The youngest orca at SeaWorld San Diego has tragically passed away, just one day after it showed a few signs of illness.
According to local media outlets, six-year-old Amaya fell sick on the 18th of this month and then passed away suddenly at San Diego’s SeaWorld. While the exact cause of death of the beloved animal remains unknown, investigations are on the rise, explained experts.
In the same way, a post mortem examination of the orca is currently underway too, they confirmed.
After showing signs and symptoms of her illness, authorities also revealed how animal care experts began their treatment immediately as veterans at the famous Theme Park looked on.
But the next day, she was found dead with the cause of death being unclear. The news spread immense grief across the board with specialists doing their level best at finding out what really went wrong.
How did a young killer whale’s health decline so quickly is a question on so many people’s minds. But experts mentioned how they may only be able to find answers to the mystery in a while as such investigations may take up to several weeks in duration.
The name Amaya is the Japanese term for ‘light rain’, explained experts. She was reportedly the youngest orca present in SeaWorld, with her mother Kalia and father Ulises present nearby too.
SeaWorld released a statement to the press recently where they boldly declared how ‘her death was so sudden and unexpected too.
’ In the same way, they also went on to add how this was a very difficult time for those who knew and loved the young orca. Moreover, they reminisced about the great ways through which she managed to inspire millions of guests who lined up just to get an up-close and personal glimpse of her.
The statement also revealed how the specialists that looked after Amaya are absolutely heartbroken and devastated over the news.