Orca Injured at SeaWorld: Understated or Under Control?
SeaWorld San Diego’s “One Ocean” show. Photo credit: SeaWorld.
Recent reports have confirmed the injury that was sustained by Nakai, an 11-year-old Orca at Sea World on September 20th.
Nakai injured his chin on an edge of the pool while performing a night show with two other whales.
“Nakai is currently receiving antibiotics and the veterinarians are pleased with the healing progress of his wound,” said Sea World spokesman Dave Koontz. He is “swimming comfortably and interacting with other killer whales.”
However, Sea World’s account of the injury is being questions after photos of Nakai turned up on the internet. The photos were taken from a video made from a visitor on September 27, and the injury looks very serious. Many have commented that the injury was too severe to be cause by “bumping” into the side of the pool.
You can read more about the incident, and other whale injuries at sea world, here:
- Orca Seriously Injured at Sea World
- Sea World account of orca injury questioned
- Ike’s Injuries at Seaworld (Dec 2011)
- Orcas Outside: Ike’s new chin injury
Orcas. Photo Credit: Dr. Brandon Southall, NMFS/OPR.
Copyright © 2012 by Marine Science Today, a publication of Marine Science Today LLC.
