The female killer whale Kiska was captured off the coast of Iceland 44 years ago – and never released again. She had to survive in a small basin. The saddest orca in the world is now dead.
The orca, which was not kept in a species-appropriate manner, died Thursday at Marineland Zoo in Niagara Falls, Canada, the German newspaper Bild reported. According to animal rights activists, Kiska was only 47 years old. In the wild, killer whales have a life expectancy of 50 to 90 years. Recently, Kiska has been dealing with many health problems, including a bacterial infection. She must also have been badly affected mentally, because she suffered from her loneliness.
Killer whales should not be kept in captivity
Killer whales do very well on their own as they are used to living in schools of up to 70 animals in the wild. They are considered intelligent and social. Experts find their captivity an eyesore – especially if the animals are housed alone.
“Orcas are very similar to us humans,” Ulla Ludewig of the whale and dolphin protection organization WDC told the German daily “Bild”. “Each school has its own traditions and hunting strategies. They have to communicate with each other, they even have a dialect.”
Kiska herself once lived in a school and was snatched from her in October 1979. The young male Keiko, who became world famous in the 1990s through the “Free Willy” films, was also caught with her. In 2002, Keiko was released back into the wild – he was abandoned in the Atlantic Ocean. However, he died a year and a half later.
Kiska suffered greatly
Time and again attempts were made to keep Kiska together with others of the same species, but failed. The female became increasingly lonely and apathetic. Videos show Kiska banging her head against a window pane. It is suspected that she wanted to hurt herself.
“This generation must be the last”
In any case, the photos ensured that keeping orcas in captivity was increasingly restricted. However, Kiska could not be released and had to live alone from 2011. An animal rights activist told the “Bild”: “It makes sense that these animals can’t just be released into the wild, but in any case, the offspring and the wild capture must be stopped. This generation must be the last.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
