at birth. Her mother, a 17-year old killer whale named Kayla, gave birth after spending two hours in labor. Marine park officials are now caring for the animal because the calf was rejected by her mother shortly after birth. "As soon as the mother indicated her disinterest in the calf, our team immediately stepped in to begin the process of hand-rearing," says Dudley Wigdahl, vice president of zoology and general curator at SeaWorld. "We've introduced a companion animal, one of our female bottlenose dolphins, to swim with the baby, and we are beginning the process of feeding formula to the newborn." With this new birth, SeaWorld's killer whale population has increased to eight. "This calf has already overcome several hurdles," Wigdahl says. "Her breathing is strong, and she is calm when interacting with staff. Raising an infant killer whale is a very challenging process."

SEPTEMBER 4, 2005 - CLEVER WHALE USES FISH TO CATCH SEAGULLS
SFGate.com
An enterprising young killer whale at Marineland has figured out how to use fish as bait to catch seagulls — and shared his strategy with his fellow whales. Michael Noonan, a professor of animal behavior at Canisius College in Buffalo, N.Y., made the discovery by accident while studying orca acoustics. "One day I noticed one of the young whales appeared to have come up with a procedure for luring gulls down to the pool," the professor said. "I found it interesting so I noted it in my log." First, the young whale spit regurgitated fish onto the surface of the water, then sank below the water and waited. If a hungry gull landed on the water, the whale would surge up to the surface, sometimes catching a free meal of his own. Noonan watched as the same whale set the same trap again and again. Within a few months, the whale's younger half brother adopted the practice. Eventually the behavior spread and now five Marineland whales supplement their diet with fresh fowl, the scientist said. "It looked liked one was watching while the other tried," Noonan said of the whale's initial behavior. The capacity to come up with the gull-baiting strategy and then share the technique with others — known as cultural learning in the scientific world — was once believed to be one of those abilities that separated humans from other animals. But biologists have since proven certain animals, including dolphins and chimps, do this. "This is an example in which a new behavior spread through a population," Noonan said. "We had the opportunity to see a tradition form and spread in exactly the way that cultures do in humans." He first shared his research earlier this month at the U.S. Animal Behavior Society Conference in Utah. Since then, he said, his phone hasn't stopped ringing.

JUNE 22, 2005 - SLEEPLESS IN SEAWORLD: SOME NEWBORNS AND MOMS FORGO SLUMBER
Naila Moreira, Science News
Orca-whale and dolphin mothers and their newborns appear not to sleep for a month after the pups' birth, researchers report. Neither parent nor offspring shows any ill effects from the long waking stint, and the animals don't later compensate with extra sleep. No previously studied mammal stays awake for so long, says Jerry Siegel of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), an investigator in the study. In the months following their wakeful period, baby whales and dolphins—and their mothers—ramped up slowly to sleep amounts typical of normal adults, Siegel and his colleagues report. The infants' sleep pattern contrasts with that of other mammals, which need extra sleep during infancy and gradually sleep less as they age. Oleg Lyamin, also of UCLA, started observing an orca mother and her baby just after it was born at SeaWorld, San Diego. Orcas usually snooze for 5 to 8 hours a night, closing both eyes and floating motionlessly. The SeaWorld orca mother and baby, Lyamin found, neither shut their eyes nor remained motionless. Instead, the animals were constantly active, with the infant surfacing for a breath every 30 seconds. The researchers made similar observations of another SeaWorld orca mom and baby. The team also watched dolphins at the Utrish Dolphinarium in Moscow. Dolphins sleep with one-half of the brain at a time, closing one eye while floating or swimming about. The team observed no sleeping behavior in the first month after birth among four dolphin mom-baby pairs. The findings, reported in the June 30 Nature, challenge prevailing notions of the purpose of sleep, some researchers say. "We're under the belief that if you don't get sleep, you can't perform, and you're at risk for developing all sorts of disorders," says Paul Shaw of Washington University in St. Louis. For instance, rats die after being deprived of sleep for just 2 weeks. The UCLA data are "the beginning of a change in the way we view sleep," says Shaw. Scientists have commonly hypothesized that people and other animals require sleep for brain development and learning (SN: 6/1/02, p. 341). "Here we have a developing [whale or dolphin] youngster with no evidence of sleep," says Irene Tobler of ETH-Zurich in Switzerland. "It will revolutionize many people's ways of thinking." Siegel argues that sleep is not required for brain development in these and other young animals and instead plays some role as yet unknown. Alternatively, whales and dolphins may have evolved unusual compensatory mechanisms that permit them to develop without sleep, while other animals still require sleep for brain development, Tobler says. Robert Stickgold of Harvard University suggests that mother and baby whales and dolphins may have evolved an unusual form of sleeping. "A sleepwalker makes it down the stairs, into the kitchen, into the refrigerator quite well while a [brain wave] recording says they're in deep sleep," he notes. Stickgold says that such recordings from the animals could help determine whether the orcas and dolphins are awake. Siegel speculates that mothers and babies of both species need constant activity to survive. The mother pushes the baby to the surface to breathe at regular intervals. Also, the baby must stay warm in cold water while it develops its blubber coat. "The mystery is that they're ... dispensing with sleep behavior when so many sleep researchers have assumed that sleep has a vital function," Siegel says.

