Yesterday, someone left a comment on an old posting, saying that there were only 2 whales on display at Marineland, and that Athena was missing, but presumed dead. I asked around with some unofficial sources, but no one knew anything. Yesterday evening, someone else left a comment saying that Athena had died on Sunday.
I searched online for information, but the only thing I could find were some comments left on a YouTube video posted 8+ months ago. Someone with the username bubblywums posted the following:
Yes, it is unfortunately true. It was never announced, but the trainers said she passed away for the off-season. It’s just Kiska and Ike left at Friendship Cove.
Someone else with the username yomellyyo posted the following:
Athena did infact pass recently. She all of a sudden got really sick and in 2 days she was gone. It was so fast no one could do anything to help. I know this because I work in Friendship Cove.
Slipstreams, a site I’ve linked to before, has no information. Orca Homepage has some basic information.
That’s sad news for everyone. So Marineland now only has two orca whales? I really thought they had more. I haven’t been since I was a kid so I haven’t followed all that well.
Well, there was a time they had many orcas (more than 4 or 5) but since a few years they are all dying one after the other… This is so sad. I don’t know what they are doing with their orcas but they should look about it.
Athena passed away in the spring.. due to being sick.
gee I wonder why the captive whale got sick and died unexpectedly?
Whales belong in an ocean not at a stupid useless amusement park. If you want to see whales go to the F’ing Ocean.
anyone who works at this sh*t oark is promoting cruelty to animals.
yes it is a shame.a shame that a beautiful animal was captured in the wild and forced to splash you morons. do you not understand? she was a free creature,she was enslaved and she died a slave. spend your money,then leave.she stayed and swam in a miniscule pond day after day. you people make me sick.
good on you ryan.
… Wow I think the sickest thing here is that marineland killed a toddler orca and didn’t even announce it to the public… Did they think people would forget about her??? Jesus christ! you kept her in a shit tank and made her do stupid tricks, killed her, and you can’t even build her a memorial or at least let everyone know?!?!?! Shame on you marineland, shame on you! Oh yeah this doesn’t really surprise me… Junior who?
There is some tension going on between Kiska and Ikaika now(since Kiska refuses to mate) Therefore they are seperated until further notice.
Contact me if have any Marine Mammal MLC related questions.