Global Captive Orca Population

J

Jonathan Petersson

Well-Known Member
Previous thread is here: Captive Orca Population

Due to the old thread getting quite large, I have created a new thread to keep track of the Global Captive Killer Whale Population. The purpose of this thread is to document the births, deaths, and transfers of killer whales from facilities around the world. There are two known pregnancies in the population currently with 0.1 Lovey (Kamogawa Sea World) and 0.1 Naja (Moskvarium) who are both due sometime over the next month or two. Lastly known transfers for 2023 are the move of 0.1 Wikie, 1.0 Inouk, 1.0 Keijo from Marineland to Kamogawa Sea World, Port of Nagoya Aquarium, and Suma Sea World (It is unknown which of the facilities each individual will be placed at). As well as the transfer of 0.1 Sean and 0.1 Cody from Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park to Zhengzhou Haichang Ocean Park. Two new facilites housing killer whales will be opening in 2024: Zhengzhou Haichang Ocean Park and Suma Sea World. Please let me know if you notice any incorrect information below!

2023 Yearly Overview
0.1 Narnia (Wild x Wild) at Moskvarium on 2023-01-03
0.1 Kiska (Wild x Wild) at Marineland Canada on 2023-03-09
1.0 Nord (Wild x Wild) at the Moskvarium on 2023-06-23
0.0.1 Not Named (Panghu x Cookie) at Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park on 2023-07-00
0.1 Tokitae (Wild x Wild) at Miami Seaquarium on 2023-08-18
1.0 Moana (Ulises x Wikie) at Marineland on 2023-10-17
0.1 Unknown (Unknown x Jade or Nukka) at Chimelong Holding Facility on 2023-00-00
0.0.1 Not Named (Panghu x Cookie) at Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park on 2023-07-00
1.0 Wulong (Unknown x Katenka) at Chimelong Spaceship on 2023-12-01
0.0.1 Not Named (Panghu x Dora) at Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park on 2023-12-00
The Chimelong whales besides Nukka, Jade, and Unknown Calf were transferred to the Spaceship earlier this year and are listed down below. Other then them no other transferred occurred in 2023.

Captive Killer Whale Population (28.28.2) 58

SeaWorld San Diego - San Diego, California, USA (4.4) 8
0.1 Corky (Wild x Wild) 1966-00-00 in Pacific Northwest (Capture)
1.0 Ulises (Wild x Wild) 1977-00-00 in Eastern North Atlantic (Capture)
0.1 Orkid (Orky II x Kandu V) 1988-09-23 at SeaWorld San Diego
1.0 Keet (Kotar x Kalina) 1993-02-02 at SeaWorld San Antonio
0.1 Shouka (Kim II x Sharkane) 1993-02-25 at Marineland Antibes
1.0 Ikaika (Tilikum x Katina) 2002-08-25 at SeaWorld Orlando
0.1 Kalia (Keet x Kasatka) 2004-12-21 at SeaWorld San Diego
1.0 Makani (Kshamenk x Kasatka) 2013-02-14 at SeaWorld San Diego

SeaWorld Orlando - Orlando, Florida, USA (2.3) 5
0.1 Katina (Wild x Wild) 1976-00-00 in Eastern North Atlantic (Capture)
1.0 Trua (Taku x Takara) 2005-11-23 at SeaWorld Orlando
0.1 Nalani (Taku x Katina) 2006-09-18 at SeaWorld Orlando
0.1 Malia (Tilikum x Taima) 2007-03-12 at SeaWorld Orlando
1.0 Makaio (Tilikum x Katina) 2010-10-09 at SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld San Antonio - San Antonio, Texas, USA (2.3) 5
0.1 Takara (Kotar x Kasatka) 1991-07-09 at SeaWorld San Diego
1.0 Kyuquot (Tilikum x Haida II) 1991-12-24 at Sealand of the Pacific
1.0 Tuar (Tilikum x Kalina) 1999-06-22 at SeaWorld Orlando
0.1 Sakari (Tilikum x Takara) 2010-01-07 at SeaWorld San Antonio
0.1 Kamea (Kshamenk x Takara) 2013-12-06 at SeaWorld San Antonio