APRIL 24, 2005 - DEATHS OF MARINE MAMMALS HIT STAFFERS ESPECIALLY HARD
Terry Rodgers, San Diego Union-Tribune
Disneyland never has to worry about the health of its marquee animal. Mickey Mouse will never die. But at America's approximately 200 zoos and marine parks, none of the animals is immortal. When the death involves a high-profile creature, it's anything but routine. Trainers, veterinarians and other staffers at SeaWorld in San Diego have been dealing with the uncommon since April 5, when Splash the killer whale died after entertaining park visitors for 13 years. Amid the grieving, they're having to make awkward decisions, such as how to distribute the remains of a creature loved as family. Splash and other star animals attract millions of fans every year – and bring in millions of dollars. Yet few, if any, members of the public know about the process that plays out after their passing. "It's really a challenge for us. People make an assumption that these animals will live forever, but in reality we know they won't," said Jill Allread of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. Last year, 63 marine mammals died in captivity at U.S. zoos and theme parks, according to the National Marine Fisheries Service. The mortality rate for marine mammals at these sites is 3.6 percent, "which is superb compared to the wild," said the alliance's executive director, Marilee Menard. Nevertheless, deaths of mega-mammals rekindle the long-standing debate over the ethics of displaying animals for entertainment of the masses. When Splash died, he barely warranted a mention on the nightly news. But within the normally upbeat environment of SeaWorld, personnel who had worked closely with the 16-foot-long killer whale were devastated. "It was as hard a loss as when I lost my best friend," said SeaWorld veterinarian Tom Reidarson. Splash was a favorite among the park's animal-care staff, who offered rare details about the life of a cherished behemoth. "He was the one that bonded the best with the trainers," Reidarson said. Once, when SeaWorld management considered transferring Splash to a different park, the trainers successfully lobbied to have him remain in San Diego. Splash was born in captivity in 1989 at Marineland Canada in Ontario and came to SeaWorld in 1992.

'A Big Sweetheart'
"He was a big sweetheart," said Robbin Sheets, SeaWorld's supervising whale trainer. "But he needed a little extra attention." Splash was among the park's most sickly animals. "We brought him back from life-threatening illnesses many times," Reidarson recalled. In 1994, Splash smashed face-first into the wall of his tank, ripping a book-sized patch of skin along his jaw that had to be repaired surgically. When Splash became ill with an infection this year, animal-care staffers thought he'd bounce back like he always had. But his condition turned critical, prompting whale trainers who were off-duty to come in to work so they could commiserate with their bereaved colleagues. "They were trying hard to be professionals at the same time they were losing a friend," said Al Garver, the animal training supervisor. Watching the orca trainers trying to hide their grief "was the toughest thing for me to see," he said. As Splash was dying, his best friend – a male orca named Sumar – tapped on the gate of the medical tank where veterinarians were hovering over Splash. When Splash succumbed, SeaWorld immediately posted bulletins so its employees would be the first to know. Grieving trainers then put on brave faces and returned to work. The killer whale shows at Shamu Stadium continued uninterrupted. Hours after Splash's death, the trainers were so upset they could only perform a "dry" show, one in which they don't join the whales in the water. Veterinarians then performed a necropsy – an autopsy for animals – that took more than four hours. The exact cause of Splash's death won't be known for several weeks.

