WATCH ABOVE: A killer whale was born at SeaWorld San Diego Tuesday, and both mother and baby appear to be healthy, park officials said.
TORONTO – Cameras were rolling Tuesday as SeaWorld in San Diego welcomed a new baby orca whale into the world.
Kalia, who turns ten on December 21, gave birth to an unnamed healthy killer whale at Shamu Stadium while her family members, including mother Kasatka, swam close by.
“This is the seventh successful baby killer whale born right here at SeaWorld San Diego and I’ve been so fortunate to see four of them,” said Kristi Burtis, supervisor of animal training. “It gets more and more exciting each time.”
According to Fox 5, SeaWorld estimates the calf is anywhere between six and seven feet long while weighing between 300 and 350 pounds. Its gender is undetermined.
The San Diego park has experienced seven successful orca births in its 50-year history.
Staff will watch the calf closely over the next few days to ensure its health and safety.
“It will be crucial for us to look for signs of mom and baby bonding and also the beginnings of nursing,” Burtis told U-T San Diego.
The park, however, has come under recent criticism after being featured in the documentary Blackfish.
Reaction to the whale’s birth was lukewarm on social media.
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