Orca Homepage has been retired in October 2018 and is no longer updated. Data and images of "Orcas in Captivity" have been transferred to
Inherently Wild.


Orcas

in

Captivity
Kim 2 (Marineland Antibes, France)

A look at killer whales in aquariums and parks

Current number of known orcas in captivity: 63



For pictures of a certain whale simply click on the whale's name!


sorted by date of capture/birth
NAME MOTHER SEX ORIGIN CAPT./BORN AQUARIUM REMARKS
1960<
Corky 2 / A16 A23? F BC, Canada 1969/12/12 SeaWorld California Corky was about 3 years old when captured. She is a member of the Northern Resident killer whale population. Reportedly she is blind on one eye. She experienced 7 (seven!) unsuccessful pregnancies, with no calf surviving more than 46 days. Corky measures about 19.7 feet and weighs in at around 8,335 pounds (March 2016).
1970<
Lolita L pod F WA, USA 1970/8/8 Miami Seaquarium Lolita, also known as Tokitae, was about 4 years old when captured. She is a member of the Southern Resident killer whale population. According to an older newspaper article (Ocala Star-Banner - 24. Oct. 1981)), Lolita was pregnant a few times when she was still together with her mate Hugo but never delivered a live offspring. She measures about 20 feet and weighs in at around 7,500 pounds (February 2004).
Katina ? F Iceland 1978/10/26 SeaWorld Florida Katina, also known as Kandu 6, was about 2 years old when captured. She became the first "successful" mother in captivity with her calf Kalina. Katina measures about 17 feet and weighs in at around 5,400 pounds (March 2016).
Kiska ? F Iceland 1979/10 Marineland Ontario Kiska was about 3 years old when captured. She measures about 20 feet and weighs in at around 6,500 pounds (July 2006).
1980<
Ulises ? M Iceland 1980/11/19 SeaWorld California Ulises, sometimes spelled Ulysses, was about 3 years old when captured. He spent a long time alone in Barcelona, Spain. Ulises measures about 19.5 feet and weighs in at around 9,579 pounds (March 2016).
Stella ? F Iceland 1987/10 Port of Nagoya Aquarium, Japan Stella was about 1 year old when captured. She measures about 17 feet and weighs in at around 4,850 pounds (2012).
Orkid Kandu 5 F captivity 1988/9/23 SeaWorld California Orkid is sometimes mispelled Orchid. Her mother Kandu 5 died in August 1989. Orkid's father was Orky 2, who died three days after her birth. She measures about 18.8 feet and weighs in at around 6,100 pounds (May 2015). Orkid has been artificially inseminated several times, but so far without success.
Kayla Kenau F captivity 1988/11/26 SeaWorld Florida Kayla's mother Kenau died in August 1991. Her father was Orky 2, who died before her birth. Kayla measures about 18.7 feet and weighs in at around 5,840 pounds (July 2017).
1990<
Takara Kasatka F captivity 1991/7/9 SeaWorld Texas Takara measures about 17.3 feet and weighs in at around 4,700 pounds (May 2015). Her father was Kotar, who died in April 1995. Takara is pregnant again, being due around April 2017.
Kyuquot Haida 2 M captivity 1991/12/24 SeaWorld Texas Kyuquot's mother Haida 2 died in August 2001. His father is Tilikum. Kyuquot, also known as Ky or mispelled as Kyuquet, was born at Sealand Victoria, Canada. He measures about 22 feet and weighs in at around 9,300 pounds (March 2015).
Kshamenk ? M Argentina 1992/9/19 Mundo Marino, Buenos Aires Kshamenk, sometimes mispelled as Sharmenk or Shamenk, was about 4 years old when captured. He was forced to strand. Kshamenk measures about 19.5 feet and weighs in at around 7,800 pounds (March 2005). He is owned by the State of Argentina, not the aquarium Mundo Marino.
Keet Kalina M captivity 1993/2/2 SeaWorld California Keet was separated from his mother at the age of 1 year 8 months to support Kalina's next pregnancy. His father was Kotar, who died in April 1995. Keet measures about 19 feet and weighs in at around 8,000 pounds (March 2016).
Shouka Sharkan F captivity 1993/2/25 SeaWorld California Shouka measures about 16.3 feet and weighs in at around 4,800 pounds (March 2015). Her father was Kim 2, who died in November 2005.
Keto Kalina M captivity 1995/6/17 Loro Parque Tenerife, Spain Keto, sometimes mispelled as Kito, measures about 20.5 feet (2015) and weighs in at 8,205 pounds (March 2018). His father was Kotar, who died before his birth.
Lovey Stella F captivity 1998/1/11 Kamogawa Sea World, Japan Lovey, also known as Oyako, became the first surviving captive born calf in Japan after 5 unsuccessful pregnancies. Her father is Bingo. Lovey measures about 16.7 feet and weighs in at around 4,630 pounds (April 2013).
Inouk Sharkan M captivity 1999/2/23 Marineland Antibes, France Inouk measures about 17 feet and weighs in at around 6,200 pounds (February 2016). His father was Kim 2, who died in November 2005.
Tuar Kalina M captivity 1999/6/22 SeaWorld Texas Kalina's latest calf first had been named Flash but people were unhappy with that name. Then he was named Tuar in an on-line poll. His father is Tilikum. Tuar measures about 19 feet (June 2014) and weighs in at around 7,000 pounds (July 2015).
2000<
Tekoa Taima M captivity 2000/11/8 Loro Parque Tenerife, Spain Tekoa's mother Taima died in June 2010. His father is Tilikum. Tekoa measures about 18.9 feet and weighs in at 5,875 pounds (March 2018).
Lara Stella F captivity 2001/2/8 Kamogawa Sea World, Japan Lara measures about 17,4 feet and weighs in at around 4,800 pounds (February 2016). Her father is Bingo.
Wikie Sharkan F captivity 2001/6/1 Marineland Antibes, France Wikie, sometimes mispelled Wiki, measures about 17.1 feet and weighs in at around 4,500 pounds (August 2012). Her father was Kim 2, who died in November 2005. There are rumours that Wikie is pregnant again via artificial insemination.
Nakai Kasatka M captivity 2001/9/1 SeaWorld California Nakai measures about 18 feet (May 2015) and weighs in at around 7,000 pounds (August 2017). His father is Tilikum, via artificial insemination.
Kohana Takara F captivity 2002/5/3 Loro Parque Tenerife, Spain Kohana (Japanese for "little flower") had been referred to as Makea on the internet prior to her official naming. Her father is Tilikum, via artificial insemination. Kohana measures about 17.3 feet and weighs in at 4,555 pounds (March 2018).
Ikaika Katina M captivity 2002/8/25 SeaWorld California Ikaika measures about 19 feet and weighs in at around 7,200 pounds (July 2017). His father is Tilikum.
