Photo by SMSea.
Nyar was a 2 year old female Icelandic killer whale that lived at SeaWorld Orlando. She was born there on the 31st of December, 1993 to Gudrun and Tilikum, and died on the 1st of April, 1996 from immune system failure caused by suppurative encephalitis and osteoarthritis after suffering from various health conditions throughout her entire life.
A New Year's Birth
Nyar was born with several health problems(mental and physical), and as a result, was attacked several times by her mother. The two were later separated, and Nyar was treated for her illnesses. Nyar was shown to the public for a few days with her mother and older half sister, Taima, before they were separated. Because putting her with Gudrun wouldn’t be safe, it was decided to introduce Nyar’s father, Tilikum, to her. The pairing was a success, and Tilikum and Nyar got along very well.
Till the Very End
On the 21st of February, 1996, Gudrun gave birth to a stillborn calf, whom she had problems expelling. Because of external bleeding from trainers attempting to get the calf out, she died just 4 days later. Hours before her death, Gudrun and Nyar sat at opposite sides of a gate together. After Gudrun’s death, Nyar’s mental and physical health began to decline. She became less active and extremely lethargic. On the 1st of April, 1996, Nyar died.