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JAKARTA, CHECKLISSATU – The loneliest orca or killer whale in the world has finally died at Niagara Amusement Park, Canada.

Kiska, an orca, died Thursday at the age of 47, spokesman for the Ministry of the Attorney General of Ontario, Brent Ross, confirmed to CBC.

Kiska spent approximately 40 years in captivity at Marineland. It was caught in Icelandic waters in 1979.

The news came after the country officially banned whales, dolphins and porpoises from being bred or kept in captivity. But marine mammals, like Kiska, that are already in detention will remain so, under the new law.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), said Kiska “spent her final years isolated in cramped tanks, swimming in endless circles or occasionally floating listlessly.”

Kiska’s continued isolation has led the Whale Sanctuary Project to describe it as “the loneliest whale in the world”.

Both animal rights groups reported that Kiska died of a bacterial infection. NPR has not independently confirmed the cause of death. Ross told CBC that animal welfare officials performed an autopsy on the mammals. Marineland did not return many NPR messages seeking comment.

Kiska has struggled while living at the amusement park, according to PETA. This includes the death of his five cubs and the departure of his only teammate, Ikaika, in 2011, according to animal rights organisations. Images of Kiska allegedly hitting her face against the tank multiple times also began circulating on social media in 2021.

Animal welfare campaigners reacted to news of the death with concern over the orca’s treatment in captivity.

“It is heartbreaking to know that Kiska will never have the opportunity to be transferred to the whale sanctuary and experience the freedom she so deserves,” Camille Labchuk, executive director of Animal Justice, told CBC.

There were at least 55 killer whales held in captivity in marine parks around the world as of January 9, according to the Whale and Dolphin Conservation. SeaWorld, which has three marine parks in the United States, has more orcas in captivity than any other individual park.