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NEWS
Last captive orca born at SeaWorld
POSTED 21 Apr 2017 . BY Tom Anstey
The yet-to-be-named calf, born at SeaWorld San Antonio, is the offspring of 25-year-old Takara Credit: SeaWorld
Just over a year after SeaWorld announced plans to end its controversial orca breeding plan, the company’s last killer whale has been born in its captivity.

The last generation of orcas under SeaWorld’s care, the company now has a total of 23 killer whales across its parks in San Diego, San Antonio and Orlando.

The yet-to-be-named calf, born at SeaWorld San Antonio, is the offspring of 25-year-old Takara, who was pregnant before SeaWorld chose to end its orca breeding practices.

“With this being the last killer whale birth at a SeaWorld park, this is the last opportunity for researchers to study orca development in ways that cannot be done in the wild, helping to conserve this amazing species,” said a statement from SeaWorld.

“Information learned from Takara and her calf will add to SeaWorld’s extensive database about killer whales and their calves, which contribute directly to conservation efforts for populations, like the southern resident killer whales that are threatened by pollution, overfishing and human development.”

Currently in a phase of transition under CEO Joel Manby as it tries to transform its image, SeaWorld struggled in 2016, with revenues and attendance both down on the previous year’s figures.

SeaWorld blamed attendance declines on Hurricane Matthew, which temporarily closed its Florida attractions in October, also blaming “softness” in the Latin America market, which traditionally is a big draw for the operator.

The operator also had to endure the death of infamous orca Tilikum, who died in January this year and was featured in the 2013 anti SeaWorld documentary Blackfish, which has been at the root of the company’s ongoing struggles.
RELATED STORIES
  Zhonghong Group snaps up Blackstone’s shares in SeaWorld with plans to bring brand to China


SeaWorld Entertainments biggest shareholder, Blackstone, is selling its 21 per cent stake in the theme park operator to a Chinese investors Zhonghong Zhuoye Group.
  Joel Manby says financial discipline 'a top priority' as SeaWorld aims to cut US$40m from budget by 2018


SeaWorld CEO Joel Manby has said that financial discipline remains a top priority for the operator, after end of year results saw both revenue and attendance decline on 2015 figures.
  Tough year for SeaWorld as operator reports lacklustre figures


SeaWorld has submitted its end of year results, with revenues and attendance both down on 2015 as the company continues to try and transform its image, putting “fun but meaningful” at the forefront of its PR campaign.
  SeaWorld’s Tilikum dies as controversial orca shows laid to rest


Just days since SeaWorld San Diego announced its final orca show would be on 8 January, the marine park brand’s most famous animal, Tilikum, has died.
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Belgin Aksoy prepares to mark 15 years of Global Wellness Day on Saturday 13 June
Global Wellness Day (GWD) will mark its 15th anniversary on Saturday 13 June 2026, with the theme: #JoyMagenta – a celebration of the healing qualities of simple gestures and activities that spark joy.
HUM2N opens longevity clinic at Six Senses London
Global luxury hospitality brand, Six Senses, has partnered with longevity healthcare provider, HUM2N, to launch a clinic at Six Senses London, at The Whiteley.
Mayrlife opens first hotel day clinic in partnership with Rosewood Vienna
As part of its first hotel partnership, Mayrlife – the medical health resort company known for its site in Altaussee, Austria – has launched a day clinic at the Rosewood Vienna.
KX Chelsea invests £15 million to upgrade its wellness offering
Premium London health club, KX Chelsea, will imminently unveil its most significant redevelopment since its launch in 2002 to create an integrated wellness model combining training, recovery and relaxation.
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NEWS
Last captive orca born at SeaWorld
POSTED 21 Apr 2017 . BY Tom Anstey
The yet-to-be-named calf, born at SeaWorld San Antonio, is the offspring of 25-year-old Takara Credit: SeaWorld
Just over a year after SeaWorld announced plans to end its controversial orca breeding plan, the company’s last killer whale has been born in its captivity.

The last generation of orcas under SeaWorld’s care, the company now has a total of 23 killer whales across its parks in San Diego, San Antonio and Orlando.

