SeaWorld Orlando posted on their website that NOAA 301 who was called Fredi died on April 6, 2019. The whale had suffered from multiple medical issues.
In 2011, Fredi was one of 23 Whales which was stranded near Cudjoe Key. SeaWorld staff responded and saved eight whales. Two of the animals were healthy enough to be transported and released.
Fredi was unable to be released because the federal agency said in 2011 that the whale could not be released into the wild. Fredi spent his remaining days at SeaWorld.
The SeaWorld blog said in the past few months, the whale had no appetite, and was fatigued. Fredi was under the care of veterinarians who treated him for an infection.
As the health of Fredi declined, SeaWorld posted continuous health updates and asked for prayers.
SeaWorld wrote in Feb. 2019, even though Fredi had health difficulties, she has always recovered. However, the latest prognosis from the veterinarian has been bleak, as the whale is having a difficult time fighting off the infection.
This is the second whale to die at SeaWorld in 2019.
In Jan. 2019, a 30-year-old orca whale named Kayla died from unknown causes unexpectedly.
A spokesperson for the theme park, Lori Cherry said on April 7 that the cause of Kayla’s death had not been determined as of yet, and the results of the necropsy remain pending.
Written by Barbara Sobel
Sources:
Florida Today: Rescued pilot whale ‘Fredi’ dies at SeaWorld Orlando after long illness
Orlando Sentinal: SeaWorld Orlando whale Fredi dies after longtime health problems
Featured and Top Image Courtesy Of Jeff K’s Flikr Page
Center Image Courtesy of Thomas Hawk’s Flickr Page
