Baby Killer Whale Born at SeaWorld San Diego

http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/stories/20041222_01.shtml

Exciting news for the park.

http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/stories/20041222_01.shtml
> Exciting news for the park.

Is every killer whale in every Sea Wold named Shamu? We have Shamu here in Orlando. I always thought the one in Sand Diego was Mamu or something weird like that. What about the Texas and Ohio Sea Worlds? (I know the Ohio one isn't Sea Wolrd anymore but what was the name of the whale while it was there?)

Is there any Sea World experts out there that can help me understand?

> (I know the Ohio one isn't
> Sea Wolrd anymore but what was the name of the
> whale while it was there?)

When the Ohio Sea World park was open, the whales were named Shamu and Namu. Technically they all have other "given" names, but their "stage names" always seem to be Shamu (or a variant thereof). When Sea World Ohio was sold to Six Flags, the whale that was brought to Aurora was named Shouka. Shouka now resides at Six Flags Marine World in California.

> Is there any Sea World experts out there that can
> help me understand?

I'm sure someone out there knows more about this situation than I do!

Ray P.

> Is there any Sea World experts out there that can
> help me understand?

> I'm sure someone out there knows more about this
> situation than I do!

> Ray P.
>

Shouka I believe was always the name of the whale that lived at Six Flags Ohio. The Shamu there got relocated when Sea World sold.

I'm not an expert, but it is my understanding that each of the whales has a unique name and the name Shamu means simply killer whale at Sea World more than anything. Of course, I might be wrong.

> Is there any Sea World experts out there that can
> help me understand?

> I'm sure someone out there knows more about this
> situation than I do!

> Ray P.
>

> Shouka I believe was always the name of the whale
> that lived at Six Flags Ohio. The Shamu there got
> relocated when Sea World sold.

> I'm not an expert, but it is my understanding
> that each of the whales has a unique name and the
> name Shamu means simply killer whale at Sea World
> more than anything. Of course, I might be wrong.

As a San Diego resident and Sea World Season pass holder I have something to say pertaining to this discussion:

Please don't make fun of me for being a Sea World
Season Pass holder (lol)

-The Rev

> Is there any Sea World experts out there that can
> help me understand?

> I'm sure someone out there knows more about this
> situation than I do!

> Ray P.
>

> Shouka I believe was always the name of the whale
> that lived at Six Flags Ohio. The Shamu there got
> relocated when Sea World sold.

> I'm not an expert, but it is my understanding
> that each of the whales has a unique name and the
> name Shamu means simply killer whale at Sea World
> more than anything. Of course, I might be wrong.

> As a San Diego resident and Sea World Season pass
> holder I have something to say pertaining to this
> discussion:

> Please don't make fun of me for being a Sea World
> Season Pass holder (lol)

> -The Rev

>

Shouka yes has always had the name. She was born in Marineland France her mom is Sharkane and her dad is Kim 2. The title 'Shamu' is a stage name. The Sea World killer whales all have their own given names. And they are

SeaWorld California
1) Corky 2
2) Ulises
3) Orkid
4) Splash
5) Sumar
6) Nakai
7) Kasatka
8) Kasatka's 2004 calf

SeaWorld Florida
1) Tillikum
2) Katina
3) Kalina
4) Taku
5) Takara
6) Kohana
7) taima
8) Ikaiki
9) Skyla

Seaworld Texas
1) Kyquot
2) Kayla
3) Unna
4) Keto
5) Tuar
6) Tekoa
7) Keet

> SeaWorld California
> 1) Corky 2
> 2) Ulises
> 3) Orkid
> 4) Splash
> 5) Sumar
> 6) Nakai
> 7) Kasatka
> 8) Kasatka's 2004 calf

Is Corky 2 the whale from Marineland (Rancho Palos Verdes, CA) of a sibling of this whale?

Also, out of all the whales listed how many were born at a SeaWorld park?

Eric

> Is Corky 2 the whale from Marineland (Rancho Palos Verdes,
> CA) of a sibling of this whale?

