Sea World Gold Coast Sea World Gold Coast

[Jambo]

Ramu II died of a gastric ulcer. The primary causes are bacterial infection by Helicobacter sp., parasitic infections, high dietary histamine, foreign body ingestion, and stress.

The stress of being removed from his pod, undertaking the furthest transit of any captive Orca and living in a small pool likely all contributed.

Being nine years old he certainly had to have been one of the oldest Orcas ever captured! Most of the time they were individuals around three to four years old as they were more easy going, easier to transport and also less adapted to the ocean in a way.

He was apparently highly aggressive too, and often attacked his trainers.

 

[Zorro]

Transient Orcas have been known to frequent the west coast, although i've never heard anything about the east coast. They usually have False Killer Whales and Bottlenoses on that side.

I remember a few years ago one of the seaworld people talking on the tv about the two known orca pods which frequent the east coast actually swimming past seaworld itself, there wad a event about five years ago that some members of one pod became stranded on sand banks on the inside of Frazer Island in Harvey bay

 

[Zoofan15]

Transient Orcas have been known to frequent the west coast, although i've never heard anything about the east coast. They usually have False Killer Whales and Bottlenoses on that side.

I remember a few years ago one of the seaworld people talking on the tv about the two known orca pods which frequent the east coast actually swimming past seaworld itself, there wad a event about five years ago that some members of one pod became stranded on sand banks on the inside of Frazer Island in Harvey bay

They have been sighted off the east coast, but these sightings are very rare:

'Highly mobile and difficult to predict': Killer whales remain a mystery in Australia's waters

 

[Zorro]

They have been sighted off the east coast, but these sightings are very rare:

'Highly mobile and difficult to predict': Killer whales remain a mystery in Australia's waters

I would say if these two pods are working the entire east coast from top to bottom sightings of them would not be to common but the staff at SW were aware of the approximate time they were due to pass Brisbane in fact I saw one of the staff commented that boats should give one group extra room because it was believed that the dominant male was quite aggressive and quite large around 30 feet.

 

[Jambo]

I remember a few years ago one of the seaworld people talking on the tv about the two known orca pods which frequent the east coast actually swimming past seaworld itself, there wad a event about five years ago that some members of one pod became stranded on sand banks on the inside of Frazer Island in Harvey bay

They have been sighted off the east coast, but these sightings are very rare:

'Highly mobile and difficult to predict': Killer whales remain a mystery in Australia's waters

They are rare sightings indeed, although Killer Whales are sometimes sighted coming into the waters south of Victoria, that's about the furthest they go. The scientists were attempting to find out whether the pods sighted on the east coast were the same pods from the west side, or completely seperate pods. Not sure if anything has come of this, although i'm sure they're just members that have split off from the western pods for some reason or another.

 

[Jambo]

I would say if these two pods are working the entire east coast from top to bottom sightings of them would not be to common but the staff at SW were aware of the approximate time they were due to pass Brisbane in fact I saw one of the staff commented that boats should give one group extra room because it was believed that the dominant male was quite aggressive and quite large around 30 feet.

As i've said, it's likely some members from pods located on the west coast that have split off and navigated over to the east side of Australia. As there hasn't been documented sightings since 2018, i'd assume they've probably made their way back over to the west side.

That's quite interesting, i've never heard of a wild male being aggressive, although 30 feet is MASSIVE! In comparison, Tilikum, the largest captive killer whale was only 23 feet long!

 

[Zoofan15]

Being nine years old he certainly had to have been one of the oldest Orcas ever captured! Most of the time they were individuals around three to four years old as they were more easy going, easier to transport and also less adapted to the ocean in a way.

He was apparently highly aggressive too, and often attacked his trainers.

That makes sense that he was aggressive given his age. Adolescence is 8-12 years, so training a wild young bull with surging hormones would have been no easy task.

The more commonly captured juveniles of three to four would have been far more manageable, with the routines and training they then received making it easier to manage them as they transitioned into adults.

