Search Box

Orcas Lived With
Calypso Dec-11 69 Dec-28 69
Kenny Dec-11 69 Dec-28 69
Nepo Dec-11 69 Jul-10 80
Corky II Dec-11 69 Dec-28 69
Patches Dec-11 69 Dec-28 69
Kianu Dec-28 69 Apr-15 78
Surfer Girl May-26 79 Jun-03 79
Vigga Mar-14 81 Oct-29 97

Resources
Yaka's Death
Measurements:  1969 & 1978, 1985, 1997
Transfers:  1969, 1985
Photos: 

 Ray Conrado, Pat Hathaway




























Back to previous page

Gender Female
Age at Death ~ 29 years
Date of Capture December 11, 1969
Place of Capture Pender Harbour, BC
Date of Death October 29, 1997
Place of Death
 Marine World of Africa
Cause of Death
 Respiratory Fungal Infection

  About Yaka

Yaka was captured along with 11 other orcas. Out of twelve, six orcas were released and the others were bought by three Marine Parks. Yaka and her mate Nepo* were purchased by Marine World of Africa in Redwood City and arrived on December 28 1969. Both joined an older, more dominant female named Kianu*. Kianu and Yaka didn't get along well and since Nepo was the only male at the park and well-liked by Kianu, both females sometimes fought over him. When it became worse, Kianu was transferred to a park in Japan.

Nepo and Yaka spent most of their time together and despite several attempts, Yaka never got pregnant. When Nepo died in 1980, Yaka became depressed so Marine World began searching for a companion for Yaka. In 1981 they bought Vigga, a young, recently captured icelandic female from Vancouver Aquarium. The two girls got along very well and became close tank mates. In 1985 Marine World moved their tank location to the present location in Vallejo (now: Six Flags Discovery Kingdom).

After almost 2 decades of performing together, Yaka died from pneumonia after being sick for 3 months.

  • Yaka means the "Strong Ones" in Africa
  • Pronunciation of Yaka: YAH-kah
  • Blood Type: 100% Northern Resident

 Relatives & Offspring
Grand Mother:
Mother:
Siblings:
Niece / Nephews: 		Eve (A9)*
Licka (A8)*
Havannah (A28), Sonora (A42)
Kelkpa (A57)*, Surf (A66), Current (A79), Cameleon (A88)


 Transfers
December 12, 1969 - December 28, 1969    Pender Harbour, BC
December 28, 1969 - October 20, 1985 Marine World of Africa, Redwood City
October 20, 1985 - October 29, 1997 Marine World of Africa, Vallejo