An orca named Moana who spent his entire life in captivity at a French theme park has died at the age of just 12.
Moana died in October this year at the Marineland d'Antibes, with the park sharing the sad news in a statement that said an investigation into the animal’s cause of death would be launched.
Marineland d'Antibes said in their online statement: "This loss is extremely painful for all the zoo teams, for the keepers who have built such a bond with Moana and for all those who love Marineland.
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"Moana marked our history and will be greatly missed; he will forever remain in the heart of our teams."
Male orcas typically live for around 30 years in the wild, while females typically live for around 50 years but can live up to 90.
Following Moana’s death, animal welfare charity PETA UK released a statement that read: “On the night of 17 October, Moana passed away. He was one of four remaining orcas held captive at Marineland, a marine park in Antibes in the South of France.
"In their ocean homes, male orcas can live up to 50 years, but Moana’s life ended after just 12.
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“He was born in captivity and spent his life confined to a concrete tank, swimming in endless circles.
"Moana was made to perform for over a decade before his health declined and he died."
PETA UK has long called for a ban on marine parks and urges tourists to avoid them.
French marine and aquatic animal advocacy group C'est Assez! told Newsweek: "He spent his entire existence in a small concrete amphitheater where his main role in life was to entertain crowds of tourists.”
Helene O'Barry, from non-profit Dolphin Project, told the publication: Moana spent his entire existence in a small concrete amphitheater where his main role in life was to entertain crowds of tourists.
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"Like the other orcas at the stadium, he was trapped within the barren walls of lifeless, barren concrete tanks.
"Moana lived this stagnant and monotonous reality for 12 years, and I am convinced that he suffered tremendously as a result. No orca should ever begin its life in a barren concrete tank, and no orca should ever have to die in one."
Moana was the first orca in Europe to be born via artificial insemination, according to PETA. His mother and two half brothers remain at Marineland d'Antibes.
Featured Image Credit: Youtube/One VoiceTopics: Animals, World News