> Also, out of all the whales listed how many were born at a
> SeaWorld park?

> Eric

Corky 2 came from Marineland of the Pacific when the park was bought by SeaWorld. She and the other orca, Orky 2, were transfered to SeaWorld in 1987.

Out of SeaWorld of Florida, Kalina, Taima, Takara, Taku, Kohana, Ikaika, and Skyla.
In SeaWorld of California, Orkid, Splash, Sumar, Nakai, and Kasatka's Calf.
And SeaWorld of Texas, Kayla, Kyuqout, Keet, Keto, Unna, Tuar, and Tekoa, or actually everyone currently residing there were born in captivity.

- SeaWolf

> Corky 2 came from Marineland of the Pacific when the park
> was bought by SeaWorld. She and the other orca, Orky 2,
> were transfered to SeaWorld in 1987.

Why the name Corky 2 instead of just Corky. I'm pleased to learn that Corky is still alive. My childhood home overlooked Marineland of the Pacific and I remember the park's closure in 1987.

> Out of SeaWorld of Florida, Kalina, Taima, Takara, Taku,
> Kohana, Ikaika, and Skyla.
> In SeaWorld of California, Orkid, Splash, Sumar, Nakai, and
> Kasatka's Calf.
> And SeaWorld of Texas, Kayla, Kyuqout, Keet, Keto, Unna,
> Tuar, and Tekoa, or actually everyone currently residing
> there were born in captivity.

> - SeaWolf

That is very impressive! It's nice to see that SeaWorld having success with their breeding program. Do they ever consider loaning there whales to other marine animal parks for breeding programs? I would like to see Six Flags be able to mate their whale.

Eric

I saw on travel chanel that namu was the name of the first killer whale at eny of the sea world parks, and they said that shamu means friend of namu. So thats the orgin.

I thought that Shamu was their last name.

She is called Corky 2 because she replaced the first Corky at the park. The origional Corky died December 1970. Corky 2 came to Marineland after her capture on December 11, 1969.

Shamu was the name of the first killer whale owned by SeaWorld. No killer whale named Namu has ever lived at SeaWorld. They only Namu was owned by Ted Griffin who wanted to get rid of the rumors surrounding killer whales. Namu lived at the Seattle Aquarium in a harbor pen for a year until he died. Griffin thought Namu needed a mate so he captured an adult female with a calf. The adult female died during the trasport to Seattle. The female calf was named Shamu, which means She-Namu. Because Shamu was so aggressive, Griffin sold her to SeaWorld where she lived for 6 years until she died. After her death the name Shamu became so popular SeaWorld started using the name for all of their whales.

- SeaWolf

As for sending SeaWorld's animals on a breeding loan. Never in the history of SeaWorld has a killer whale left their park once they came. However, SeaWorld will be sending some whale from SeaWorld of Texas to Loro Parque, a park in Spain, sometime around 2006.

- SeaWolf

> She is called Corky 2 because she replaced the first Corky
> at the park. The origional Corky died December 1970. Corky
> 2 came to Marineland after her capture on December 11,
> 1969.

What is the realistic life span of a Killer Whale in captivity? I'm curious how often Corky 2 still peforms at Sea World as well. I saw Corky and Orky (her mate) perform at Marineland of the Pacific many times. It is great news to hear that she is still alive after all these years.

Eric

What is the realistic life span of a Killer Whale in captivity? I'm curious how often Corky 2 still peforms at Sea World as well. I saw Corky and Orky (her mate) perform at Marineland of the Pacific many times. It is great news to hear that she is still alive after all these years.

That depends on who you ask... Some people will say 13.5 years, some will say 30 years. Killer whales have only been kept in captivity for around 40 years and it's only until recently that we've been able to learn how to care for them better so now they seem to be living longer. Corky 2 is around 40 years old, so is Tokitae who lives at the Miami Seaquarium. They are the oldest ones in captivity so far. In all honesty, I'm not 100% sure on the life span of captives. I guess it depends all on how you look at it.

