With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
Kiska, 'the loneliest whale in the world,' dies at Canada amusement park
Kiska, Marineland's last living orca, is seen at the amusement park in 2012.
(
Tara Walton
/
Toronto Star via Getty Images
)
Kiska, the last captive killer whale in Canada — also known as "the loneliest whale in the world" — has died, according to local media.
The orca, believed to be 47 years old, died on Thursday, Ontario's solicitor general ministry spokesperson Brent Ross confirmed to CBC. Kiska, who spent over four decades in captivity, resided at Marineland, a zoo and amusement park in Niagara Falls, after being captured in Icelandic waters in 1979 alongside Keiko, the star of the movie, Free Willy, the publication reported.
The news comes four years after the country officially banned whales, dolphins and porpoises from being bred or held in captivity. However marine mammals, like Kiska, that were already held in captivity would remain so, according to the new legislation.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), said Kiska "spent her final years isolated in a cramped tank, swimming in endless circles or sometimes floating listlessly."
Sponsor
Kiska's life of continued isolation led the Whale Sanctuary Project to describe her as "the loneliest whale in the world."
Both animal rights groups reported that Kiska died of a bacterial infection. NPR has not independently confirmed the cause of death. Ross told CBC that animal welfare officials had conducted a necropsy of the mammal. Marineland has not returned NPR's multiple messages seeking comment.
Kiska underwent several hardships while residing at the amusement park, according to PETA. This included the deaths of all five of her calves and the departure of her sole tankmate, Ikaika, in 2011, according to the animal rights organization. Footage of Kiska purportedly slamming her face against her tank multiple times also began circulating on social media in 2021.
Animal welfare activists have responded to the news of the death with concerns about the orca's treatment while in captivity.
"It is heartbreaking to know that Kiska will never have the chance to be relocated to a whale sanctuary, and experience the freedom that she so deeply deserved," Camille Labchuk, executive director of Animal Justice, told CBC.
There are at least 55 orcas being held in captivity in marine parks around the world, as of Jan. 9, according to the Whale and Dolphin Conservation. SeaWorld, which has three marine parks in the United States, holds more orcas in captivity than any other individual park.
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. 9(MDA1OTI3MjQ5MDEyODUwMTE2MzM1YzNmZA004))
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
