SeaWorld newest killer whale calf

This holiday season, give the gift that keeps on giving - a name. For the first time in SeaWorld history, animal lovers worldwide will have the opportunity to vote on a name for SeaWorld Orlando's newest killer whale calf by visiting their website.

Since 1985, SeaWorld animal trainers have witnessed the successful births of 13 bouncing killer whale babies - nine at SeaWorld Orlando alone. But selecting names is not as easy as one might think. Typically, animal trainers wait several months to grasp a true sense of the calf’s unique characteristics. Then, fitting names are selected in languages from areas of the world commonly inhabited by killer whales.

Traditionally, killer whale calves are named by SeaWorld animal trainers. But this time, lucky number 13 will receive his name from his fans. This is a first for the SeaWorld Adventure Parks.

Voters may select from:
+ Illa (pronounced EELA) - which means "friend" in Inuktitut (language of the Inuit people, formerly known as Eskimos)
+ Okkar (pronounced O-CAR) -- which means "ours" in Icelandic
+ Tuar (pronounced 2-R) - which means "unique" in Inuktitut.

Visitors to seaworld.com can vote an unlimited number of times, Dec. 16 - 20, 1999.

The winning name will be revealed on the Web site on Wednesday, Dec. 22, just in time for the holidays.

 

Killer Whale Calf Fast Facts
The male calf was born at 7:53 p.m. on June 22, 1999 in SeaWorld Orlando’s 7-million-gallon Shamu Stadium facility. His mother is Kalina, the first whale to be born and thrive in the care of man -- a major milestone on September 26, 1985.

When born, trainers estimated his length at 7 feet and weight at a whopping 350 pounds. Since birth, he has more than doubled his weight. Trainers remark that he’s a particularly strong and independent calf. He seems to take great pleasure in chasing and tagging along with the other killer whales and attempts to mimic their behaviors such as jumps and roll-overs. He is presently playing with and digesting small amounts of fish that his mother tears up for him. Trainers expect that in the next six to nine months, he’ll be completely weaned off mother’s milk.