SeaWorld San Antonio officials expressed guarded optimism on the health of a killer whale calf born yesterday afternoon at the park's Shamu Stadium. The female calf, which was rejected by its mother soon after birth, is now being hand-reared by SeaWorld animal care specialists and trainers.

"As soon as the mother indicated her disinterest in the calf, our team immediately stepped in to begin the process of hand-rearing," said Dudley Wigdahl, vice president of zoology and general curator at the marine life park. "We've introduced a companion animal, one of our female bottlenose dolphins, to swim with the baby and we are beginning the process of feeding formula to the newborn."

This was the first birth for 17-year-old mother whale, Kayla, who measures 18 feet long and weighs approximately 6,000 pounds. She gave birth to the calf following a two hour labor and delivery in the main pool at Shamu Stadium. The calf is 6 feet, 9 inches long and weighs 264 pounds. This birth increases SeaWorld San Antonio's killer whale population to eight.

"This calf has already overcome several hurdles," said Wigdahl. "Her breathing is strong and she is calm when interacting with staff. Raising an infant killer whale is a very challenging process."

This is the first time any SeaWorld park has intervened to rear a killer whale calf at birth. The SeaWorld parks have extensive experience hand-rearing dolphins, manatees, sea lions and walruses, particularly animals adopted by the parks after being orphaned in the wild. The calf's condition is considered guarded; the mother is in good condition and is eating well. SeaWorld's animal care and training staffs are monitoring both animals 24 hours per day.