Skyla Kalina F captivity 2004/2/9 Loro Parque Tenerife, Spain Skyla measures about 17.6 feet and weighs in at 4,490 pounds (March 2018). Her father is Tilikum.
Kalia Kasatka F captivity 2004/12/21 SeaWorld California Kalia's father is Keet. She measures about 16 feet and weighs in at around 4,600 pounds (April 2016).
Trua Takara M captivity 2005/11/23 SeaWorld Florida Trua (Icelandic for "believe") measures about 18 feet and weighs in at around 5,500 pounds (July 2017). His father was Taku, who died in October 2007.
Ran 2 Stella F captivity 2006/2/25 Kamogawa Sea World, Japan Ran 2 (Japanese for "orchid"), sometimes spelled Lan, measures about 16.4 feet and weighs in at around 3,750 pounds (February 2016). Her father is Bingo.
Nalani Katina F captivity 2006/9/18 SeaWorld Florida Nalani measures about 16 feet and weighs in at around 4,000 pounds (July 2017). Her father was Taku, who died in October 2007.
Malia Taima F captivity 2007/3/12 SeaWorld Florida Malia (Hawaiian for "calm and peaceful") measures about 17.5 feet and weighs in at around 4,300 pounds (July 2017). Her father is Tilikum.
Earth Lovey M captivity 2008/10/13 Port of Nagoya Aquarium, Japan Earth measures about 14.1 feet and weighs in at around 2,865 pounds (December 2015). His father is Oscar.
2010<
Sakari Takara F captivity 2010/1/7 SeaWorld Texas Sakari measures about 14 feet and weighs in at around 3,100 pounds (July 2017). Her father is Tilikum.
Morgan ? F Norway 2010/6/23 Loro Parque Tenerife, Spain Morgan (Welsh for "bright shining sea") was about three years old when captured in the Netherlands. She measures about 17.2 feet and weighs in at 5,195 pounds (March 2018). Morgan is pregnant with a due date around early fall.
Makaio Katina M captivity 2010/10/9 SeaWorld Florida Makaio (Hawaiian for "gift of god") measures about 13 feet and weighs in at around 2,800 pounds (July 2017). His father is Tilikum.
Adán Kohana M captivity 2010/10/13 Loro Parque Tenerife, Spain Adán (Spanish for "Adam") measures about 14.1 feet (2016) and weighs in at 2,950 pounds (March 2018). His father is Keto.
Moana Wikie M captivity 2011/3/16 Marineland Antibes, France Moana (Polynesian for "Ocean") measures about 12 feet and weighs in at around 1,760 pounds (March 2014). His father is Ulises, via artificial insemination.
Luna Lovey F captivity 2012/7/19 Kamogawa Sea World, Japan Luna measures about 7.8 feet and weighs in at around 620 pounds (November 2012). Her father is Oscar.
Narnia ? F Russia 2012/8/11 Moscow Dolphinarium and Aquarium, Russia Narnia was about 5 years old when captured. She measures 18 feet and weighs about 5,952 pounds (Dec 2014).
Rin / Lynn / Lin Stella F captivity 2012/11/13 Port of Nagoya Aquarium, Japan Rin, also called Lynn or Lin, measures about 13.8 feet and weighs in at around 2,645 pounds (July 2017). Her father is Bingo.
Makani Kasatka M captivity 2013/2/14 SeaWorld California Makani (Hawaiian for "Wind") measures about 13 feet and weighs in at around 2,700 pounds (July 2017). His father is Kshamenk, via artificial insemination.
Grace ? F Russia 2013/8/13 Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, China Grace was about 3 years old when captured, measuring 12.3 feet and weighing about 1,322 pounds at that time.
Orpheus ? M Russia 2013/8/13 Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, China Orpheus was about 8 years old when captured, measuring 18.3 feet and weighing about 4,960 pounds at that time.
Nord ? M Russia 2013/8/13 Moscow Dolphinarium and Aquarium, Russia Nord was about 5 years old when captured. He measures 14.7 feet and weighs about 3,748 pounds (Dec 2014).
no name ? F Russia 2013/10 Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, China -
no name ? ? Russia 2013/10 Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, China -
Keijo Wikie M captivity 2013/11/20 Marineland Antibes, France Keijo (Finnish for "Elf" or "Supernatural Being") weighs about 330 pounds (Jan 2014). His father is Wikie's half-brother Valentin.
Kamea Takara F captivity 2013/12/6 SeaWorld Texas Kamea (Hawaiian for "Precious One") measures about 12 feet and weighs in at around 2,000 pounds (July 2017). Her father is Kshamenk, via artificial insemination.
no name ? ? Russia 2014/7 Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, China -
no name ? ? Russia 2014/7 Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, China -
no name ? ? Russia 2014/7 Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, China -
Juliet / Naja ? F Russia 2014/7 Moscow Dolphinarium and Aquarium, Russia Juliet (stage name) or Naja ("real" name), previously also nicknamed Malyshka (Russian for "baby girl"), was about four years old when captured. She weighs about 2,425 pounds (Dec 2014).
Amaya Kalia F captivity 2014/12/2 SeaWorld California Amaya (Japanese for "night rain") measures about 11 feet and weighs in at around 1,550 pounds (July 2017). Her father is probably Ulises, via artificial insemination.
no name ? ? Russia 2015/7 Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, China -
no name ? ? Russia 2015/7 Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, China -
Malvina ? F Russia 2015/7 Seaside Dolphinarium, Nakhodka, Russia there's unconfirmed information that Malvina has escaped or died in late 2016
no name ? ? Russia 2016/9 Shanghai Haichang Polar Ocean World, China temporarily held at Dalian Laohutan Ocean Park
no name ? ? Russia 2016/9 Shanghai Haichang Polar Ocean World, China temporarily held at Dalian Laohutan Ocean Park
no name ? ? Russia 2016? Shanghai Haichang Polar Ocean World, China temporarily held at Dalian Laohutan Ocean Park
no name ? ? Russia 2016? Shanghai Haichang Polar Ocean World, China temporarily held at Dalian Laohutan Ocean Park
no name ? ? Russia 2016? Wuxi Changqiao Ocean Kingdom, China allegedly transported to China at the end of 2017, no confirmation yet
no name ? ? Russia 2016? Wuxi Changqiao Ocean Kingdom, China allegedly transported to China at the end of 2017, no confirmation yet
no name ? ? Russia 2018/8/5 unknown facility, Russia destination China?
no name ? ? Russia 2018/8/5 unknown facility, Russia destination China?
no name Morgan F captivity 2018/9/22 Loro Parque Tenerife, Spain gender unknown yet
Growth rate defined by Duffield and Miller (1988) was used to estimate the age from the length at time of capture.