Corky performs at SeaWorld everyday. She is their star. She always gives her all when she does perform. She is also the whale that trains the trainers. When trainers start to work with the animals on land or water, she's the first. Ulises is also one they work with first, but not in getting in the water with. He's more of an advanced water-work orca.

Did you go to Marineland often? It's always interesting to talk to someone who's been there and saw/knew the whales. Actually, another Marineland animal is at SeaWorld as well. Bubbles the pilot whale. Have you seen her?

- SeaWolf

Ok Last week I was party of the sleepover program at SeaWorld San Diego and the story that our guide told us is that the first killer whale ever to be captivated was named Namu, which was a male. When they got a female they combined "she" and "namu" and got Shamu. Since that was the name that they started out with and everyone knew, whenever a killer whale is on stage or performing at Seaworld they are refered to as Shamu, no matter what sex they are, but all the whales have their own names. (Thanks Megan!)
>
> http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/stories/20041222_01.shtml
> > Exciting news for the park.

> Is every killer whale in every Sea Wold named Shamu? We
> have Shamu here in Orlando. I always thought the one in
> Sand Diego was Mamu or something weird like that. What
> about the Texas and Ohio Sea Worlds? (I know the Ohio one
> isn't Sea Wolrd anymore but what was the name of the whale
> while it was there?)

> Is there any Sea World experts out there that can help me
> understand?

> Corky 2 came from Marineland of the Pacific when the park
> was bought by SeaWorld. She and the other orca, Orky 2,
> were transfered to SeaWorld in 1987.

> Why the name Corky 2 instead of just Corky. I'm pleased to
> learn that Corky is still alive. My childhood home
> overlooked Marineland of the Pacific and I remember the
> park's closure in 1987.

> Out of SeaWorld of Florida, Kalina, Taima, Takara, Taku,
> Kohana, Ikaika, and Skyla.
> In SeaWorld of California, Orkid, Splash, Sumar, Nakai, and
> Kasatka's Calf.
> And SeaWorld of Texas, Kayla, Kyuqout, Keet, Keto, Unna,
> Tuar, and Tekoa, or actually everyone currently residing
> there were born in captivity.

> - SeaWolf

> That is very impressive! It's nice to see that SeaWorld
> having success with their breeding program. Do they ever
> consider loaning there whales to other marine animal parks
> for breeding programs? I would like to see Six Flags be
> able to mate their whale.

> Eric

At SeaWorld San Diego Kasatka was artifically inseminated and gave birth to Nakai, but for her new calf, Kalai, she and another whale from another park (ANYONE KNOW WHICH ONE??) got it on naturally and out came the new little whale.

Bubbles is beautiful! And Ulises is amazing because of his size. Does anyone know what whale is the largest in captivity? is it Ulises??

> What is the realistic life span of a Killer Whale in
> captivity? I'm curious how often Corky 2 still peforms at
> Sea World as well. I saw Corky and Orky (her mate) perform
> at Marineland of the Pacific many times. It is great news
> to hear that she is still alive after all these years.

> That depends on who you ask... Some people will say 13.5
> years, some will say 30 years. Killer whales have only been
> kept in captivity for around 40 years and it's only until
> recently that we've been able to learn how to care for them
> better so now they seem to be living longer. Corky 2 is
> around 40 years old, so is Tokitae who lives at the Miami
> Seaquarium. They are the oldest ones in captivity so far.
> In all honesty, I'm not 100% sure on the life span of
> captives. I guess it depends all on how you look at it.

> Corky performs at SeaWorld everyday. She is their star. She
> always gives her all when she does perform. She is also the
> whale that trains the trainers. When trainers start to work
> with the animals on land or water, she's the first. Ulises
> is also one they work with first, but not in getting in the
> water with. He's more of an advanced water-work orca.

> Did you go to Marineland often? It's always interesting to
> talk to someone who's been there and saw/knew the whales.
> Actually, another Marineland animal is at SeaWorld as well.
> Bubbles the pilot whale. Have you seen her?