Mundo Marino - San Clemente del Tuyú, Buenos Aires, Argentina (1.0) 1
1.0 Kshamenk (Wild x Wild) 1938-00-00 in South Pacific (Rescue)

Marineland - Antibes, France (2.1) 3
1.0 Inouk (Kim II x Sharkane) 1999-02-23 at Marineland
0.1 Wikie (Kim II x Sharkane) 2001-06-01 at Marineland
1.0 Keijo (Valentin x Wikie) 2013-11-20 at Marineland

Loro Parque - Puerto de la Cruz, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain (3.1) 3
1.0 Keto (Kotar x Kalina) 1995-06-17 at SeaWorld Orlando
1.0 Tekoa (Tilikum x Taima) 2000-11-08 at SeaWorld Orlando
0.1 Morgan (Wild x Wild) 2007-00-00 in Eastern North Atlantic (Rescue)
1.0 Adan (Keto x Kohana) 2010-10-13 at Loro Parque

Moskvarium - Moscow, Russia (0.1) 1
0.1 Naja (Wild x Wild) 2012-00-00 in Western North Pacific (Capture)

Chimelong Holding Facility - Zhuhai, Guangdong, China (0.2.1) 3
0.1 Nukka (Wild x Wild) 0000-00-00 in Western North Pacific (Capture)
0.1 Jade (Wild x Wild) 0000-00-00 in Western North Pacific (Capture)
0.0.1 Unknown (Nakhod x Jade or Nukka) 2023-00-00 at Chimelong Holding Facility

Chimelong Spaceship - Zhuhai, Guangdong, China (8.3) 11
1.0 Tyson (Wild x Wild) 2003-00-00 in Western North Pacific (Capture)
1.0 Nakhod (Wild x Wild) 2004-00-00 in Western North Pacific (Capture)
0.1 Katenka (Wild x Wild) 2006-00-00 in Western North Pacific (Capture)
1.0 Bandhu (Wild x Wild) 2010-00-00 in Western North Pacific (Capture)
1.0 Chad (Wild x Wild) 2010-00-00 in Western North Pacific (Capture)
1.0 Kaixin (Wild x Wild) 2011-00-00 in Western North Pacific(Capture)
0.1 Sonya (Wild x Wild) 2011-00-00 in Western North Pacific (Capture)
1.0 Yilong (Tyson x Katenka) 2019-04-05 at Chimelong Holding Facility
1.0 Loki (Nakhod x Jade or Nukka) 2021-04-17 at Chimelong Holding Facility
0.1 Katniss (Tyson x Katenka) 2022-01-27 at Chimelong Holding Facility
1.0 Wulong (Unknown x Katenka) 2023-12-01 at Chimelong Spaceship

Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park - Pudong, Shanghai, China (3.2.1) 6
1.0 Panghu (Wild x Wild) 2004-00-00 in Western North Pacific (Capture)
0.1 Dora (Wild x Wild) 2011-00-00 in Western North Pacific (Capture)
0.1 Cookie (Wild x Wild) 2011-00-00 in Western North Pacific (Capture)
1.0 Sean (Wild x Wild) 2011-00-00 in Western North Pacific (Capture)
1.0 Cody (Panghu x Cookie) 2021-09-10 at Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park
0.0.1 Not Named (Panghu x Dora) 2023-12-00 at Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park

Wuxi Changqiao Ocean Kingdom - Wuxi, Jiangsu, China (2.0) 2
1.0 Unknown (Wild x Wild) 0000-00-00 in Western North Pacific (Capture)
1.0 Unknown (Wild x Wild) 0000-00-00 in Western North Pacific (Capture)

SunAsia Beluga Whale World - Yingkou, Liaoning, China (0.2) 2
0.1 Unknown (Wild x Wild) 0000-00-00 in Western North Pacific (Capture)
0.1 Unknown (Wild x Wild) 0000-00-00 in Western North Pacific (Capture)

Kamogawa Sea World - Kamogawa, Chiba, Japan (0.4) 4
0.1 Lovey (Bingo x Stella) 1998-01-11 at Kamogawa Sea World
0.1 Lara (Bingo x Stella) 2001-02-08 at Kamogawa Sea World
0.1 Ran II (Bingo x Stella) 2006-02-25 at Kamogawa Sea World
0.1 Luna (Oscar x Lovey) 2012-07-19 at Kamogawa Sea World

Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium - Nagoya, Aichi, Japan (1.2) 3
0.1 Stella (Wild x Wild) 1986-00-00 in Eastern North Atlantic (Capture)
1.0 Earth (Oscar x Lovey) 2008-10-13 at Kamogawa Sea World
0.1 Lynn (Bingo x Stella) 2012-11-13 at Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium
 
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Mary said:
Has there been an official new park chosen for Marineland's orcas? I'm still so saddened they are moving them, they have some of the very best exhibit space, public outreach and sensible programs in the world.
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From what I have heard they are going to be split up between the three parks listed above. Marineland no longer has the funds to care for them sadly hence their move.
 
Jambo said:
Wulong is a very similar name to Yilong. I wonder if there was a connection made there with them being brothers or if it was more of a coincidence.
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According to a member of a cetacean Discord I'm in who speaks Chinese, the calves (or at least their public names, which may not be what they're called behind the scenes) are being named after the number of their birth + the suffix -long, for Chimelong. 1 is pronounced like "yi", so the firstborn calf was named Yilong, 5 is pronounced like "wu", so Wulong, etc. The number 4 is considered to be unlucky, though, so maybe the mystery calf won't be named Silong.
 
PantheraLeoMelanochaita said:
According to a member of a cetacean Discord I'm in who speaks Chinese, the calves (or at least their public names, which may not be what they're called behind the scenes) are being named after the number of their birth + the suffix -long, for Chimelong. 1 is pronounced like "yi", so the firstborn calf was named Yilong, 5 is pronounced like "wu", so Wulong, etc. The number 4 is considered to be unlucky, though, so maybe the mystery calf won't be named Silong.
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Yeah that would make sense, although it’s interesting that Loki and Katniss have different names, not following that naming trend.

Maybe ‘Yilong’ and ‘Wulong’ are in fact their ‘public names’ and ‘Loki’ and ‘Katniss’ are the BTS names for them respectively.
 
Mary said:
Has there been an official new park chosen for Marineland's orcas? I'm still so saddened they are moving them, they have some of the very best exhibit space, public outreach and sensible programs in the world.
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Jonathan Petersson said:
From what I have heard they are going to be split up between the three parks listed above. Marineland no longer has the funds to care for them sadly hence their move.
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Can certainly agree regarding their exhibit space. The pools are absolutely huge and certainly the biggest in the world by a fair margin.

Considering Marineland only have three orcas left following Inouk’s recent death, I’d assume that means one whale for each park. Logically speaking, Wikie will probably go to Suma joining the new pod there as it would be easier for her to establish herself with the younger females from Kamogawa (if they are the ones being sent there). That would then leave the two males for Kamogawa and Nagoya respectively, if we go on ages and therefore suitable mates, Inouk to Kamogawa and Keijo to Nagoya makes the most sense.

In saying that, I do hope Kamogawa expand their facilities asap. Especially if they plan to acquire an additional male, whom may occasionally require separation, especially with a calf on the way too.
 
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Jambo said:
Considering Marineland only have three orcas left following Inouk’s recent death, I’d assume that means one whale for each park. Logically speaking, Wikie will probably go to Suma joining the new pod there as it would be easier for her to establish herself with the younger females from Kamogawa (if they are the ones being sent there). That would then leave the two males for Kamogawa and Nagoya respectively, if we go on ages and therefore suitable mates, Inouk to Kamogawa and Moana to Nagoya makes the most sense.

In saying that, I do hope Kamogawa expand their facilities asap. Especially if they plan to acquire an additional male, whom may occasionally require separation, especially with a calf on the way too.
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Just a correction. Moana is the one that recently passed away. Inouk is the older one and Keijo the youngest.
 
Jambo said:
Can certainly agree regarding their exhibit space. The pools are absolutely huge and certainly the biggest in the world by a fair margin.

Considering Marineland only have three orcas left following Inouk’s recent death, I’d assume that means one whale for each park. Logically speaking, Wikie will probably go to Suma joining the new pod there as it would be easier for her to establish herself with the younger females from Kamogawa (if they are the ones being sent there). That would then leave the two males for Kamogawa and Nagoya respectively, if we go on ages and therefore suitable mates, Inouk to Kamogawa and Keijo to Nagoya makes the most sense.

