An 18-year-old killer whale gave birth to a calf Monday in SeaWorld Orlando’s multimillion-gallon research and breeding facility, Shamu Stadium.

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350-Pound Baby Killer Whale Born At SeaWorld Orlando

Kalina gave birth to the 7-foot-long, 350-pound calf in Shamu Stadium's main pool following a seven-hour labor. Moments later, the baby whale instinctively swam to the surface of the water for its first breath of air.

The calf began nursing within hours.

This is the fourth calf born to Kalina, a 17-foot-long, 6,000-pound killer whale.

SeaWorld animal care specialists remain cautiously optimistic about the progress of the baby and its mother. The sex of the calf is yet to be determined.

This calf is the 19th killer whale to be born successfully raised at SeaWorld parks in Orlando, Fla., San Diego, Calif. and San Antonio. Twelve of those whales, including this calf, have been born at SeaWorld Orlando.

Kalina was the first killer whale ever to be born and successfully raised in the care of man. She was born at SeaWorld Orlando on Sept. 26, 1985.

SeaWorld's killer whale breeding program is the most successful in the world.