What a Valentine’s Day it was at SeaWorld San Diego. Sea World’s zoological team welcomed Baby Shamu into their family of killer whales!
The calf was born at 6:33 a.m. under the watchful eyes of trainers, veterinarians and animal care specialists. The mother is Kasatka, who is approximately 37 years old and has given birth to three other calves (Takara, Nakai and Kalia).
No one knows the gender of the calf yet, but they tell us that she is the cutest baby you’ve ever seen! The calf is estimated to weigh between 300 and 350 pounds and measure between 6 and 7 feet. After 18 months of gestation and just a little over an hour of labor, Kasatka gave birth to the calf, who, seconds later, instinctively swam to the water’s surface to take its first breath.
Mom and baby appear to be doing well, but as with any newborn, the first days are critical. Zoological staff will monitor breathing and nursing round the clock.
Kasatka’s successful delivery marks the sixth killer whale birth at our park. The number of killer whales in the SeaWorld family is now 29, with 10 here at SeaWorld San Diego.
