FACTS

- Nyar (NAI-ar) means "summer" in Hungarian.
- She was born tail first.
- She's 100% Icelandic orca.

HISTORY

On December 31, 1993, Gudrun* went into labor with her second calf at SeaWorld Orlando. Another female, Katina, and her three-month-old calf, Taku, followed her for support. After a 90 minute labor, a calf was born measuring 6 feet long and weighing 300 pounds. The father, Tilikum, had arrived at the park almost two years prior.

The trainers were excited to have two calves born so close together. The newborn was determined to be a female, and she was named Nyar. She loved to play with Taku and her older half-sister, Taima.

When Nyar was about five months old, trainers noticed that she was a slow learner, had trouble swimming, and didn't develop physically as quickly as she should have. Blood reports showed a weak immune system. Nyar may have also had mental problems. A team of four trainers and and three veterinarians kept a close eye on her every day.

Nyar never peformed in the shows due to her condition. Trainers would separate her from Gudrun them so that Nyar could be cared for without distractions. Eventually she was even kept away from the performing whales. Sometimes she would be placed with her father.

On February 21, 1996, Gudrun went into a difficult labor with her third calf that resulted in a stillborn. Tragically, just days later, Gudrun passed away due to complications from the birth. Nyar's health only got worse after her mother's death.

Nyar began having trouble breathing and looked uncomfortable according to onlookers one morning. Veterinarians came to her aid, but it was too late. Nyar passed away on April 1, 1996 of immune system failure. Encephalitis and fungal and bacterial infections had taken over her fragile body. Nyar was 2 years and 3 months old.

TRANSFERS

December 31, 1993 - April 1, 1996 (SeaWorld Orlando, USA)

HOW TO IDENTIFY

KNOWN FAMILY

Mother: Gudrun*
Father: Tilikum
Half-sisters: Taima, Unna, Kohana, and Skyla
Half-brothers: Kyuquot, Taku*, Sumar, Tuar, Tekoa, Nakai, and Ikaika
Nieces: Nalani and Malia
Nephews: Sumar, Tekoa, and Trua
Midwife: Katina and Taku*

* = Deceased