Ocean Kingdom now home to killer whales

The first Killer Whale Cultivation Base in all of China opened at Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in Hengqin New Area on Feb 24.

Trainers with killer whales [Photo by Li Jianshu / Zhuhai Daily]

The nine killer whales are being kept for preservation, breeding, and general education, according to Chimelong statements. The largest members of the dolphin family, the whales are at the top of the food chain and prey upon any other marine mammals or fish.

The five males and four females are aged between 5 and 13. The smallest weighs 1.2 tons with a body length of over 4 m, while the largest is 4 tons and 6.5 m. As highly socialized animals, the whales live in stable matriarchal groups. The ones in Chimelong belong to two different social families and were therefore put in separate venues. Upon seeing them in situ, an international killer whale expert was surprised at the immense water volume -- which is far beyond standards compared with counterparts in other countries -- at Chimelong’s base. 

The base was designed and built by top companies to meet international norms in equipment and construction. The water temperature will remain at 13-14 degrees Celsius year around through regulating and cooling equipment. Besides appropriate water temperature, the base also uses an ozone system to water and safety, explained Dong Guixin, general manager of Chimelong Fauna & Flora Protection.

The rare chance to see killer whales in China will strengthen awareness to care and protect the creatures, he asserted.