And that orca’s name is Kiska.

Kiska is Canada’s only captive orca and lives in a pool at Marineland, Niagara. Approximately 40 years ago, Kiska was captured off the shores of Iceland when she was only two years old.

Since then, Kiska has birthed five calves in this establishment; however, each one of her has died – her oldest living to be only five years old.

Orcas are highly intelligent beings with a vast emotional capacity. In the wild, these animals live in complex social pods. They even have their own cultural dialect passed on through generations. They have a tight grasp on the world around them, and they possess a thorough understanding of loss and grief.

Kiska has experienced multiple tragedies in her lifetime and it’s time to show her some mercy; the relocation of Kiska to larger establishment with other orcas to interact with would be ideal for her emotional well-being.

It has been reported that since the death of Kiska’s last calf, her health has been gradually declining.

Recent photos that have been released and published on various media outlets show the alleged deterioration of Kiska’s dorsal fin as well as a sunken blow-hole, typically caused by malnutrition. This condition is generally referred to as peanut head, according to sources.

As per the OSPCA Standards of Care Act:

“Wildlife kept in captivity must be provided with a daily routine that facilitates

and stimulates natural movement and behaviour.”

According to sources, Kiska does not have such a routine: you can find her either floating idly in her tank or circling its edges.

“Wildlife kept in captivity must be kept in compatible social groups to ensure

the general welfare of the individual animals and of the group…”

Kiska has been referred to as the “world’s loneliest orca” by various professionals and animal advocacy groups.

“Every animal must be provided with adequate and appropriate food and

water.”

According to sources, Kiska receives a diet of dead fish and Jello. The Jello is to compensate for the fact that dead fish simply do not have a high enough water content for such a large animal. (This has not been confirmed with Marineland officials).

“A pen or other enclosed structure or area for wildlife kept in captivity must

be of an adequate and appropriate size,

(a) to facilitate and stimulate natural movement and behaviour;

(b) to enable each animal in the pen or other enclosed structure or area to keep an

adequate and appropriate distance from the other animals and people so that it

is not psychologically stressed…”

Her tank must have “one or more areas that are out of view of spectators.”

Kiska’s enclosure is much too small for her, making it impossible for her to swim as if she would in the wild. She also has nowhere to seek refuge from onlookers, which could easily result in psychological stress.

Multiple sources have confirmed that Kiska has absolutely no enrichment in her pool, and that the only source of stimulation she has is when her trainers interact with her.

And of course, it is important for each enclosure of any captive animal to be sanitary; however, sources say that Kiska’s tank has clouded, murky water with litter floating in it. The water is also chlorinated, which is no secret because she lives in stagnant water.

Kiska has a large group of activists fighting for her release to a sea pen, or even to be given to SeaWorld where she can at least be with other orcas.

We see you. We hear you. We’re here.

Read more about Kiska in the media:

Marineland’s killer whale is ill, animal rights group says

Save Kiska from Marineland (Youtube)

So, how can you help?

First and foremost, please take a moment to sign this petition to urge the release of Kiska to a sea pen or amore appropriate facility.

Now, take another moment to e-mail, call, and write the OSPCA to ask them why they aren’t upholding their Standards of Care:

16586 Woodbine Avenue, RR 3

Newmarket, ON L3Y 4W1

Phone: 905-898-7122

Toll Free: 1-888-ONT-SPCA

Fax: 905-853-8643

E-mail: cruelty@ospca.on.ca

Lastly, please show your support for the following groups by liking them on Facebook, following them on Twitter, and subscribing to their channels on Youtube!

Like Ontario Captive Animal Watch on Facebook, subscribe to their Youtube channel, and follow them on Twitter to stay updated on Kiska @OCAW_2014

TIP: use the #freekiska hashtag and tweet them! (Don’t forget to tweet and follow me too: @LauraOCAW)

Like Fins and Fluke on Facebook, follow them on Twitter: @FinsandFluke

Do the same for Orca United, follow them on Twitter: @OrcaUnited

And don’t forget Orca Conservancy, follow them on Twitter: @OrcaConservancy

*I am not responsible for any opinions expressed in the comment section. The statements in this article belong to me and are not a reflection of any animal welfare organization. All statements made in this article were made according to other sources, including the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.