SeaWorld is in mourning Wednesday for the matriarch of the park's orca family.
Kasatka — a mother of four, grandmother of six and great grandmother of two — died around 8:15 p.m. Tuesday at SeaWorld San Diego's Orca Encounter facility following a lengthy treatment for a bacterial respiratory infection, officials said.
"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," said a SeaWorld statement.
RELATED: SeaWorld San Diego To Have Last Orca Show Sunday
Kasatka's health and appetite significantly declined over the past several days despite continually tailored treatments, according to officials. The 42-year-old killer whale's veterinarians, who are experts in marine animal medicine, and her caretakers "made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize her to prevent compromising her quality of life."
"Today, I lost a member of my family. I have spent the past several years with Kasatka and was truly blessed to be part of her life," said Kristi Burtis, an orca behaviorist at SeaWorld. "Although I am heartbroken, I am grateful for the special time we had together and for the difference she has made for wild orcas by all that we have learned from her. I adored Kasatka and loved sharing her with millions of people. I will miss her very much."
The veterinary team will conduct a full post-mortem examination known as a necropsy to examine the extent of Kasatka's illness and how it affected her organ function, officials said. It may take several weeks before results are concluded.
RELATED: Last Orca Born In Captivity At SeaWorld Dies At Just 3 Months Old
"Nobody knows more about caring for killer whales than the professionals at SeaWorld," said Dan Ashe, president and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. "...On behalf of the entire AZA family, we offer condolences to the dedicated SeaWorld professionals who have loved and cared for Kasatka throughout her life."
At this time, the SeaWorld team's attention remains focused on the rest of the orca pod to provide the care and attention they need, officials said.
