FACTS

- Freya (FRAY-a) means "lady" in Old Norse.
- Likely born in the year 1981.
- Bore five offspring; one is alive.

HISTORY

Freya was captured in October 1982, off the southwest coast of Iceland near Stokkseyri. Along with her was a male named Kim II*. They were sent to Sædyrasafnid in Iceland. In March 1983, Freya and Kim were sent to Marineland Côte d' Azur in France. Marineland already owned one female, Betty*. She had been alone since another male named Kim* passed away in July 1982.

In September 1987, Betty passed away. For two years, Freya and Kim were the only two orcas at Marineland. In January 1990, two more orcas were brought to Marineland from Iceland: a female named Sharkan and a male named Tanouk*. Around this time, Kim became sexually mature. On March 3, 1991, Freya gave birth to a stillborn. Two years later in March 1993, she gave birth to another stillborn. Sharkan had more success with her first calf, Shouka, who was born on February 25, 1993. Sometime in 1993, a non-cancerous tumor was removed from Freya's left side. The laser left behind a large white scar.

In 1995, Tanouk was moved to Izu-Mito Sea Paradise in Japan due to dominance issues with the other orcas. On February 14, 1996, Freya went into labor for a third time. She gave birth to a healthy male calf that was named Valentin. On February 23, 1999, Sharkan gave birth to her first son, Inouk. In 2000, Marineland opened a new orca habitat, much bigger than their previous exhibit. In March 2001, Freya gave birth to a stillborn for a third time. On June 1, 2001, Sharkan gave birth to a second daughter, Wikie.

In May 2002, Shouka was moved to Six Flags Worlds of Adventure in Ohio as part of a long-term loan, and moved again to Six Flags Marine World in California in April 2004. On April 1, 2003, Freya suffered another stillborn. On November 23, 2005, Kim passed away. Because he was the only breeding male at the park, it's not known just how Marineland will continue their breeding program although artificial insemination has been mentioned.

TRANSFERS

October 1982 - March 1983 (Sædyrasafnid, Iceland)
March 1983 - Present (Marineland Côte d' Azur, France)

HOW TO IDENTIFY



KNOWN FAMILY

Sons: Valentin
Possible relatives: Kim II*

* = Deceased