SeaWorld San Antonio has reported that Unna, a nearly 20 year old female killer whale, passed away.
Unna had been fighting a serious fungal infection known as Candida for several months. Candida is a fungus that affects humans, animals – both wild and domestic. SeaWorld veterinary staff engaged in a comprehensive and intensive program to treat her condition. The nation’s top experts in both human and veterinary medicine were consulted help care for Unna, using treatments that have never before been utilized in killer whale care.
Unna’s illness can be analyzed by scientists and used to help both zoological and wild whales who may encounter similar illnesses in the future. Fungal infections are seen in many marine mammals, both in the wild and in zoological parks. The primary difference being, wild whales have no opportunity to receive treatment.
SeaWorld’s animal care team had been watching and caring for Unna twenty four hours a day since she contracted the Candida infection a few months ago. At the time of Unna’s passing she was surrounded by the loving and caring team who has raised and cared for her since birth at SeaWorld.
Unna was known as a sweet, friendly whale who loved interacting with the SeaWorld training staff and her fellow San Antonio pod members. Millions of guests from around the world were able to learn about the wonders of the natural world by meeting Unna and getting an up close experience with her at SeaWorld San Antonio.
The team at AwesomeOcean.com would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the SeaWorld San Antonio zoological staff, particularly the animal training and veterinary staff. They worked closely with Unna to provide her the best zoological care on the planet. During this difficult time, we stand with those who knew Unna best and cared for her every day.
Unna was a beautiful ambassador of her wild cousins, an important member of the SeaWorld family. She will not be forgotten and has left behind a meaningful legacy that will stand for years to come.
Unna means “love and adored” and she was loved and adored by all.