SeaWorld Entertainment Inc. (NYSE:SEAS) has euthanized the oldest matriarch of its Orca whale family after it failed to recover from a lengthy respiratory infection. The 42-year-old Kasatka died while surrounded by members of her pod as well as caretakers and Veterinarians.
A decision to euthanize the killer whale came on its health deteriorating in the recent past that also resulted in its appetite declining significantly. Kasatka’s veterinarians, experts in marine medicine, made the decision as a way of preventing the matriarch from living a miserable life full of pain.
Prior to her death, Kasatka had undergone years of treatment for lung infection, a common cause of death in whales. Kasatka joins another whale that died early this year from a lung infection. A 3-month old whale also died in July while on treatment for an infection.
Kasatka leaves behind a family legacy made up of four children six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
“All of us at SeaWorld are deeply saddened by this loss, but thankful for the joy she has brought us and more than 125 million park guests,” SeaWorld in a statement.
SeaWorld has been the subject of immense public outcry over the way it treats the Killer whales. In 2013 the company faced criticism from lawmakers and the public after the ‘Blackfish expose questioned some of its practices such as how it breeds the killer whales.
Declining Attendance
Separately, SeaWorld stock has bounced back after plunging 11% on reporting disappointing quarterly earnings. The company swung to a second quarter net loss as it grappled with a decline in attendance in its parks.
Attendance at SeaWorld parks plunged some 353,000 guests compared to the same quarter last year. The company attributes the decline to shrinking domestic and international attendance at parks in Orlando and San Diego.
The company’s Orlando theme park grappled with reduced national advertising and competitive pressures in the quarter. Public perception issues hurt attendance at the San Diego Park as the company reduced spending on marketing. SeaWorld intends to increase spending on national advertising, particularly in California as it seeks to revitalize its fortunes.
SeaWorld was down by 2.03% in Thursday’s trading session to end the day at $13.51 a share.