New Killer Whale Born at Sea World Theme Park

Officials at the Sea World Theme Park had a great start for Valentine's day when they welcomed the arrival of a new killer whale calf.

A new killer whale calf was born at the Sea World in San Diego on Thursday, Feb. 14, to 37-year-old killer whale Kasatka after an hour of labor at Shamu Stadium.

According to the officials, this is the sixth killer whale born at Sea World ever since it opened.  Born after 18 months of gestation period, the sex of the calf is yet to be known. Immediately after its birth, the calf swam to the surface to gasp its first breath.

The newborn weighs around 300-500 pounds and is about 6-7 feet long. Mike Scarpuzzi, vice president of zoological operations was quoted in Tucson News saying, "as with any newborn, the first few days are critical. We're looking forward to the continued bonding of mom and calf and the baby beginning to nurse."

Prior to this, Kasatka has given birth to three calves, namely, Takara (1991), Nakai (2001), and Kalia (2004), reports U-T Sandiego.

The park has received up to 150 million visitors since 1964 and is one of the leading tourist attractions and is also a popular marine life park in the world. In the show 'One Ocean' held at the park, killer whales are featured as the ambassadors of the sea. The show is held at the Shamu stadium.

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