Kiska

Kiska was a 47 year old female orca who lived at Marineland Ontario. She was captured in Iceland in October 1979 at about 3 years old. She passed away on March 9, 2023.

Kiska had 5 calves, but all of them died at a young age. Her first calf was a male born on August 24, 1992. He only survived 2 months. Her second calf was a male named Kanuck. Kanuck was born on August 28, 1994 and died sometime in 1998. Her third calf was a male named Nova who was born on November 6, 1996 and died on August 20, 2001. Her fourth calf was another male named Hudson. He was born on September 15, 1998 and died on October 20, 2004. He was Kiska's longest surviving calf. Her last calf was born on August 8, 2004. She was Kiska's first daughter and was named Athena. Athena died in Spring 2009.

It is thought that her mate, Kandu 7, may have passed down genes that resulted in several of his calves being born with medical issues. He sired all of the calves born in the park and all but two died before or at the age of 6. Improper health care was also possible a factor.

In 2006, Marineland received a 4 year old male orca from SeaWorld Orlando, named Ikaika. Ikaika lived with Kiska, Nootka 5 and Athena. After Nootka and Athena passed away, Ikaika was Kiska's only companion. As Ikaika grew older, they were often separated because he would harass her.

In November 2011, Ikaika was moved to SeaWorld San Diego after a long custody battle between Marineland and SeaWorld. Kiska remained as the only orca at Marineland until her passing in March of 2023, due to a bacterial infection.