Wikie (born 1 June 2001) is a female Orca who lives at the Marineland of Antibes in Antibes, France. Her mother was Sharkane (1985 – 3 January 2009) and her father was Kim II (1981 – 23 November 2005). Her elder sister is Shouka (born 25 February 1993), her elder brother was Inouk (23 February 1999 – 28 March 2024) and her elder son was Moana (16 March 2011 – 18 October 2023).
| Species | Orca |
|---|---|
| Breed | Icelandic |
| Sex | Female |
| Born | 1 June 2001 Marineland of Antibes, Antibes, France |
| Years active | 2001–present |
| Known for | Mimicking human speech |
| Parent(s) |
|
| Mate(s) | Valentin (half–brother) (1996–2015) |
| Offspring |
|
| Weight | 2,041 kg (4,500 lb) |
| Height | 17 ft 1 in (5.21 m) |
In 2009, Wikie was artificially inseminated with semen from Ulises, a male orca who currently lives at SeaWorld San Diego in California. The artificial insemination resulted in the birth of her first calf, a male named "Moana" on 16 March 2011. Moana was the first orca to be born through artificial insemination in Europe. Wikie gave birth to her second calf, a male named Keijo on 20 November 2013. Keijo's father was Wikie's half-brother Valentin (13 February 1996 – 12 October 2015).
Communication with humans
editIt was reported in January 2018, through the Proceedings of the Royal Society,[1] that researchers from Universidad Católica de Chile, Universidad Compluense de Madrid and St. Andrews, working at the Marineland of Antibes, had successfully taught Wikie to mimic human words such as 'hello', 'bye bye' and 'Amy' (her instructor), as well as count to three, through using her blowhole. Wikie is thought to be the world's first orca to ever mimic human speech.[2][3]
Following the announcement of Wikie's ability to mimic human language, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and Humane Society International called for Wikie to be released from captivity.[4]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Abramson, J. Z., Hernández-Lloreda, M. V., García, L., Colmenares, F., Aboitiz, F., & Call, J. (2018). Imitation of novel conspecific and human speech sounds in the killer whale (Orcinus orca). Proc. R. Soc. B, 285(1871), 20172171.
- ^ Burton, Bonnie (February 2, 2018). "Killer whale recorded mimicking language". CNET. Retrieved April 28, 2018.
- ^ "Wikie the killer whale says "hello," and that's not all". CBS News. January 31, 2018. Retrieved April 28, 2018.
- ^ Mercer, David (January 31, 2018). "'Talking' killer whale Wikie should be freed from captivity, charities say". Sky News. Retrieved April 28, 2018.