The yet-to-be-named calf, born at SeaWorld San Antonio, is the offspring of 25-year-old Takara, who was pregnant before SeaWorld chose to end its orca breeding practices.

“With this being the last killer whale birth at a SeaWorld park, this is the last opportunity for researchers to study orca development in ways that cannot be done in the wild, helping to conserve this amazing species,” said a statement from SeaWorld.

“Information learned from Takara and her calf will add to SeaWorld’s extensive database about killer whales and their calves, which contribute directly to conservation efforts for populations, like the southern resident killer whales that are threatened by pollution, overfishing and human development.”

Currently in a phase of transition under CEO Joel Manby as it tries to transform its image, SeaWorld struggled in 2016, with revenues and attendance both down on the previous year’s figures.

SeaWorld blamed attendance declines on Hurricane Matthew, which temporarily closed its Florida attractions in October, also blaming “softness” in the Latin America market, which traditionally is a big draw for the operator.

The operator also had to endure the death of infamous orca Tilikum, who died in January this year and was featured in the 2013 anti SeaWorld documentary Blackfish, which has been at the root of the company’s ongoing struggles.
RELATED STORIES
Zhonghong Group snaps up Blackstone’s shares in SeaWorld with plans to bring brand to China


SeaWorld Entertainments biggest shareholder, Blackstone, is selling its 21 per cent stake in the theme park operator to a Chinese investors Zhonghong Zhuoye Group.
Joel Manby says financial discipline 'a top priority' as SeaWorld aims to cut US$40m from budget by 2018


SeaWorld CEO Joel Manby has said that financial discipline remains a top priority for the operator, after end of year results saw both revenue and attendance decline on 2015 figures.
Tough year for SeaWorld as operator reports lacklustre figures


SeaWorld has submitted its end of year results, with revenues and attendance both down on 2015 as the company continues to try and transform its image, putting “fun but meaningful” at the forefront of its PR campaign.
SeaWorld’s Tilikum dies as controversial orca shows laid to rest


Just days since SeaWorld San Diego announced its final orca show would be on 8 January, the marine park brand’s most famous animal, Tilikum, has died.
MORE NEWS
Belgin Aksoy prepares to mark 15 years of Global Wellness Day on Saturday 13 June
Global Wellness Day (GWD) will mark its 15th anniversary on Saturday 13 June 2026, with the theme: #JoyMagenta – a celebration of the healing qualities of simple gestures and activities that spark joy.
HUM2N opens longevity clinic at Six Senses London
Global luxury hospitality brand, Six Senses, has partnered with longevity healthcare provider, HUM2N, to launch a clinic at Six Senses London, at The Whiteley.
Mayrlife opens first hotel day clinic in partnership with Rosewood Vienna
As part of its first hotel partnership, Mayrlife – the medical health resort company known for its site in Altaussee, Austria – has launched a day clinic at the Rosewood Vienna.
KX Chelsea invests £15 million to upgrade its wellness offering
Premium London health club, KX Chelsea, will imminently unveil its most significant redevelopment since its launch in 2002 to create an integrated wellness model combining training, recovery and relaxation.
Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth offers ocean-themed yoga for Global Wellness Day
Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth, on the northeast coast of Saint Barthélemy in the French West Indies, is offering a programme of ocean-inspired yoga classes between 8-14 June to celebrate Global Wellness Day (GWD).
Butterfly sanctuary to host hot yoga during retreat at Jersey Zoo for Hotel de France
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Le Atelier by C.O.D.E. doesn't offer a standard bespoke service, it provides a highly customised approach to designing massage beds and loungers in high-end wellness environments. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers  
COMPANY PROFILES
UK Spa Association

Our mission is to raise awareness of our industry within schools, colleges, society and crucially at [more...]
+ More profiles  
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+ More catalogues  

DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

21-23 Jun 2026

Spa Life International (UK)

Midlands (Venue TBA), Liphook, United Kingdom
22-22 Jun 2026

World Bathing Day

Worldwide,
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

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Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

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