SeaWorld's last orca calf will be born soon

The last baby orca calf born at SeaWorld will be welcomed into the world in the coming weeks.

The company said 25-year-old Takara will give birth in about four to six weeks. Takara was pregnant when the company announced a year ago it would stop its orca breeding program amid negative publicity from watchdog groups.

An orca's pregnancy lasts about 18 months. Takara, born in 1991, has lived at SeaWorld facilities in San Diego, Orlando and now San Antonio, where she will give birth. Takara is about 17-feet long and 4,700 pounds. She has four other children: Trua, Kohana, Sakari and Kamea. The company said the pregnancy came about naturally and the "suspected sire" is Kyuquot, the largest whale at SeaWorld San Antonio weighing in at 9,130 pounds and measuring 20 feet.

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SeaWorld touts the birth as people's last chance to see a baby orca raised from birth to adulthood. It's also, the company said, the last time researchers will be able to study orca development in captivity. The company said it "has committed $50 million over the next five years to be the world's leading marine animal rescue organization, advocating for wild animals and protecting our oceans."

The announcement to end the orca program came after considerable backlash. Perhaps most notably, the documentary "Blackfish," which detailed the treatment of the company's animals and trainers. The film was inspired by the drowning death of 40-year-old Dawn Brancheau. In 2010, Brancheau's orca Tilikum pulled her underwater by her ponytail in front of a horrified audience. Tilikum died in January.

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Groups such as the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals remain critical of SeaWorld for keeping animals in captivity. After Tilikum's death, PETA Senior Vice President Lisa Lange demanded the company release all of its animals and rehabilitate them back into nature.

After Tilikum's death, 22 orcas remained in SeaWorld facilities. The company said although it will eventually end its orca shows, people can still see the shows for the next several years.

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