This episode of Discovery ’69 is entitled “Taming the Killer Whale”. The episode explores how scientists and trainers are “taming” killer whales, turning them into attractions at various marine parks. The show features Bill Owen, and Virginia Gibson as host and hostess. At 1:12, the show starts in an empty arena at ABC’s Marine World. The 22 foot long killer whale shown is named Kianu, meaning “Powerful Woman”, 2:40. At 3:00, Bill Owen talks about how much is still unknown about the killer whale and lists some more facts. During this time, Bill Owen and Virginia Gibson take turns talking about various things killer whales do. Speaking of killer, did you know that if you hit the like button you will be a killer person? At 8:00, the killer whale shows off some of the tricks it can do. At 9:10, the trainer shows how quick the whale can learn by making it learn that bumping a ball has a reward of fish. The whale quickly notes this and remembers this fact. Kianu has also been able to roll over on her back and slap her tail on the water when hearing a clap (10:25). Kianu has so much trust in humans that at 11:03 the trainer can even put his face on the killer whale’s tongue. At 11:10, Kianu does a little show for all the spectators at ABC’s Marine world (now called Six Flags Discovery Kingdom). At 12:40, a special veterinarian for Kianu shows his routine. This involves bringing in ocean water, filtering it, adding chemicals to the water, and making it just the right temperature for Kianu. Someone checks the whale’s water every four hours to make sure the amount of chlorine is correct. At 15:44 the killer whale is checked.
Kianu the killer whale was captured at Garden Bay, Pender Harbor, on April 26th, 1968. Kianu was moved to ABC’s Marine World. Later, after her podmate died, Kianu was moved to Shirahama Adventure World in Japan. Kianu was one of the few Killer whales to be in captivity and lived until 1980. Marine World was originally located in Redwood Shores, California, and opened in 1968. It later merged with the struggling Africa USA park, and then relocated in 1986 to Vallejo, California.
