ellie
18th May 2010, 10:52 PM
There are two new baby whales due this year - one quite soon in late May or early June, and the other in October. Both were fathered by Tilikum, the killer whale involved in the death of the trainer in February. He has already fathered 13 calves since Seaworld acquired him.
If both babies survive then it will bring the total number of orcas at Seaworld to 10.
A whale pregnancy takes around 17 months, so both babies were conceived before the tragic loss of the trainer. The first 30 days of a baby orcas life are very important and during this period they will be monitored round the clock. Not only is delivery and nursing that is important, but also bonding.
It will be several weeks before these babies are seen by the public.
If both babies survive then it will bring the total number of orcas at Seaworld to 10.
A whale pregnancy takes around 17 months, so both babies were conceived before the tragic loss of the trainer. The first 30 days of a baby orcas life are very important and during this period they will be monitored round the clock. Not only is delivery and nursing that is important, but also bonding.
It will be several weeks before these babies are seen by the public.