In saying that, I do hope Kamogawa expand their facilities asap. Especially if they plan to acquire an additional male, whom may occasionally require separation, especially with a calf on the way too.
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Marineland definitely has the best habitat for killer whales currently and it is a shame that they are leaving to move to much smaller spaces. I also personally love the killer whale show at Marineland and like how it seems to be more relaxed and peaceful then SeaWorld etc. Unfortunately there seems to be no plans for an expansion at Kamogawa (Even though it is very much needed!). I do agree though that it would make sense for Wikie to be going to Suma and I would worry about aggression between her and Stella or Lovey.
 
Naja at Moskvarium gave birth to a female calf (the father is the late Nord) on the 29th. Apparently the birth was strenuous but luckily the baby is healthy and Naja is showing maternal instincts. I’m hoping the best for these two!

Москвариум on Instagram: "У нас случилось настоящее новогоднее чудо! После 10 часов тяжелейших родов косатка Ная родила здоровую малышку Наши специалисты приняли первые в России роды косатки в искусственной среде обитания. Это было непросто, но благодаря командной работе все закончилось хорошо: на свет появилась девочка около 2 метров в длину и весом 150 кг. Малышка самостоятельно всплыла на поверхность и сделала первый вдох, а Ная быстро сориентировалась и начала помогать ей в адаптации. Детеныш держится рядом с мамой и очень на нее ориентирована. Специалисты «Москвариума» продолжают круглосуточное наблюдение за животными, поскольку период новорожденности является самым критичным для китообразных. Сейчас главная задача, чтобы Ная смогла восстановиться после сложных родов, наладила молочное кормление, а детеныш развивался без патологий и окреп. Сейчас косаткам нужен покой и эмоциональный комфорт. В ближайшее время мама и малышка не будут представлены широкой публике. Но вы можете следить за их историей на сайте (ссылка в профиле)"
 
BlobfishBoy said:
Naja at Moskvarium gave birth to a female calf (the father is the late Nord) on the 29th. Apparently the birth was strenuous but luckily the baby is healthy and Naja is showing maternal instincts. I’m hoping the best for these two!

Москвариум on Instagram: "У нас случилось настоящее новогоднее чудо! После 10 часов тяжелейших родов косатка Ная родила здоровую малышку Наши специалисты приняли первые в России роды косатки в искусственной среде обитания. Это было непросто, но благодаря командной работе все закончилось хорошо: на свет появилась девочка около 2 метров в длину и весом 150 кг. Малышка самостоятельно всплыла на поверхность и сделала первый вдох, а Ная быстро сориентировалась и начала помогать ей в адаптации. Детеныш держится рядом с мамой и очень на нее ориентирована. Специалисты «Москвариума» продолжают круглосуточное наблюдение за животными, поскольку период новорожденности является самым критичным для китообразных. Сейчас главная задача, чтобы Ная смогла восстановиться после сложных родов, наладила молочное кормление, а детеныш развивался без патологий и окреп. Сейчас косаткам нужен покой и эмоциональный комфорт. В ближайшее время мама и малышка не будут представлены широкой публике. Но вы можете следить за их историей на сайте (ссылка в профиле)"
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Awesome news, and definitely the absolute best case scenario!

A seem less birth and a healthy calf is always the best scenario, but when you consider the other factors here it’s also wonderful to see Naja’s demonstrating the right maternal instincts towards the calf.

Hopefully Naja continues to show this and the calf continues to remain healthy too.

It’ll be interesting to see the sex of the calf too - a female would probably be better for the long term, especially if they are to remain in Russia.
 
Jambo said:
Awesome news, and definitely the absolute best case scenario!

A seem less birth and a healthy calf is always the best scenario, but when you consider the other factors here it’s also wonderful to see Naja’s demonstrating the right maternal instincts towards the calf.

Hopefully Naja continues to show this and the calf continues to remain healthy too.

It’ll be interesting to see the sex of the calf too - a female would probably be better for the long term, especially if they are to remain in Russia.
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The post’s translation mentions it is a girl a few times, but I’m not sure if that’s just a translation thing or actual confirmation of a gender.
 
