SeaWorld is mourning the loss of one of its killer whales. The park announced the death of 12-year-old Sumar on Tuesday afternoon.
Sumar, a 5000-pound whale began acting sick on Wednesday, according to park officials. Staff took blood samples and kept a close eye on him, but the animal continued to deteriorate.
Trainers moved Sumar to the D- Pool or medical pool just after 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The whale was pronounced dead at 1:45 p.m.
Park officials said the whale had no history of medical problems. A necropsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death.
The park canceled all killer whale shows for the rest of the day to give trainers and staff time to mourn. Shows will resume on Wednesday.