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The tragic life of Kiska: World's loneliest orca, 44, dies after decades of captivity at Marineland

The world's loneliest orca, Kiska, who died after 40 years of captivity in Marineland, Canada, lived without a tankmate for the last 10 years

NIAGARA FALLS, ONTARIO: Marineland's last surviving orca, Kiska, died at the age of 44. Kiska's death was announced by the theme park in Niagara Falls, Ontario, where she had been in captivity for over four decades and stayed without a tankmate for the last ten years. Kiska's tragic death has caused sadness and grief among the park's marine mammal care team and experts who did everything possible to support her during her last days.

Kiska, known to many as the world's loneliest orca whale, was captured in 1979 when she was just three years old and was initially living with a few other orcas at an aquarium in Iceland. Later, she was sold to Marineland, where she spent the rest of her life in captivity. While in Iceland, Kiska had a tankmate named Keiko, who became famous after starring in the hit film 'Free Willy'.

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How did Kiska die?

Heartbreaking news emerged from Marineland Canada on Friday, March 10, as the world learned of the tragic death of Kiska, the last living orca in captivity at the theme park. The announcement revealed that Kiska died of bacterial infection, leaving behind a legacy of loss and loneliness.

As a young adult, Kiska had given birth to five calves while living at Marineland, but each one had tragically died young. The names Athena, Hudson, Nova, and Kanuck will forever be etched in the memory of those who followed Kiska's story. The fifth calf, unnamed and unrecognized, was also lost to the cruel fate that seemed to haunt Kiska's family. It is a well-known fact that orcas have the capacity to feel deep, complex emotions that rival or even exceed those possessed by humans. The bond between mother and calf is especially strong, making it hard to imagine the grief and trauma that Kiska experienced with each heartbreaking loss. The world mourns for Kiska and her family, knowing that they were never meant to live in captivity and that their tragic fate was avoidable.

Kiska's death sends ripples in animal welfare community

Animal Justice, a vegan animal rights organization that had been fighting for Kiska's freedom for over a decade, expressed their sadness over her death. Executive Director of Animal Justice, Camille Labchuk, stated, "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," as per CTV News.

The organization is demanding justice for Kiska's suffering, calling on provincial authorities to release the post-mortem results and prosecute Marineland for their treatment of Kiska during her final years.

A video of Kiska banging her head against her tank, which went viral in 2021, highlighted the cruelty of her captivity at Marineland. The park was charged with mistreatment, but crown prosecutors later decided not to pursue animal cruelty charges. Animal Justice criticized this decision, stating that "Crown prosecutor Michal Sokolski stated that there was a reasonable prospect of conviction in the case, but decided that it was not in the public interest to prosecute Marineland, despite clear video footage depicting the dolphin shows," as per the outlet.

In the days leading up to her death, videos emerged showing Kiska swimming in circles in her tank. Phil Demers, a former trainer who had worked with Kiska, called for her release into the ocean, stating that "watching her environment and health deteriorate as it has over the past decade has been heartbreaking and gut-wrenching," as per CBC. The loss of Kiska is a devastating reminder of the cruelty of captivity and the urgent need for greater protection for marine mammals.

'Slow death at the hands of Marineland'

On a post shared by Peta on Twitter, social media users were quick to react to Kiska's death. One commented, "Slow death at the hands of marineland. I look forward to charges being laid." Broadcaster and journalist, Kerry Hopkins said, "This is the kind of thing more people need to object to. Absolute slavery, abuse and kidnap." Enraged, another user posted, "Devastated to hear Kiska has died. I feel rage. All her offspring dead, all alone in a tiny swimming pool. Shame on Marineland… and all those who think it’s ok to keep marine life that way."

Nahanni Fontaine, NDP MLA also expressed her sadness. She wrote, "RIP #Kiska  Stolen from her pod at 3 years old, she’s been living alone at #Marinelane since 2011. You didn’t deserve what humans did to you. I’m sorry we failed you. #TheWorldsLoneliestOrca #EmptyTheTanks." Another user wrote, "The worlds loneliest orca is finally free from her human masters. #ripkiska." The Internet is not only heartbroken but also relieved that Kiska's suffering has ended. A tweet from a user highlights this, "When will it end? Only good news here is Kiska is no longer suffering.  RIP Kiska."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.