description Kandu V Overview
Kandu V was a female killer whale held at SeaWorld San Diego. In 1989 she collided with another orca, Corky II, during a performance, and the impact ruptured an artery; Kandu V died soon afterward. The incident was recorded on video and became a frequently cited example in public discussions about the physical risks and ethics of keeping orcas in captivity.
help Kandu V FAQ
How did Kandu V die at SeaWorld San Diego?
On August 21, 1989, during a live performance, Kandu V collided with another orca, Corky II; the impact fractured her jaw area and severed a major artery. She bled to death in the pool in front of the audience, reportedly within about an hour of the collision.
Was the incident between Kandu V and Corky II caught on video?
Yes, spectators recorded the collision and the aftermath, and the footage has circulated widely for decades. It became one of the most frequently cited pieces of evidence in public debates over keeping orcas in captivity.
What happened to Kandu V's calf after her death?
Her daughter Orkid, born at SeaWorld San Diego in 1988, was only about a year old when Kandu V died. Orkid remained at SeaWorld San Diego, where she has lived ever since.
Who is Corky II, the orca Kandu V collided with?
Corky II is a female orca captured off British Columbia in 1969 and one of the longest-lived captive orcas on record. She and Kandu V were both dominant females at SeaWorld San Diego, which is often cited as context for the tension that ended in the 1989 collision.
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