Here at SeaWorld San Antonio, we are celebrating something very special as well as the New Year this weekend. Our newest addition to the killer whale family, Sakari, is turning 1! She was born at SeaWorld San Antonio on January 7, 2010 to Takara, our 18-year-old killer whale. Pictured above (from left to right) are Takara, Sakari and pool-mate Unna.
While Sakari is still nursing, she also eats about 17 pounds of fish every day. The average weight of a killer whale at birth is approximately 300-400 pounds. Since then, Sakari has more than doubled that and is now at a healthy weight just over 1,000 pounds. During shows, Sakari often mimics her mom, but she also learns her behaviors through constant interaction from our trainers. As she grows each day Sakari becomes a little more independent by exploring her environment and the other whales.
We are celebrating Sakari's birthday a few days early this year so we can include you, the guests in our festivities. At the end of the 2 p.m. "Miracles" shows tomorrow and Sunday, we will be presenting Sakari with her very own birthday "cake" made from gelatin and fish. Trainer Julie Sigman is pictured here with Sakari's birthday treat. You won't want to miss it, so stop by Shamu Theater to watch the show and stick around after to watch Sakari receive her cake.