Special Recognition
The day after Splash's passing, 40 or so animal-care workers held an informal wake for him during their lunch break. A photo of Splash was displayed on a computer screen for the mourners. SeaWorld received several cards from season-pass holders expressing their condolences, but there was no public memorial to honor the killer whale. "In the zoological field, we try not to be anthropomorphic," said Paul Garcia, spokesman for Six Flags Marine World in Vallejo. "We remind ourselves this is a profession. It's always hard when you lose an animal, but that's the nature of the field we work in." Yet some mega-mammals are so revered that their passing has warranted special recognition. When a beloved elephant at the Baltimore Zoo named Mary Ann died in 1941, she was buried in a local pet cemetery so her legion of fans could visit her grave. The San Diego Zoo received dozens of cards and letters from patrons expressing their sympathy following the 2000 death of Ken Allen, a popular orangutan. The superstar primate, known for ingenious escapes from his zoo enclosure, had his own fan club. T-shirts, bumper stickers and songs were created in his honor.

Unaware of Deaths
Because all killer whales at SeaWorld's three marine parks perform under the same stage name – Shamu – it's nearly impossible for the public to distinguish one orca from the next. This practice is troublesome to Naomi Rose, a marine biologist with the Humane Society of the United States, who contends that "it's a great technique for keeping people unaware of just how many animals die." During the past 19 years, an average of one killer whale has died annually at marine parks owned by SeaWorld's parent company, Busch Entertainment Corp., Rose said. Rose contends that killer whales confined to saltwater tanks have shorter life spans than their counterparts in the wild. SeaWorld officials disagree. "We provide an environment that is healthy, safe and stimulating," said Garver, the park's animal training manager. In the case of Splash, SeaWorld officials insisted that the frail killer whale wouldn't have survived as long in the wild as he did in captivity. "(His life span) was a testament to everyone's hard work on his behalf," said Reidarson, who noted that he became a more skilled veterinarian because of Splash's many medical problems. Several of Splash's organs and tissue samples were donated for scientific research. His seminal fluid went to University of California Davis. San Diego State University received tissue samples from his flippers. Blubber samples were sent to the University of Central Florida. Other researchers want to study the whale's eyes. The remainder of the carcass was sent to a rendering plant. "Nothing is wasted," SeaWorld spokesman David Koontz said of Splash's 5,600 pounds of bone and blubber. "Even in death, the research continues."

APRIL 6, 2005 - ILL KILLER WHALE DIES AT SEAWORLD
San Diego Union-Tribune
A killer whale named Splash who became ill last week died yesterday at SeaWorld. Veterinarians at the park were scheduled yesterday to perform a necropsy – the name given to an autopsy performed on an animal – on the 15-year-old male orca to determine the cause of death, said SeaWorld public relations manager Dave Koontz. "The whole park is very sad," Koontz said. Splash has been at SeaWorld since 1992. He was born in captivity in 1989 at a marine park in Canada. For most of its life, the whale suffered from epilepsy and was given medication daily to treat the ailment, Koontz said. Late last week, the whale's health began to deteriorate and his appetite dramatically dropped. The orca was subsequently treated with antibiotics, but his condition worsened. "It was a slow deterioration," Koontz said. "He passed quietly." Results of lab tests done as part of the necropsy won't be known for at least a few weeks, he said. Splash is the first killer whale to die at SeaWorld since Bjossa, a 25-year-old female died in October 2001 from complications of a lung infection.

APRIL 5, 2005 - A SAD LOSS FOR SEAWORLD
Kim Zerbe
Splash at SeaWorld San Diego passed away today around 12:00 PM. He was 15-years-old. Splash joined the Shamu Family in 1992, when he was sent from his birthplace at Marineland of Canada in Ontario. He was the first orca to be born at Marineland to mother Nootka V and father Kandu VII. He was moved in order to make room for two more orca births. Splash suffered from epilepsy, a brain disorder likely caused from his premature birth. Splash was easily recognized by his disfigured jaw which he ripped from running into a gate after a seizure in 1995. The cause of his death is yet to be known, but a tooth infection is suspected for his early passing. This is indeed a sad and sudden loss. Our thoughts go out to his trainers and vets.

