Meet the last killer whale to be born in captivity at SeaWorld

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Thursday, April 20, 2017
Last killer whale born in captivity at Sea World in San Antonio.
SeaWorld introduces last orca calf born in captivity.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (KTRK) -- SeaWorld welcomed its final killer whale born in captivity in San Antonio on Wednesday.

The mother, Takara, is a 25-year-old orca who was born in captivity in San Diego. She was already pregnant when SeaWorld announced it would end breeding in March 2016.

The announcement came as a result of animal rights protests over the company's orca program.

RELATED: Seaworld to end orca breeding program, CEO says

Visitors to the park will be able to see Takara and her new baby in the future during select times. Right now, they are under constant surveillance by a team of veterinarians and animal care specialists.

SeaWorld said Takara is a great mom and is already bonding with her new baby.

Researchers say they will use the birth of the baby to study orca development in ways that can't be done in the wild.

The baby has not yet been named.

RELATED: SeaWorld's last orca calf will be born soon in San Antonio

The birth of Takara's calf will be the last opportunity for visitors and marine scientists to see a baby orca up close.

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