Kandu VII (pronounced CAN-doo) was an approximately 27-year-old male Icelandic killer whale who lived at Marineland of Canada. He was captured on November 25th, 1984 near Reyðarfjörður, Iceland, at approximately 6 years old. Kandu passed away due to an unspecified cancer on December 21st, 2005 at Marineland of Canada.
Capture and Early Life[]
At the estimated age of six years old, Kandu VII was seine-netted outside of Reyðarfjörður fjord in Iceland on November 25th, 1984, while hunting herring. He and four of his podmates were captured and taken to the Hafnarfjodur Aquarium to await purchase to various marine parks. Kandu VII was the oldest and longest orca in the captured group, measuring around 16 feet long. While 3 of his podmates were sold almost immediately, Kandu VII and a younger male Junior remained at the aquarium until being purchased by Marineland Ontario in late 1986.
Life at Marineland[]
Upon arrival at Marineland, Kandu met the 3 resident orcas; Kiska, Nootka V, and Kanduke, but Kanduke was sold to SeaWorld the following year. Junior was sent to the warehouse located in the back of the park, but Kandu was kept in the main habitat with the females. He went on to sire his first calf with Nootka V, who was a male named Katak, but was later renamed to Splash. Through out Kandu's life, he sired a total of 13 calves with Kiska and Nootka, but none are alive today. He met multiple of his calves and was very gentle towards them. When Nootka became aggressive with Malik, Kandu VII was placed with the calf and was a good companion for her.
Kandu VII spent most of his life performing at the King Waldorf Theatre. When he wasn't being used in shows, he was often moved to the back pool becoming lethargic and logging for hours at a time. However, when Friendship Cove was built, he was moved there and became more active despite no longer performing in shows. He participated in feedings and petting sessions during his time at Friendship Cove.
Death[]
Kandu VII passed away due to cancer on December 21st 2005.
Transfer History[]
| FROM: | TO: | ON: |
|---|---|---|
| Reyðarfjörður, Iceland | Hafnarfjörður Aquarium, Iceland | Nov. 25, 1984 |
| Hafnarfjörður Aquarium, Iceland | Marineland of Canada, Ontario | Nov. 15, 1986 |
Galleries[]
- Photos of Kandu VII
- Videos of Kandu VII