APRIL 4, 2005 - KILLER WHALE JOLTS TRAINER
Christopher Sherman, The Orlando Sentinel
A SeaWorld Orlando trainer is expected to return to work soon after being injured by an "overly excited" killer whale, a theme-park spokeswoman said Sunday. The killer whale, one of nine at the park that go by the stage name Shamu, swam rapidly past the trainer and circled back, bumping him during the Shamu Adventure show at 12:30 p.m. Friday, spokeswoman Becca Bides said. "The trainer maintained control of the animal," Bides said, and the show continued uninterrupted. The trainer, whose name was not released, was taken to Sand Lake Hospital for unspecified minor injuries and released the same day, she said. Heidi Harley, an associate professor at the New College of Florida in Sarasota and a former killer-whale trainer at the Miami Seaquarium, said it's likely the killer whale knew what it was doing, but it's not uncommon for a killer whale to become excited. Killer whales, or orcas, and dolphins are tolerant of humans even if they haven't worked with them from a young age, Harley said. "They're remarkably easygoing about being in unprotected contact with adults," Harley said, but that's not to say you should go out and try to swim with them in the ocean, she said. Predators in the wild, killer whales hunt in groups called pods for almost anything, including fish, seals, sharks and penguins. They inhabit every ocean on earth. They are the largest member of the dolphin family and are immediately recognizable by their distinctive black and white markings. The males can grow to 22 feet or longer and usually weigh between 8,000 and 12,000 pounds. Bides said occasional bumps can be expected when working with animals that large. "Because of their size, these behaviors can appear more dramatic than they are," she said. Harley said a close encounter could be frightening, but an experienced trainer "would want to focus on the situation rather than be distracted by fear. It is your relationship with the animal that is going to be the factor with how easily you get out in the end." Last year, a spectator at a Shamu Adventure show at SeaWorld in San Antonio, Texas, took dramatic footage of a 6,000-pound killer whale named Ky aggressively pushing veteran trainer Steve Aibel around the tank. The killer whale suddenly began swimming rapidly around the tank, launching itself halfway out of the water and onto Aibel. At one point, Aibel started to leave the tank, but Ky pulled him back in. The trainer was eventually able to calm Ky and escape without injury, but the spectator's video showed several tense minutes. In interviews after the incident, Aibel said that he had worked with Ky for 10 years and the training was built around positive reinforcement of calm actions. He did not know what set Ky off that day, but he just waited for him to calm down, he said. The last reported incident with a killer whale at SeaWorld Orlando occurred in 1999 when a dead man was found naked on the back of the whale Tilikum in a backstage tank. The man apparently had tried to swim with the 11,000-pound whale after the park closed. The South Carolina drifter was thought to have drowned or died of hypothermia. Tilikum and two other whales were blamed for drowning one of their trainers in 1991 while he was performing at Sealand of the Pacific in British Columbia. At SeaWorld Orlando, he was used for breeding and to give the final splash at the end of the show.

MARCH 12, 2005 - KILLER WHALE CALF A HAWAIIAN 'BEAUTY'
CNN.com
She weighs 900 pounds (410 kg) and just cut her flesh-ripping teeth, but the baby killer whale at a San Diego aquatic park is a Beauty. SeaWorld San Diego officials on Thursday said they had named the 2-1/2-month-old calf Kalia -- a Hawaiian word for "beauty." The name was chosen by a poll of about 2,000 park visitors who rejected Native American and Hawaiian selections such as "Mele," meaning "Merry Christmas," and "Makai" meaning "to the sea," a SeaWorld spokeswoman said on Thursday. SeaWorld trainer Ken Peters said Kalia, who gains about a pound and a half (700 grams) each day, already can perform simple tricks, such as touching her snout to a "hand target." Kalia is the daughter of 28-year-old Kasatka, who gave birth in 2001 to Nakai, the first marine mammal conceived by artificial insemination. Kalia was conceived naturally.

MARCH 10, 2005 - BABY SHAMU UPDATE
Shamu.com
What's in a name? For baby killer whales, there's a special meaning. Our baby killer whale now has a name: Kalia, which means beauty in Hawaiian. As with the last few killer whale births at SeaWorld, trainers came up with a few ideas for names and then the annual Passport members voted for their favorite on their members-only Web site. Kalia (pronounced ka-LEE-ah) won by an overwhelming majority with more than 1,500 votes. Many of our whales have names with special significance, such as Kalia's mom Kasatka, which means "killer whale" in Russian and her second calf Nakai, which means "victory" in a Native American language. Trainers say that Kalia is doing extremely well and is gaining about a pound and a half each day. The calf has even started to come over to them. She enjoys several types of secondary reinforcement, including water pours, unsweetened Jell-O, and back rubs. Kalia was born on December 21, 2004 in front of hundreds of SeaWorld employees. At birth, she was about 6 feet long and weighed about 350 pounds. Although Kalia has appeared in the Shamu Adventure show, she stays close to her mother and watches what she and the other whales do during the show. Soon she will start to imitate their behaviors. Right now she is very curious about visual cues.

