The 50-year-old killer whale Katina who lived at SeaWorld Orlando for 40 years has passed away.

SeaWorld Orlando Whale Dies

SeaWorld Orlando said in a statement on December 21 that Katina’s health had begun to significantly decline. As her condition worsened over the past several weeks, “the decision was made to prioritize her comfort and welfare.” She passed surrounded by the animal care and medical teams who have worked with her for the past four decades.

SeaWorld said Katina had a “big personality” and was known for “her tendency to stick her tongue out and enjoying the ‘speed swim’ to create a cyclone of water.”

For many wonderful years, Katina awed and inspired millions of our guests to appreciate and learn more about this amazing species. This is an incredibly difficult time for those who knew and loved Katina. We appreciate the support of the community as we grieve her loss together with her loyal fans everywhere.

SeaWorld Orlando statement

Katina was one of five orcas at SeaWorld Orlando. She had been captured near Iceland at approximately three years of age in 1978 and acquired by SeaWorld in 1979. She first appeared at SeaWorld San Diego, then SeaWorld Ohio, before transferring to her final home of SeaWorld Orlando in 1984.

Katina had multiple children, including Makaio and Nalani, two of the remaining orcas at SeaWorld Orlando. Also at the park are her grandson Trua and the unrelated Malia.

Following years of controversy surrounding the treatment and captivity of orcas a.k.a. killer whales, SeaWorld ended their breeding program in 2016 and cased theatrical shows involving the animals in 2019.

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