SeaWorld San Antonio confirmed the death of Kamea, an 11-year-old woman, Orca and the youngest member of the park’s POW pod. Kamea died on June 19th after a sudden illness, after a sudden illness from Matriaria Chutakara. The park has not revealed the cause of the death – avoiding the backlash, her passing causes the number of orcas who died at Sea World Park to 45, rekindling intense criticism of the condition and ethical implications of being able to capture these apex predators.
SeaWorld cited “24-hour veterinarian care,” but critics point to the hidden sacrifices behind such statements. It is a daily regimen of medicines designed not only to treat diseases but also to chemically suppress the psychological effects of confinement. The breeding orcas are deprived of the vast scope, complexity and social dynamics of marine life; Antibiotics, antifung, sedatives, sedatives, oxidants, painkillers, and even psychological drugs are often administered. The teeth are also excavated, as they suffer from dental damage and infections in the lower jaw, especially caused by unnatural behaviors caused by stress, boredom and frustration.
Unfortunately, the use of long-term antibiotics, often used prophylactically in tank environments, has left many, if not all, resistant to common bacterial strains. As a result, when a genuine infection occurs, standard treatment often fails, leading to long-term illness, suffering and death.
“According to marine mammal health experts, this isn’t just stress, it’s intended to help the body be destroyed over the years, overwhelmed the immune system and make the very tool effective.
Wild orcas can swim over 40 miles a day and dive to a depth of up to 500 feet. They are one of the most intelligent species in the animal kingdom, with extremely complex social structures and strong family ties. Orcas gives pod members a unique name through individual whistles and clicks, lamenting the dead and conveying cultural traditions. However, they cannot find entertainment in continuing to capture other species for profit, and they cultivate the question of how empathetic and intelligent is compared to humanity.
Kamea’s death follows a troublesome pattern. Many young Orcas were born in captivity succumbing to complex diseases rarely observed in wild populations. In the wild, female orcas generally live for 50 to 80 years, some reaching over 90 years. Men usually live a shorter life, on average about 30 years, but sometimes reaching 60.
In contrast, Orcas in SeaWorld care rarely lives beyond their teens and early 20s, with many nearly dying before reaching what is considered a middle-aged wildlife.
Animal rights group PETA responded quickly, calling Kamea’s death “predictable and heartbreaking.” The group is hoping to move the remaining Orcas into seaside sanctuaries, where SeaWorld will scatter the ashes of the Kamea in the ocean.
Kamea’s short life was defined by confinement, medical intervention, and slow erosion of natural behavior. For many, her death is not an isolated incident. It is the latest accusation of a system that many believe can no longer justify themselves.
“We cannot revoke what a prisoner of war does,” said ORCA expert Dr. Ingrid Visser. “We see the outdated model results unfold in real time.”
SeaWorld has not released details about Kamea’s autopsy, nor has it announced any commemorations or changes to its animal care policy.
Despite ending the prisoner-of-war breeding program in 2016, SeaWorld continues to hold Orcas prisoners in San Diego, San Antonio and Orlando Parks. Public pressure to phase out live marine mammal exhibits has increased significantly in recent years, spurring scientific consensus and cultural changes following the release of the documentary. Blackfish. However, SeaWorld will continue to capture these animals as long as the public continues to support it financially.
If you want to see Orcas, don’t support locations like SeaWorld or Loro Parque. In Spain, we are fortunate to have wild orcas living along our coastline. They can range, social, hunt, as nature intended for summer months off Tarifa in Caddis.
For those interested in responsibly witnessing these spectacular creatures, TarmaryIt is located in Rate, Cadizone of the most reputable companies offering ethical and science-based whale watching tours. You can access their website www.turmares.com For more information.
It is important to ensure that only responsible whale watching is practiced, which assists operators following strict guidelines to avoid disturbing the animal and their habitat.
For those who want to learn more about the abuse and ethical concerns within the industry of prison whales and dolphins, a documentary Blackfish and Inlet It’s an essential viewing. They provide a powerful and spectacular account of the lives of bred orcas and dolphins, as well as prisoner outcomes. In Spain, both platforms are available Netflix and Amazon Prime videos.