MARCH 5, 2005 - BABY SHAMU UPDATE
Shamu.com
We have had over 1,800 votes from our Passport Members and have come up with the name Kalia. Kalia, almost three months old, continues to thrive with Mom, Kasatka and her brother, Nakai. She has since met her entire Shamu Family. Born on December 21, 2004 in front of hundreds of SeaWorld employees, she was about 6 feet long and weighed about 350 pounds. She gains about a pound and a half each day! Kalia is nursing up to nine minutes a day, which is the equivalent of between two and four gallons of milk. Mom has offered her fish from time to time but she isn't quite interested in it yet, although her teeth have started to break through. She will nurse for up to two years. Although Kalia has appeared in The Shamu Adventure show, she stays close to her mother and watches what she and the other whales do during the show. Soon she will start to imitate their behaviors. Right now she's very curious about visual cues.

FEBRUARY 12, 2005 - BABY SHAMU UPDATE
Shamu.com
Baby Shamu, almost two months old, continues to thrive with Mom, Kasatka and her brother, Nakai. The killer whale calf, who is still unnamed, has met her entire Shamu Family. The little girl was born on December 21, 2004 in front of hundreds of SeaWorld employees. At birth she was about 6 feet long and weighed about 350 pounds. She gains about a pound and a half each day! Baby Shamu is nursing up to nine minutes a day, which is the equivalent of between two and four gallons of milk. Mom has offered her fish from time to time but she isn't quite interested in it yet, although her teeth have started to break through. She will nurse for up to two years. Although Baby Shamu has appeared in The Shamu Adventure show, she stays close to her mother and watches what she and the other whales do during the show. Soon she will start to imitate their behaviors. Right now she's very curious about visual cues. Trainers are working on naming her, and some of the ideas they are considering include: Nuar: New Year (Icelandic); Makai: To the sea (Hawaiian); Noelle: (a Christmas reference); Mele: Merry (as in Merry Christmas - Hawaiian); and Akuah: (ah-koo-ah). SeaWorld Passport members will soon be able to vote online at SeaWorld.com.

JANUARY 25, 2005 - GOODBYE, GORO
Adventure World Shirahama
Adventure World's last orca, Goro, passed away suddenly from acute pneumonia on the night of January 21, 2005. Goro had been by himself since fellow pool mates Ran and Kyu passed away in late 2004. Goro had been collected from the waters of Japan in October 1985, and was sent to live at Adventure World the following month. He spent 19 years and 3 months in captivity, and he may have been around age 20. It's not known if Adventure World will acquire any more orcas from another park or the wild. Our thoughts are with the Adventure World staff.

JANUARY 14, 2005 - BABY SHAMU DOING WELL!
Shamu.com
Baby Shamu, born Dec. 21, 2004 at Shamu Stadium, is doing very well according to SeaWorld trainers and veterinarians. The calf and its mother, Kasatka, can be seen swimming together at Shamu Stadium, much to the delight of SeaWorld guests. Mom and baby often make appearances in the Shamu Adventure show. Trainers are watching mom and baby around the clock, ensuring that there is an appropriate amount of nursing and that the baby is healthy. The baby is nursing throughout the day and has been introduced to other members of Shamu's family. Blood tests have indicated the calf is a female and the father is Keet, an 11-year-old male. The birth marks the fifth killer whale to be born at SeaWorld San Diego and the 19th born in the SeaWorld family of parks. After a nearly 18-month gestation, Kasatka gave birth to the calf, which was estimated to weigh between 300 and 350 pounds and measure between 6 and 7 feet. Trainers have started brainstorming names for the calf and Sea World Passport Members will be included in the final naming decision.

JANUARY 13, 2005 - SEAWORLD ANNOUNCES GENDER OF BABY KILLER WHALE
KGTV TheSanDiegoChannel.com
It's a girl! A killer whale calf born at SeaWorld last month is a female, park officials announced Tuesday. The gender of the 300-350 pound calf, which has yet to be named, was determined by a geneticist at Oregon State University, who used DNA analysis of placental blood, according to SeaWorld. After a nearly 18-month gestation, Kasatka, a 28-year-old killer whale, gave birth to the calf at SeaWorld's Shamu Stadium on Dec. 21. Park animal care teams said the baby is nursing and bonding with the mother, and both appear to be doing very well. Veterinarians are monitoring the calf's health around-the-clock, as the first few months are critical. The calf, which brings the park's killer whale population to eight, is the result of natural breeding and is the fifth killer whale born in San Diego.