> - SeaWolf

>
>
> shamu is a nick name for the killer whales,namu is the real name for the real killer whale in cap

> Bubbles is beautiful! And Ulises is amazing because of his
> size. Does anyone know what whale is the largest in
> captivity? is it Ulises??

The largest killer whale in captivity is Tilikum. He's a 24 year old male that lives in SeaWorld of Florida, in Orlando. He weighs in at about 12,300 lbs. and is around 23 feet long. He's also the father of many of SeaWorld's captive born whales.

Ulises is definatly an impressive whale. He's so beautiful. I was amazed when I saw him for the first time in March 2004. I remember watching him in the close-up when he sunk to the bottom and just lied there for about 6 or 7 minutes and everyone around me was starting to panic because they thought he died. Of course, Ulises does that all the time when he wants to rest for a bit. Sure enough, he swam right to the top and went over to hang out with Orkid and Splash by the gate.

- SeaWolf

Wow, I'm another in the happy camp to learn that Corky's still out there, performing even. I wouldn't have expected that. I grew up in Torrance and Anaheim, and went to Marineland far more than Sea World.

Are most of the orca names out there (other than obvious ones like Splash and Orky) Inuit? Curious, since we were looking for northern-sounding names for our husky-ish puppy about 1/2 year ago.

Ben

> Did you go to Marineland often? It's always interesting to
> talk to someone who's been there and saw/knew the whales.
> Actually, another Marineland animal is at SeaWorld as well.
> Bubbles the pilot whale. Have you seen her?

> - SeaWolf

I did go to Marineland often. The park was only ten minutes from my house and our home overlooked the property. If I was bored I could watch the sky tower cabin go up-and-down all day long.

I remember Bubbles the pilot whale. She had her own show with some dolphins, but a different type of dolphin that you don't typically see in the dolphin shows. I'm sorry I don't know animals that well.

It is my understanding that all of the dolphins went to SeaWorld San Diego as well. I'm not sure of the lifespan of a dolphin in captivity and if its at all possible that one or more of them might still be alive at the park.

Also, the few remains of Marineland are starting to be torn down in preparation for construction to begin on a resort hotel. Construction begins soon on the Long Point property.

Eric

> Wow, I'm another in the happy camp to learn that Corky's
> still out there, performing even. I wouldn't have expected
> that. I grew up in Torrance and Anaheim, and went to
> Marineland far more than Sea World.

> Are most of the orca names out there (other than obvious
> ones like Splash and Orky) Inuit? Curious, since we were
> looking for northern-sounding names for our husky-ish puppy
> about 1/2 year ago.

The names are varied. There are some Japanese, Inuit, French, Hawaiian, Russian, Icelandic, Latin, Bulgarian, Greek, Chinook, Cherokee, Dutch . All sorts.

A few of the more northern names are Nakai (Victory), Tuar (Unique), Tilikum (Friend), Chimo (Welcome), Taima (Thunder Crash), Keet (Orca), Tekoa (Beautiful), Namu (Whirlwind),
Some where named after tribes, like Taku, Kyuqout, Nootka and Haida.

A lot of people who used to go to Marineland all the time are really shocked to hear that Corky is alive and well.

My friend and I have a website with our trips to SeaWorld and we have lots of pictures of Corky and the other orcas on there.

You can see our pictures at:
http://laura.hanenkamp.com/gallery.html
http://laura.hanenkamp.com/Ruka/photos.html

- SeaWolf

Unfortunatly, something sad to report. SeaWorld San Diego lost a killer whale today. He was a 15 year old male named Splash. Splash, who was origionally named Katak, was born at Marineland Ontario, Canada to Nootka V and Kandu VII on August 15, 1989. He was moved to SeaWorld in 1992. Recently, he developed an infection in his teeth. He was placed in the medical pool and efforts were made to help him but they sadly failed. Splash died today, April 5th, 2005 around noon. He will be greatly missed, especially around the other orca lovers.

Namu (male) and Shamu (female) were the first killer whales were kept in captivity. Once the two died the name 'Shamu' became kind of a show name to the other killer whales. The have their own names but are all called Shamu to eliminate confusion in the audience.
>
> http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/stories/20041222_01.shtml
> > Exciting news for the park.

