An orca described as the “mother” of all whales has died at SeaWorld in San Diego.

Kasatka, a matriarchal orca at SeaWorld San Diego, passed away on August 15, 2017, at approximately 8:15 p.m., following a prolonged battle with a bacterial respiratory infection. She was around 42 years old at the time of her death. Captured off the coast of Iceland in 1978, Kasatka became a central figure in SeaWorld’s orca breeding program. She was the mother of four calves: Takara, Nakai, Kalia, and Makani, and her lineage extended to six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren by the time of her passing. Kasatka’s health had been declining due to her respiratory condition, and despite extensive efforts to manage her illness, the difficult decision was made to euthanize her to prevent further suffering. Her passing marked a significant moment for SeaWorld and the broader marine mammal community, as she was considered the matriarch of the orca pod at the park.