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SeaWorld killer whale dies giving birth; calf stillborn

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A killer whale at SeaWorld has died from complications while giving birth, officials said.

The whale, a 20-year-old orca named Taima, died Sunday afternoon.

Park officials say Taima's fetus was in an unusual position during the delivery. Park veterinarians attempted to assist but the complications were too severe.

The calf was stillborn.

Taima was born at the park in 1990 and had given birth successfully to three calves before.

She was one of two orcas pregnant at the park. Another, 32-year-old Katina, is expected to give birth in October.

Both were impregnated by Tilikum, the whale who drowned a trainer in February.

SeaWorld canceled two shows Sunday, but all shows were expected to resume Monday, according to a news release from the park.

SeaWorld has had 26 successful births of killer whale calves in captivity, a SeaWorld news release said.

A necropsy has been scheduled to determine the cause of death.

On Feb. 24, Tilikum snatched a trainer from a poolside platform in its jaws and thrashed her around underwater, killing her in front of a horrified audience.

Tilikum is one of three breeding males in SeaWorld's corporate collection. The company has one at each of its marine parks.

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