Her Story

Kiska was likely born in the year 1979. She was captured off the south coast of Iceland near Alvidra in October 1981. She was held at Sædyrasafnid in Iceland until she was sold to MarineLand of Canada the following month in November.

At the time of Kiska's arrival, MarineLand had three orcas on display - Nootka*, Kanduke*, and Nootka V*. Five years later in December 1986, Kandu VII* arrived at the park. Kiska, Nootka, and Kandu would live together in the King Waldorf Stadium for over a decade.

In September 1991, MarineLand trainers noticed that Kiska was lethargic and eating less. She was thought to have contracted pneumonia, but blood tests revealed she had a fungal virus. She was immediatly put on Itraconazole, a drug used to fight infections in AIDS patients. After taking about 3,000 capsules over a six week period, Kiska was back to her old self. At the time of her illness, Kiska was around six months pregnant.

On August 24, 1992, Kiska gave birth to her first calf*. Two months later on October 25, 1992, the calf passed away from what appeared to have been respiratory problems.

Kiska gave birth to her second calf on August 28, 1994. The calf was eventually named Kanuck III*. Not much is known about Kanuck, but it's believed he died sometime in 1998. He may have spent time in MarineLand's indoor housing area infamously known as "the warehouse."

Nova*, Kiska's third calf, was born on November 6, 1996. He would be the last calf born in the King Waldorf Stadium. In July 1998, Friendship Cove was opened, and the orcas were moved into their new exhibit.

Kiska gave birth to a fourth son, Hudson*, on September 15, 1998. Nova passed away on August 20, 2001, after contracting pneumonia. A necropsy also showed that he had a hole in his esophagus. Kiska finally gave birth to a daughter on August 8, 2004. She was later named Athena. On October 20, 2004, Hudson passed away. His death was unexpected because he showed no signs of illness. A necropsy revealed he had contracted meningitis.

Where You May Have Seen Her

October 1981 - November 24, 1981 (Sædyrasafnid, Iceland)
November 24, 1981 - Present (MarineLand of Canada)

What She Looks Like


Photos © Laurie Néron, Lisimar, and Emilie Giguère.
Do not redistribute.

Her Known Family

Daughters: Athena
Sons: 1992 calf*, Kanuck III*, Nova*, Hudson*

* = Deceased