ORLANDO, FL — A 30-year-old killer whale known as”Kayla” died Monday at SeaWorld in Orlando, according to park officials.

With the death of Kayla, SeaWorld is left with only a handful of killer whales at the park. The organization ended its orca breeding program in 2016 following mounting public pressure.

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“While today is a difficult day for all of us at SeaWorld, Kayla inspired generations of guests and employees to care and learn more about this amazing species,” said a spokesperson for the park.

SeaWorld officials say Kayla died after a brief illness. But the cause of death won’t be known until a post-mortem examination is conducted, a process that could take several weeks.

Kayla began showing signs of discomfort on Saturday and veterinarians began treating her based on what they found from a physical exam.

Park officials say her condition worsened Sunday and she was given around-the-clock care until her death.

PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman issued a statement condemning the captivity of killer whales and saying that PETA planned to hold two memorials for Kayla.

“After being hauled from park to park, performing tricks in chemically treated waters for a reward of dead fish, miscarrying a calf and losing another and enduring forced artificial insemination, Kayla’s suffering has come to an end,” asserted Reiman. “She died well shy of her normal life expectancy, stuck in a tiny tank at SeaWorld.”

SeaWorld features a killer whale show called “One Ocean” in which the audience is invited to “journey into the world of majestic killer whales. “Dancing fountains set the stage as you connect with thrilling sea creatures, feel the energy and spirit of life underneath the sea and realize that we are all part of one world, one ocean,” according to the attraction’s website.

The park also offers special viewing of its killer whales through a see through enclosure and a “Killer Whale Up-Close Tour” in which guests are taken behind the scenes to learn how the animals are cared for on a daily basis.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

A killer whale performs at SeaWorld Orlando (Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images)

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