Sumar was just 12 years old and a real youngster for orcas. Wild male orcas typically live an average 35 years (to a maximum 50-60) and the death of such a young animal is incredibly sad.
It is not known what caused Sumar's death. Sumar's mother Taima, who was kept at SeaWorld Florida, also died earlier this year during labor to a calf that was stillborn.
Sumar’s tragic death is yet more reason why these amazing animals should not be in captivity. Such small concrete tanks cannot hope to replicate orcas huge and complex ocean environment, nor their social groups.
Despite captive facilities claiming that the animals are better off in captivity and have access to medical care, captive orcas still die earlier then their wild relatives, suffer enormously from stress and show abnormal behaviors.
WDCS believes that orcas should no longer be kept in concrete tanks to entertain humans. WDCS is working towards an end to the keeping of all whales and dolphins in captivity.
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