On November 20th 2013 a new orca calf was born to second time mother Wikie at Marineland Antibes. Its father is unknown however it is strongly suspected that the father is Wikies half brother, Valentin. This brings the number of orcas in captivity up to 53, and with the recent addition of 8 wild animals from Russia, along with rescued female Morgan and 2 calves being born sired by un-represented male Kshamenk this year, the future for these animals in captivity is looking bright.
2 are heading to a dolphinarium in Russia, two are to go to China, and the others are up in the air, although there has been rumour some might be headed to Marineland Canada.
I know of only one 2013 Born calf sired by Kshamenk, and this is the calf at San Diego. The second calf of that year is"Moana"at Antibes, but her father should be"Ulisses".
Yes, the calf at San Diego this year is the only one sired by Kshamenk that is born, however another female named Takara in San Antonio is pregnant and currently on birth watch, and the father of that pregnancy is Kshamenk as well. You are correct, too. in 2011 Wikie gave birth to Moana (who turned out to be a male), who was sired by Ulises.
Thank you,FWC, for the Information.So Finger crosisng"Takara"will give birth to a health calf as well. Altough I'm not really a Fan of "A.I." on Elephants, rhinos or other"land Mammals", in the case of orcas is it the only option to keep the best possible genetic varity within the small Population, and such a precious bull like"Kshamenk" can bring his genes into the Genepool. "Moana"is a Male ? Nice...Same Thing with"Namu" almost 50 years ago....
