Bonnie - orca

Sex: Female

Pod: A5 (?)

Place of capture: Garden Bay, British Columbia, Canada

Date of capture: April 1968

Age at capture: Approx. 15 years

History

In April 1968, a pod of 6 Orcas were captured off the coast of British Columbia. One managed to escape whilst awaiting to be purchased. Two of the larger females were bought by Marine World Africa in Redwood, California.

The two females, Kianu and Bonnie, refused to eat while they were being held in the bay, and as a result, their health declined. During one of their checks, it was discovered that Kianu and Bonnie were both abnormally large. It was believed that both females were pregnant, however, the arrangement for their move had already been made.

On June 9, 1968, both females were transferred to Marine World. 35 days after their move, Bonnie went into labor and delivered a stillborn calf. Bonnie died 15 days later due to birth complications.