Kasatka, pictured swimming with her daughter Kalia, was euthanised (Picture: Getty)

An orca whale has become the third whale to die at a SeaWorld theme park this year.

The theme park in San Diego, California, opted to euthanise Kasatka, a 42-year-old whale who had been suffering from lung disease for several years.

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She was a mother of four, grandmother of six and great grandmother of two, and entertained visitors as often as eight times a day.

In a statement, SeaWorld said: ‘Following lengthy treatment for a bacterial respiratory infection, or lung disease, Kasatka’s health and appetite significantly declined over the past several days, despite continually tailored treatments.


‘Kasatka’s veterinarians, who are experts in marine animal medicine, and her caretakers made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize her to prevent compromising her quality of life.’

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Kasatka at SeaWorld San Diego. She passed surrounded by those who loved her https://t.co/OauS7NmYPx pic.twitter.com/ZwRjoVV8HW — SeaWorld (@SeaWorld) August 16, 2017

SeaWorld has paid tribute to the orca (Picture: Getty)

Her death follows the passing of Tillikum in January and three-month-old orca calf Kyara just three weeks ago.



The park said the 10 remaining orcas are believed to be healthy, but any changes in their behaviour will be closely monitored.

Dan Ashe, president and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, said: ‘Nobody knows more about caring for killer whales than the professionals at SeaWorld.

PETA has criticised the theme park (Picture: Getty)

‘Having the privilege of working with these animals daily provides veterinarians and other animal care staff with the expertise and insight to make very difficult choices, like with Kasatka. Certainly, this was a difficult and wrenching decision, but I have absolutely no doubt that it was made with Kasatka’s best interest in mind.’

A post mortem will take place to determine the severity of the respiratory condition that has caused her health problems.

Meanwhile, PETA has insisted SeaWorld’s remaining animals should be moved to seaside sanctuaries in the wake of the death.

Executive vice president Tracy Reiman said: ‘The dead bodies at SeaWorld are stacking up about as fast as its stock is falling, with Kasatka dead just a few weeks after the death of her three-month-old granddaughter.’