What's it like to watch a killer whale give birth?

During her entire career at SeaWorld Orlando, Kelly Flaherty-Clark -- the park's curator of animal training -- has worked with Katina the killer whale. On Saturday evening, October 9 at 7:28 p.m., Kelly was on hand as Katina gave birth to her 7th calf.

34-year-old Katina and her bouncing baby -- all 7 feet long and 350 lbs -- are doing well.

Listen as Kelly tells what it's like to be there when a killer whale gives birth.

And what it's like to wait 17 months for the special day to arrive.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• baby
• animal

[Kaydidid13]

I just got back from a trip to Sea World & I learned that all the animals there are animals that wouldn't be able to make it in there natural habitiat. They go and treat animals who are injured or sick and if they are cured or healed, they get sent back to live freely. And if not, they take them to Sea World and do all they can to help. They do truely care about the animals and if living in captivity is the only way to survive then so be it! It's not cruel, It's all about their love for animals!

[iShasBro]

Omg ! I love SeaWorld. I discoverd this videos yesterday, now I stick to watching these videos. I love SeaWorld and now Im a devoted Fan Just within the time of 24 hours, I want to work here, where can I learn to be a trainer ?

[Silvawolf100]

@BomaBoi Check your facts. Seaworld no longer does that.  And hasnt for a very long time. I too have seen The Cove. Saw it when it first came out. Seaworld only uses the animals that were bred there. The animals they do take from the wild are sick and injured ones(the injured ones are typically injured because of human stupidity). The Cove is an eye opener for private zoos and aquariums though. Please check your facts before saying untrue things.

[Silvawolf100]

@mjdre23 If the whales were in stress they wouldnt perform the tricks as well as they do.

[dawnie2116]

So sad, Seaworld cares only for the money brought in by these animals.Perfectly healthy animals are ripped from families with incredibly strong bonds to face a life of torment followed by an early grave. Please do not visit these parks, that is the only way to stop the cruelty.

[mjdre23]

@peaceoutluv2 Sorry to disagree with you but Seaworld does not do any of the things you are saying. Seaworld and other corporations like them are responsible for kidnapping Orcas across the globe from the pacific shores of the Americas all the way to Iceland during 1960-1980s. The whales are not healthy and are actually underfed. They are in complete stress and have been stripped from their families.

[mjdre23]

@Kaydidid13 I am sorry but I have to disagree with you. I too thought Seaworld was a good place for Orcas and other animals but it is not true. Majority of Orcas who are in captivity die at a young age versus wild orcas. In addition, the whales are completely stressed out and are swimming in tanks that are too small for their bodies.

[shamurocks111]

Makaio <3

[greeneyes1310]

@ZeldaFrEaK21354 Tilikum was actually three years old and he was with a healthy strong pod and he was ripped away by a different aquarium, and when tilly didn't perform, they used food deprivation to punish him. Talk about sick. Seaworld rescued him because they knew he was in a bad place. Tilly gets positive reinforcement now at Seaworld even if he does a trick wrong. As for all of the orcas there. Know your facts before you make a comment about something that's not even true. Thanks.

[BomaBoi]

@Kaydidid13 Id hate to say it, but I dont exactly believe that Sea World has the animal's best interest at heart. ='( Unfortunately, I believe that profit and money is alot more important to them than the happiness of their animals in captivity. You should watch "The Cove" It chronicles how Sea World gets a hold of these beautiful animals. It also opened my eyes to the beautiful world of these dolphins =) Seriously, "The Cove" will open your eyes and change your perspective =) Its great

[BomaBoi]

@iShasBro You should watch the documentary "The Cove" =)

It shows these beautiful creatures in their true light. And it also gives an insight into how to make the lives of these beautiful creatures alot beter!! If you truly love dolphins and whales, I think you should watch it. Or at least look into it =)

Good luck!!

[niyuki87]

that's so sad...another orca transformated in a clown in a lonely, bored, and little tank. that's cruelty,...