Corky was kept with a male named Orky II who was her cousin, also caught in Pender Harbour the year before her own capture.

Corky and Orky had six more calves but none survived, the oldest, named Kiva (22 June 1982 – 3 August 1982), a female, lived for just 46 days.

In 1987, Corky was sold to SeaWorld and was moved with Orky II to the park in San Diego, California, United States on 21 January 1987.

[11][12][13] Corky is the subject of various campaigns by animal rights activists and organizations, including PETA, demanding her retirement and release.

[14][15] In 2017, a Canadian orca research organization created a banner from more than 17,000 pieces of artwork that stretched 1.5 miles as a means to promote her freedom.

[16] A 40 acre sea sanctuary located off Hanson Island in British Columbia has been proposed for her relocation, but SeaWorld remains resistant, arguing Corky would not survive.