Officials: SeaWorld killer whale in Orlando dies from complications while giving birth

SeaWorld killer whale dies while giving birth

ORLANDO, Fla. — Officials say a killer whale at SeaWorld Orlando has died from complications while giving birth.

The whale, a 20-year-old orca named Taima, died Sunday afternoon.

Park officials say Taima’s fetus was in an unusual position during the delivery. Park veterinarians attempted to assist but the complications were too severe.

The calf was stillborn.

Taima was born at the park in 1990 and had given birth successfully to three calves before.

She was one of two orcas pregnant at the park. Another, 32-year-old Katina is expected to give birth in October. Both were impregnated by Tilikum, the whale who drowned a trainer in February.

Information from: Orlando Sentinel, www.orlandosentinel.com