Fredi, a pilot whale rescued by SeaWorld from a mass stranding in 2011, has died after “persistent health concerns” over the past few years.
It’s the second whale to pass away at the aquatic park this year. Of Fredi’s species, only three short-finned pilot whales remain at Shamu Stadium, the Orlando Sentinel reported.
In January a 30-year-old orca, Kayla, died at SeaWorld after a brief illness, the Orlando Sentinel reported. The cause of death is still being determined.
NOAA 301, Fredi’s official name, had had “persistent health concerns” since her rescue, the park said on its blog, and was undergoing antimicrobial treatment for an infection.
“In recent months she had been showing signs of fatigue and loss of appetite,” SeaWorld said. “Through a physical exam and diagnostic samples, veterinarians discovered that 301 had an infection. Despite recent round the clock care, her health and quality of life continued to decline sharply.”
Fredi was one of two short-finned pilot whales that came to SeaWorld after the 2011 stranding and were deemed unable to survive in the wild.
The other, nicknamed Hundy, had intensive health issues, mostly likely because of being beached, and died in 2013.
SeaWorld is also caring for pilot whales NOAA 1202, 1203 and 1204 – that’s Ava, Ace and Piper – rescued in a second stranding. Short-finned pilot whales typically live anywhere from 35 to 60 years, BBC News noted.
“We do not believe 301’s infection was contagious, but we are continuing to monitor the rest of pod,” SeaWorld said.
Fredi was part of a group stranded off the Florida Keys, SeaWorld said. Two were released back into the ocean, eight initially survived, and 13 died on the beach.
Fredi never really bounced back from the ordeal, SeaWorld said. The eight years she spent at SeaWorld were “a second chance she would not have had otherwise,” the park said. She in turn “provided the rescue team with invaluable knowledge on how to respond to, and care for stranded animals. She inspired millions of guests and her care team, and she will be deeply missed.”
