Key Facts
• Nagoya Port Aquarium announced the death of Earth, Japan’s only male orca.
• Earth, measuring 6 meters, showed symptoms like loss of appetite and vomiting on July 31.
• Despite treatment in a medical pool, Earth passed away on August 3 at age 16.
• An autopsy conducted with Gifu University revealed the cause of death as intestinal volvulus.
• Intestinal volvulus occurs when the intestines twist inside the body.
• The aquarium stated that such deaths are not uncommon in animals.
• The exact cause of Earth’s intestinal volvulus remains unknown.
• The aquarium plans to investigate the cause as thoroughly as possible.
Summary
Earth, Japan’s only male orca and the largest at 6 meters, died on August 3 at Nagoya Port Aquarium after showing signs of illness, including loss of appetite and vomiting. An autopsy conducted with Gifu University determined the direct cause of death to be intestinal volvulus, a condition where the intestines twist inside the body. While such cases are not rare in animals, the specific reason for Earth’s condition remains unclear. The aquarium has committed to investigating the cause further.
