Marineland has been out of the news for a few years now. I occasionally see a very small group of protestors outside the park, but other than that, it’s been quiet. That all changed this week when a lawsuit and court decision came to light about the male Orca whale they have on loan from SeaWorld. I was under the impression that Ikaika (Ike) was under permanent loan from SeaWorld in exchange for several Beluga whales. Apparently there is more to it than that. Late last year, SeaWorld terminated the agreement and asked for Ike back. Marineland has refused to give him back, and now a court has ordered them to give the whale back. Marineland says they will appeal.
This is a big deal for Marineland. For decades now, they have been known for their Orca (killer) whales. If they lose Ike, they will only have one aging female Orca whale (Kiska is 32 years old, the 5th oldest Orca in captivity). If she goes, they will have none. They were really hoping that Ike and Kiska would produce some offspring, but it hasn’t happened yet.
You can read the following articles for full details:
- Niagara Falls Review – Marineland appeals ruling ordering it to give whale back to SeaWorld
- Ottawa Citizen – Marineland refuses to free Ike the Orca
- Toronto Star – Marineland ordered to return killer whale to SeaWorld
- Guelph Mercury – SeaWorld fights to get killer whale back from Canada’s Marineland
Actually Kiska is 35 years old. She was born in 1976 in the wild.
Your right D. I just reread the link that I included, and it said she was 3 years old when she was captured. She has been in captivity for 32 years, but is 35 years old.