 

[Zorro]

As i've said, it's likely some members from pods located on the west coast that have split off and navigated over to the east side of Australia. As there hasn't been documented sightings since 2018, i'd assume they've probably made their way back over to the west side.

That's quite interesting, i've never heard of a wild male being aggressive, although 30 feet is MASSIVE! In comparison, Tilikum, the largest captive killer whale was only 23 feet long!

I do remember they said there were some babies among the group at the time so perhaps he could have been protective towards them and yes that was the size quoted at the time

 

[Zoofan15]

I do remember they said there were some babies among the group at the time so perhaps he could have been protective towards them and yes that was the size quoted at the time

It’s noted that while Orca are seldom aggressive to people in the wild, aggression towards boats is frequently reported.

In Spain, multiple reports of aggression directed at boats were recorded, with most of the attacks by young males: Orcas: Facts about killer whales

The largest recorded Orca was a bull measuring 32 feet.

 

[Zorro]

As i've said, it's likely some members from pods located on the west coast that have split off and navigated over to the east side of Australia. As there hasn't been documented sightings since 2018, i'd assume they've probably made their way back over to the west side.

That's quite interesting, i've never heard of a wild male being aggressive, although 30 feet is MASSIVE! In comparison, Tilikum, the largest captive killer whale was only 23 feet long!

Also Orcas have been mentioned many times in regards to the former whaling’s station at Eden in twofold bay on the east coast working in with the whaler’s at the time some had names given by the whalers including Old Tom who’s bones are on display in a small museum there today

 

[Jambo]

It’s noted that while Orca are seldom aggressive to people in the wild, aggression towards boats is frequently reported.

In Spain, multiple reports of aggression directed at boats were recorded, with most of the attacks by young males: Orcas: Facts about killer whales

The largest recorded Orca was a bull measuring 32 feet.

Quite true. Orcas can be spooked by boats and become aggressive towards it, due to their size and also the tremendous noise they generate.

Keep in mind though, the boats attacked are sailing boats which would be going incredibly fast and the Orca's hunting instincts may kick in because of this. It could also just be rough play, which juvenile males do quite frequently.

BTW, Tilikum was 27 feet not 23. That's still considerably smaller than 32 though!

 

[Zoofan15]

Records of False Killer Whales Held at Sea World

With Sea World currently caring for a stranded False killer whale, I thought people might be interested in the records of their previous False killer whales:

0.1 Squirt
Born in the wild 00/00/1974
Arrived at Sea World 30/08/1982
Died at Sea World 21/04/1992
Cause of death: Hemorrhagic pneumonia

1.0 Lefty
Born in the wild 00/00/1972
Arrived at Sea World 05/09/1983
Died at Sea World 29/05/1984
Cause of death: Bacterial pneumonia

1.0 Moby
Born in the wild 00/00/1969
Arrived at Sea World 13/09/1983
Died at Sea World 12/07/1985
Cause of death: Stomach ulcer and Fungal infection

0.1 Shona
Born in the wild 00/00/1979
Arrived at Sea World 30/08/1985
Died at Sea World 21/07/1988
Cause of death: Acute pulmonary

0.1 Nina
Born in the wild 00/00/1975
Arrived at Sea World 09/09/1985
Died at Sea World 06/03/1992
Cause of death: Chronic abscessation

0.1 Willie
Born in the wild 00/00/1981
Arrived at Sea World 28/11/1985
Died at Sea World 10/12/1985
Cause of death: Bacterial pneumonia

0.1 Mia
Born in the wild 00/00/1985
Arrived at Sea World 15/09/1989
Fate Unknown
Cause of death: Unknown

It’s easy to see why Squirt (who I’d previously assumed to be male) was the most well known of Sea World’s False killer whales. She was the first to arrive and had outlived all those who arrived in the decade she lived at Sea World upon her death in 1992.

Half of the known deaths were attributed to pneumonia, which is the leading cause of mortality in captive cetaceans; with another two dying of a stomach ulcer and abscessation respectively - also common causes of mortality.

