The following is the 11th article in a 12-part series covering “LA’s Own Marineland,” a podcast documentary on the history of the oceanarium produced, written, and hosted by writer-podcaster Tod Perry. The first article in the series, “The Birth of Marineland,” which takes a behind-the-scenes look at the show’s genesis and production, can be read here.

Episode 11 of “LA’s Own Marineland,” follows the lives of killer whales Orky and Corky after they were moved from Marineland to SeaWorld San Diego in 1987. We’ll also meet James Monaghan, the man who bought Marineland from Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, and hear his plans for a new ocean-themed hotel.

In May of 1987, four months after being transferred from Marineland, Orky and Corky were moved from the smaller killer whale tank at SeaWorld San Diego to the new Shamu Stadium. At the time, Shamu Stadium had four pools, including a 170-foot long by 80-foot wide and 35-foot-deep show pool. It has since been expanded to 6.7 million gallons.

By comparison, the tank at Marineland was 80 feet by 80 feet, 22 feet deep, and 640,000 gallons. Even though Orky had a lot more space, it didn’t necessarily mean it was a better environment for him. But for Corky, it’s a situation in which she would seem to thrive.

“I worried for him [Orky],” Marineland mammal trainer Gail Laule told the podcast. “I knew Corky would do great because they had the kind of system she would thrive in, and she does to this day. But it was not a system that Orky did well in.”

On November 21, 1987, Orky was involved in a disturbing incident that nearly killed SeaWorld trainer John Silick. During a performance, Silick was reverse-riding a female orca when a 14,000-pound Orky breached and landed on top of him. The incident resulted in the firing of SeaWorld’s president Jan Schultz as well as the park’s chief zoologist, chief trainer, and spokeswoman.

In August of 1987, James Monaghan, who had recently purchased the remains of Marineland from HBJ, spoke to the Daily Breeze, dispelling rumors that he’s affiliated with HBJ or has similar intentions. The interview was conducted on-site at the former Marineland property where he showed the reporters his plans for the property.

“Over there, where the whale tanks are is going to be the hotel,” he gestured to a reporter while riding the sky tower at the former Marineland site. “The dolphin stadium can be repurposed into an amphitheater, but the music’s not gonna annoy the neighbors. Baja Reef can stay. I have the best consultants in the nation on this project. We want to do the optimum job here.”

On February 16, 1988, the Cleveland Wrecking Crew pulled up to the former Marineland site with a wrecking ball and pile drivers and began demolishing the abandoned major structures. The crew left the sky tower, Baja Reef attraction, and restaurant for potential use in the future development.

Orky passed away on Monday, September 26, 1988, at the approximate age of 27 to 32 years at SeaWorld San Diego, 19 months after being moved from Marineland. According to the Los Angeles Times, he refused to eat that morning and two hours later, sank to the bottom of the tank.

“He wasn’t interested in eating. He was swimming in tight circles in the center of the pool and appeared to be having some balance and respiratory problems, and then he very quickly sank to the bottom and died.” Jim Atrium, SeaWorld's general curator, told the Los Angeles Times.

According to SeaWorld records, before his death, Orky lost more than 4,000 pounds, almost a third of his body weight. SeaWorld’s necropsy report says Orky died of “acute pneumonia which was caused by diminished immune competence with chronic wasting.”

Three days before Orky's death, Kandu, a female killer whale, gave birth to his daughter, Orkid. Orkid still lives at SeaWorld San Diego.

Subscribe to “LA’s Own Marineland" on the following platforms: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Podcasts, or Pandora. Learn more about the show at MarinelandPodcast.com.

You can also listen to the show on YouTube:

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Tod Perry Bio

Tod Perry is a staff writer for Upworthy, one of the most popular trending content publishers online. He's also hosted and produced numerous podcasts including "Upworthy Weekly," "Low Budget FM," “PR 360,” and "What's This Tao All About?" Tod lives in Long Beach, California with his wife and child and in his spare time enjoys writing songs, rooting for the Las Vegas Raiders, and perfecting his Bolognese sauce. You can follow him on Twitter @TodAPerry.