SAN ANTONIO, Dec. 22 (UPI) — Unna, an 18-year-old, 4,600-pound killer whale, died at SeaWorld in San Antonio after a months-long battle with a fungal infection.
Unna was being treated for a medication-resistant strain of Candida and had remained under veterinary care since September. A necropsy will be performed to determine the ultimate cause of death.
“While there were some indications that the treatment was having a positive effect, Unna had remained in serious condition and under 24/7 care. Candida, and fungal infections in general, are found in wild cetaceans,” SeaWorld said in a written statement Monday.
SeaWorld has come under a lot of pressure since the 2013 documentary Blackfish put a spotlight on the conditions orcas live under in the park. The film focused on Tilikum, a 12,000-pound orca at the park’s Florida location, and the death of trainer Dawn Bracheau in 2010.
The company announced it will start phasing out its killer whale show at its San Diego park after the California Coastal Commission banned orca breeding.