If you wonder how many orcas were in captivity because they had to be rescued, the answer is not many. To my knowledge the only cases have been Washington State's Sandy in 1973, British Columbia's Miracle in 1977, California's Surfer Girl in 1979, Mexico's Pascuala in 2007 (none of them survived very long in captivity) and Morgan in 2010, who I still hope will one day be rescued out of Loro Parque and get back to her native Norwegian waters. The marine park industry might mention Argentina's Kshamenk as well, but he was actually forced to strand and didn't have to be rescued from anything except human greed...

captive orcas by aquarium
captive orcas by origin

Sources:

Thank you very much to Andreas Stüger for overhauling the captivity pages regarding statistics and links!


Take a look at orcas deceased in captivity (last updated October 19, 2018)

These facilities are keeping orcas captive (last updated September 25, 2018)

About orcas that escaped or were released from captivity (last updated September 19, 2018)

Violent incidents between humans and orcas in captivity (last updated September 28, 2016)

A look at separation of mothers and calves in captivity (last updated January 11, 2016)

Study about the impact of the 1962-1973 captures on the Southern Resident orcas

Study about the Icelandic live-capture fishery for killer whales, 1976-1988

The Story of the Taiji 5

The Story of Whale and Eagle

Thoughts on keeping cetaceans captive

Some information about whale teeth (Thank you, Danielle!).


Get to know some Orca Facts, Stories and Books

Visit my first adoption whale Elwha

Get information about The Lolita Come Home Project

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