WHALE DEATH
SeaWorld Orlando whale Fredi dies after ‘persistent health problems’ in fourth death in three years
The pilot whale was one of 24 rescued from a mass stranding in Cudjoe Key, Floriday Keys in 2011
A WHALE has died at SeaWorld Orlando in Florida after suffering "persistent health problems".
Fredi, a pilot whale, is the fourth whale to die in the park in three years after Orca Kayla lost her life in January.
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The latest animal to die was one of 24 rescued from a mass stranding in Cudjoe Key, Floriday Keys in 2011.
Her death yesterday leaves just three pilot whales left at Shamu Stadium.
A spokesperson for SeaWorld Orlando said: "Whales and dolphins that strand, full recovery is nor always guaranteed.
"This pilot whale faced continued health issues since her initial stranding.
"In recent months her condition progressed, requiring advanced monitoring and care by the SeaWorld veterinary and animal care teams.
"Despite that full effort, her health and quality of life declined recently and she was no longer responding to treatment.
"Fredi has inspired millions of guests and her care team, and she will be forever missed."
STRING OF DEATHS
The Orca which died at the park in January, Kayla, died after her health also deteriorated and she started showing signs of discomfort, according to the park's officials.
Kayla was born in captivity at SeaWorld San Antonio in 1988 before moving round parks to Orlando in 2006.
Her death led triggered increased pressure from the public to close its killer whale programme.
Katasha died of lung disease at the San Diego park two years ago and another Tilikum - the whale made famous in the documentary Blackfish - died at the Orlando park in 2017.
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The 2013 documentary criticised the park's captivity practices and said SeaWorld was putting the animals and their trainers performing in live shows in danger.
In the same year, Kyara, the last ever killer whale to be born at SeaWorld, died aged just three months old after contracting pneumonia in San Antonio, Texas.
The calf died just two weeks after a baby beluga whale died at the controversial Orlando park.
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