 

[WhistlingKite24]

An update on the False Killer Whale which remains in a critical care situation. The team believe that an ongoing respiratory illness could have caused the initial stranding and vets are now treating this illness accordingly. Information from social media.

 

[Tigergal]

Hey everyone, just wondering if you think Sea World is worth a visit just for the animals? I’m not a rides person but really want to see a Polar Bear (On my last visit in 2015 they were off display), but I’ve recently looked at tickets and it’s $110 for the day

 

[Zoofan15]

Hey everyone, just wondering if you think Sea World is worth a visit just for the animals? I’m not a rides person but really want to see a Polar Bear (On my last visit in 2015 they were off display), but I’ve recently looked at tickets and it’s $110 for the day

The Polar bear exhibit is stunning and ranked highly by keepers throughout the region. It’s your only chance to see Polar bears without leaving Australasia.

In addition, they have:

- A dolphin nursery pool
- A large Antarctic penguin exhibit with underwater viewing
- A large ray exhibit with over 100 rays
- A seabird aviary
- A seal harbour featuring various fur seals and sea lions
- The world’s largest man made lagoon for sharks

As well as other animal experiences and a wide variety of rides and shows.

A zoo lover wouldn’t necessarily travel any great distance to visit Sea World over say any one of the region’s zoos, but it’s the most animal oriented of the Gold Coast’s theme parks and if you’re anywhere near the Gold Coast, I’d definitely be taking advantage of the opportunity to go.

 

[Tigergal]

The Polar bear exhibit is stunning and ranked highly by keepers throughout the region. It’s your only chance to see Polar bears without leaving Australasia.

In addition, they have:

- A dolphin nursery pool
- A large Antarctic penguin exhibit with underwater viewing
- A large ray exhibit with over 100 rays
- A seabird aviary
- A seal harbour featuring various fur seals and sea lions
- The world’s largest man made lagoon for sharks

As well as other animal experiences and a wide variety of rides and shows.

A zoo lover wouldn’t necessarily travel any great distance to visit Sea World over say any one of the region’s zoos, but it’s the most animal oriented of the Gold Coast’s theme parks and if you’re anywhere near the Gold Coast, I’d definitely be taking advantage of the opportunity to go.

Thanks so much Zoofan! I’ll be up there for work, so I’ll definitely drop in through

 

[Jambo]

A seabird aviary

Where's the Seabird aviary located within the park?

 

[Zoofan15]

Where's the Seabird aviary located within the park?

On the left as you come in, past the penguin encounter and sea jellies.

Wikipedia gives this description:

The Seabird Rehabilitation Aviary is designed to house birds under care and rehabilitation. According to the official website, "many of the sea birds housed in this area will never return to the wild due to severe disabilities which have been caused mostly by mans' ignorance and careless ways. For example, we have received pelicans that have had a broken wing from being caught in fishing line. Their wings have since been amputated. Those that recover from their injuries are free to leave at any time."

 

[Jambo]

On the left as you come in, past the penguin encounter and sea jellies.

Wikipedia gives this description:

The Seabird Rehabilitation Aviary is designed to house birds under care and rehabilitation. According to the official website, "many of the sea birds housed in this area will never return to the wild due to severe disabilities which have been caused mostly by mans' ignorance and careless ways. For example, we have received pelicans that have had a broken wing from being caught in fishing line. Their wings have since been amputated. Those that recover from their injuries are free to leave at any time."

Thank you. I've researched online and it's actually an open aired pool connected to the main lake. It's located across from the dolphin lagoons. Not the 'aviary' I expected; I'd imagine all aviaries to be cages, lol.

 

[Zoofan15]

Thank you. I've researched online and it's actually an open aired pool connected to the main lake. It's located across from the dolphin lagoons. Not the 'aviary' I expected; I'd imagine all aviaries to be cages, lol.

I initially anticipated a walk through aviary with netting covering a pool for swimming etc.

However, having also read up on it, it seems the concept is that it allows rehabilitated birds to choose to leave if they feel ready to survive in the wild; but provides a safe haven if they choose to remain.