Who is Kiska, the Orca? Jessica Radclifee Orca Attack Viral Video brings Kiska to limelight. Here’s sordid tale of loneliest whale in world

Who is Kiska, the Orca? Jessica Radclifee’s orca attack viral video brings Kiska to limelight. Read about the sordid tale of the loneliest whale in the world. Kiska, an orca once called the “loneliest whale in the world,” spent over four decades in captivity at MarineLand in Niagara Falls, Canada. Her life story highlights the realities of keeping marine mammals in amusement parks and the lasting impact of isolation on such social animals.

Kiska’s Capture and Early Life

Kiska was captured from the coast of Iceland in 1979 when she was about three years old. She was moved to MarineLand, where she remained until her death. In the wild, orcas live in large pods, but Kiska’s ocean life ended when she was taken from her family and placed in a confined tank.

Attempts to Find Companionship for Kiska

In the early 2000s, MarineLand sought a male orca to pair with Kiska. They reached an agreement with SeaWorld, which sent Ikaika, a four-year-old male orca, in exchange for three beluga whales. Ikaika joined Kiska and another female orca, Nootka.

However, Ikaika developed behavioural and health problems common in captive orcas. He became aggressive, often biting and attacking Kiska. His condition worsened, and in 2009, SeaWorld requested his return for better care. MarineLand initially refused, leading to a legal battle. SeaWorld won, and Ikaika was flown back to California.

Kiska's Life in Isolation

After Nootka’s death, Kiska was left alone. She became known worldwide as “the loneliest whale.” Kiska gave birth to five calves over the years, but none survived. Visitors often saw her engaging in repetitive and abnormal behaviours, such as swimming in circles, floating motionless, and banging her head against her tank walls.

Impact of Canada’s Captivity Ban on Kiska

In 2019, Canada passed a law banning the breeding and captivity of whales, dolphins, and porpoises. However, the law allowed animals already in captivity to remain there. This meant Kiska continued living alone in her tank, with no chance of release.

Kiska’s Death in 2023

Orcas are highly social and thrive in the vast spaces of the ocean. Kiska spent her last years in isolation, showing visible signs of distress. Despite ongoing calls for her release, she remained in MarineLand until her death in 2023 at the age of 47. Her story became a symbol of the debate over marine mammal captivity.

FAQs

Who was Kiska the orca?
Kiska was the last captive killer whale in Canada, held at MarineLand, Niagara Falls, from 1979 until her death in 2023. She was nicknamed the “loneliest whale.”

Why was Kiska called the loneliest whale?
Kiska lived alone for over a decade after other orcas in MarineLand died or were moved. She showed signs of stress and isolation, sparking global concern over her captivity.