Earlier today Chimelong Spaceship for the first time uncovered the underwater viewing window looking into Pool C, one of the orca exhibit’s back pools, for the public debut of Katenka and her calf, together with Katniss and Loki. However, a curtain has been installed in front of that window, so it can be closed off to give the whales rest and privacy if needed.

http://xhslink.com/cLOsoy

http://xhslink.com/dgnSpy

Sina Visitor System

It is also possible either Nukka or Jade has been transferred to the Spaceship as well but I can't confirm at the moment.
 
katinakalinakaterina said:
Earlier today Chimelong Spaceship for the first time uncovered the underwater viewing window looking into Pool C, one of the orca exhibit’s back pools, for the public debut of Katenka and her calf, together with Katniss and Loki. However, a curtain has been installed in front of that window, so it can be closed off to give the whales rest and privacy if needed.

http://xhslink.com/cLOsoy

http://xhslink.com/dgnSpy

Sina Visitor System

It is also possible either Nukka or Jade has been transferred to the Spaceship as well but I can't confirm at the moment.
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The fact that Katenka is now caring for four young calves is quite heartbreaking. I do wonder why they haven’t given any of the other females the chance to foster mother Loki?
 
Jambo said:
The fact that Katenka is now caring for four young calves is quite heartbreaking. I do wonder why they haven’t given any of the other females the chance to foster mother Loki?
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Definitely, surely they should be grouping Sonya with Katenka at the very least to allow her to learn some maternal behaviour. I also wonder why they left the other two females at the breeding base rather than two of the males as having them together would allow them to learn from each other especially given that the mother of Loki rejected him and grouping her with Katenka would allow her to learn. I guess it's possibly a problem associated with their males outnumbering females and different locations as they would usually be able to group mothers with young calves together much as SeaWorld did with Kalina, Takara and Taima around the time Malia was born.
 
katinakalinakaterina said:
Definitely, surely they should be grouping Sonya with Katenka at the very least to allow her to learn some maternal behaviour. I also wonder why they left the other two females at the breeding base rather than two of the males as having them together would allow them to learn from each other especially given that the mother of Loki rejected him and grouping her with Katenka would allow her to learn. I guess it's possibly a problem associated with their males outnumbering females and different locations as they would usually be able to group mothers with young calves together much as SeaWorld did with Kalina, Takara and Taima around the time Malia was born.
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If there was indeed a calf born recently at the breeding base, perhaps that’s the reason why the other two females remained - ie. one of the two females was too far into pregnancy to be shifted across to the spaceship.
 
Jambo said:
If there was indeed a calf born recently at the breeding base, perhaps that’s the reason why the other two females remained - ie. one of the two females was too far into pregnancy to be shifted across to the spaceship.
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Maybe, I wonder how far into pregnancy is considered too far along to move, Katenka would have been between 10 and 13 months pregnant when she was moved to the Spaceship in July 2023 which seems fairly far along to be hoisted and transported. Not to mention risk to calf due to stress, obviously the calf was born seemingly fine but it should have still been a consideration.
 
katinakalinakaterina said:
Maybe, I wonder how far into pregnancy is considered too far along to move, Katenka would have been between 10 and 13 months pregnant when she was moved to the Spaceship in July 2023 which seems fairly far along to be hoisted and transported. Not to mention risk to calf due to stress, obviously the calf was born seemingly fine but it should have still been a consideration.
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That’s true, it’s possible this female was very heavily pregnant ie. one month or so left in gestation. Since Chimelong apparently had ‘three calves’ back in September we can probably assume this calf was born not long after. Also potentially ties in with Loki’s transfer to the spaceship too.

I’m not aware of any orca being transferred that deep into pregnancy and having a successful calf; Kalina’s probably the closest afaik but she was only halfway through gestation when she was transferred to Orlando pregnant with Keto.
 
Just realized I made a mistake on the population list with Corky as her birthyear is 1965 not 1966. Today she celebrated her 59th birthday making her the oldest whale ever in captivity and she is still going strong! Also today is Ulises birthday making him the oldest male orca ever in captivity at 46 years old.
 
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