Rescued Pilot Whales Find New Home At SeaWorld San Diego

SAN DIEGO — Three short-finned pilot whales arrived at SeaWorld San Diego Monday after being rescued and rehabilitated at SeaWorld Orlando.

The three whales – named Ace, Ava and Piper – are the only surviving victims of a 2012 mass stranding near Fort Pierce, Florida, according to the theme park.

U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service officials determined that the whales, who were calves when they were rescued, would not survive in the wild if they were released. Therefore, the whales were transferred to San Diego to ensure they would receive longterm care and support.

"We're more than thrilled and honored to welcome these pilot whales to their new San Diego home," said Wendy Ramirez, SeaWorld's curator of dolphins and pilot whales.

"We have a team of trainers focused on each whale to help to them acclimate to their new environment. We've even brought some of their favorite toys from Orlando."

The 7-year-old male and two female whales will join the theme park's other rescued pilot whale, Argo, who was rescued in 2004 after stranding on a beach near Kamogawa, Japan. Argo was transferred to San Diego in 2012, according to the theme park.

To accommodate the trio, SeaWorld San Diego relocated two beluga whales to SeaWorld San Antonio.

"We couldn't be more excited to have them join our San Diego family," Ramirez said.

City News Service contributed to this report.