According to officials, Unna contracted a harmful strain of fungus and was receiving medical treatment beginning in early autumn. When traditional treatment didn't work, park veterinarians tried a different approach, saying there was a chance of recovery for the captive-born female. Unna died on Monday.
"This is an extremely difficult day for the SeaWorld family and all of Unna's many fans," Chris Bellows, vice president of zoological operations, said in a statement.
Two other whales have died at the San Antonio showplace this year, including a 2-year-old Beluga whale named Stella and a young calf of the same species.
Criticism of SeaWorld has become more intense following the release of the anti-captivity documentary Blackfish. Though whales and dolphins suffer from Candida infection both in the wild and in captivity, many animal rights activists claim the stress of captivity is a contributing factor and leads to complications. SeaWorld claims captivity doesn't have any effect on the lifespan of their orcas.
No shows will take place at the Texas SeaWorld facility on Monday, in remembrance of Unna.
