A baby whale rejected by her mother at Sea World San Antonio is getting specialized care and is growing, trainers said Wednesday.
The killer whale, named K-Calf, was born on Oct. 9 at Shamu Stadium.
The young whale is being nursed through a tube inserted in her mouth, containing formula and her mother's pumped milk, and trainers say it’s working.
Trainers say the whale has gained about 100 pounds since birth and is now 366 pounds and seven feet long.
Staffers also have a female bottlenose dolphin swimming in the calf's pool, where sounds of other killer whales are broadcast.
The young whale is expected to soon be able to eat fish.
The eventual goal is to have the whale take part in entertainment and educational events at the park.
“In the past 30 days, we have learned an incredible amount about hand-rearing a killer whale,” said Dudley Wigdahl, vice president of zoological operations at the marine life adventure park.
“Respirations, nursing and other vital indicators look good, and we’ll continue to keep a close watch on the calf,” he said.
