Latest news with #SWSA
Daily Mirror
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
SeaWorld announces death of youngest orca in heartbreaking health update
Staff have shared their heartache following the death of Kamea, they described her as 'playful and mischievous' and shared their many happy memories of watching her grow The youngest orca whale at a SeaWorld park in Texas has died, SeaWorld San Antonio announced. On Thursday, June 19, SeaWorld San Antonio shared the heartbreaking news that its youngest killer whale, Kamea, had died after contracting an illness. While wild orcas can live for 50-90 years, but those in captivity often live only 20-30 years. According to the park's website, Kamea was born at SeaWorld San Antonio and was the youngest member of her orca pod. She is survived by her mother, 33-year-old Takara, her sister, Sakari, 15, and two other males in the Texas park's pod Kamea was just 11-years-old at the time of her death and the park did not share the exact health condition. In a heartbreaking Facebook post on Thursday, June 19 SeaWorld wrote: "It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved orca, Kamea. Despite the round the clock tireless efforts of our animal care and veterinary teams, she succumbed to an illness surrounded by those who loved and cared for her deeply. "Kamea brought joy and inspiration to millions of guests over the years. Her playful spirit and unique personality touched the hearts of all who knew her. This is an incredibly difficult time for our SeaWorld family, especially those who worked closely with her. We are grateful for the support of our community as we remember and honor Kamea together." Devastated former staff members took to the comments to share their heartbreak. One trainer wrote: "Kamea was such a unique and spirited animal. Working along side her and her family was and always will be the highlight of my life. She taught everyone so much about her playful, sassy nature and she will always be remembered. My love goes out to the pod and the trainers who loved her dearly." Another ex-staff member wrote: "Sending love and comfort to the Orca team and my friends at SWSA I remember when Kamea was born and helping with calf watches. I have many happy memories of watching her grow and learn with her pod and trainers. Love and hugs, y'all." One Facebook user shared their memory of the show, saying: "She will be missed. Rest in peace Kamea... A few years ago I was sitting waiting for the Orca show to start and the females were swimming around in the show pool. Miss Kamea was being rather playful and mischievous splashing the employee by that side of the pool. Thankfully it was summer so cooling off the employee." The comments section was flooded with hundreds of messages from visitors expressing their condolences to the staff, one wrote: "I am so sorry to everyone at SeaWorld Texas. Kamea was such a sweet little girl. It's absolutely heartbreaking that she isn't with us anymore." Another said: "Oh this one really hurts to hear…. She was so sweet. Prayers go out to all of her care team during this difficult time."
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
NU social work students receive award at national conference
Social work seniors Paige Hergott and Olivia Harrington and junior Mackenzie Forbes received second place honors for their poster, 'The Importance of connections and relationships within the social work field displayed through SWSA' at the 42 annual conference of the Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors, March 12-15 in Las Vegas. Forbes serves as president of Niagara's Social Work Student Association. Also at the conference, Beth Tripi presented a poster 'Collaborative practice across model-types and systems using a Systems of Care framework,' and Rolanda Ward, Tanyetta A. Carter and Kaylyn Townsend-Kensinger presented two workshops. 'Student-Led Community-Based Voter Registration Campaigns: A University-Community Collaboration,' discussed the voter engagement community-based project, and 'Training political advocates through experiential learning field practicum activities,' discussed the annual advocacy trip to Washington, D.C. Jennifer McCarthy, an MSW intern working with Ward, also presented a poster, 'Increasing Voting Registration Access Among the Unhoused and Financially Insecure in Western New York.' Founded in 1975, the Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors is a voluntary, individual membership association representing the interests of undergraduate education and practice in social work. Nearly 800 strong, the association's membership includes BSW program directors, baccalaureate faculty, field coordinators, social work educators, practitioners, and our most valuable commodity: our students. Together we focus on excellence in education and practice to help our communities thrive.
