When Kyara was born at Sea World of Texas in April, she was promoted as the last 'killer whale' that would ever be born at a Sea World Park.
Now, 1200 WOAI news reports Kyara has died at Sea World San Antonio.
"Kyara had faced some very serious and progressive health issues over the last week that the animal care and veterinary teams had been aggressively treating," Sea World said in a statement. "While the official cause of death will not be determined until the post mortem is complete, we know that Kyara had an infection likely pneumonia, and that her health continued to decline."
Sea World says its attention now turns to the rest of the orcas, to make sure they have the 'care and attention they need.'Animal rights groups say this is one too many whale deaths at Sea World.
Referring to Sea World as an 'abusement-park,' Colleen O'Brien, Vice President of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, says it is time for Sea World to release its remaining orcas to seaside sanctuary.
"Forty orcas have now died at Sea World parks," she said. "Sea World has to move before the death toll hits 41."
Sea World announced in 2016 it was phasing out its live whale shows in favor of other attractions, and is redoubling its effort at marine animal rescue and rehabilitation. In fact, the newest roller coaster at Sea World San Antonio, which opened earlier this summer, is dubbed the 'Rescue Coaster' and it is billed as 'bringing awareness to the brave efforts of the Sea World rescue team, as they join forces with organizations around the world to help ill, injured, orphaned and abandoned animals.'
IMAGE' SEA WORLD SAN ANTONIO