> Is every killer whale in every Sea Wold named Shamu? We
> have Shamu here in Orlando. I always thought the one in
> Sand Diego was Mamu or something weird like that. What
> about the Texas and Ohio Sea Worlds? (I know the Ohio one
> isn't Sea Wolrd anymore but what was the name of the whale
> while it was there?)

> Is there any Sea World experts out there that can help me
> understand?

I was wondering if anyone had some good pictures of each whale at the park in Orlando so I can tell who is who? =)

> I was wondering if anyone had some good pictures of each
> whale at the park in Orlando so I can tell who is who? =)

Also wondering if someone could tell me the markings to tell who is who.

> I was wondering if anyone had some good pictures of each
> whale at the park in Orlando so I can tell who is who? =)

> Also wondering if someone could tell me the markings to
> tell who is who.
>

Tai, to be completely honest, I would be suspect of anyone on this board actually knowing the difference. There may be someone that actually knows but I think we would all agree that each one that is male, (if we can tell the difference) would just agree that it is Shamu. Not being silly, just admitting ignorance.

Ed

I have pictures of kohana and I can tell that's kohana and I can tell who tillikum is also along with Takara, i just was wondering if anyone had pictures of them seperate. I know there names and I know that to everyone if they're male they are "shamu" but I know people can tell the difference of them all and I'd just like to be one of them.

> I have pictures of kohana and I can tell that's kohana and
> I can tell who tillikum is also along with Takara, i just
> was wondering if anyone had pictures of them seperate. I
> know there names and I know that to everyone if they're
> male they are "shamu" but I know people can tell
> the difference of them all and I'd just like to be one of
> them.

I am one of those people. I can tell them all apart. Orcas are my obsession really. I've been doing this since about 2001. I will be going to SeaWorld Orlando, Florida in May. There are lots of people who have pictures of them IDed... but some people don't have them IDed right and I sometimes don't trust them. If you want, you can e-mail me or if you have AIM, my name is PhantomSeaWolf and I can tell you how to ID the SWF orcas or any orca for that matter. I'll be more than glad to help you.

- SeaWolf

> Tai, to be completely honest, I would be suspect of anyone
> on this board actually knowing the difference. There may be
> someone that actually knows but I think we would all agree
> that each one that is male, (if we can tell the difference)
> would just agree that it is Shamu. Not being silly, just
> admitting ignorance.

> Ed
>

Well, actually... Shamu was first and foremost, a female. The name Shamu is derived from Namu, meaning she-namu. After she died, the name was so popular SeaWorld just used it for all their whales as a stage name be they male or female.

Well I'm not a professoinal but I know almost all the orcas at all the parks. The original Shamu is long dead but for the purpose of the shows, all orcas are called Shamu or Baby Shamu. There is not a single orca that shares a name with another. All names are different. My favorite orcas are Takara of Orlando, her daugher Kohana of Orlando, and Takara's Mother Kasatka of San Diego, and Takara's brother Nakai of San Diego. If you want any more names feel free to e-mail me at drlong_101@yahoo.com (the link is just a picture link.) http://www.brianorca.com/brianweb/

Growing up in So. CA I went to Marineland very often. My mother told me of a story when our family went there in 1958. My sister was 2 & my mother was expecting me. Bubbles, the pilot whale, was not feeling well & not performing because she had swallowed her innertube toy. Of course, she recovered, because we had seen Bubbles for many years after that. As far as the name Namu & Shamu, we had gone to Sea World in June 1980 (I remember because I was expecting my second son)& the 2 killer whales were called Shamu & Namu. I remember because my oldest son (who was 2) chanted that ALL the way home! In 1985, my in-laws came to visit & we took them to Marineland. My husband had gone snorkling there & lost a contact lense. When in 2nd grade, my oldest son's class had gone to Marineland on a fieldtrip just after Sea World had purchased it, there was only the research area open. Little did we know that it would be his last time there. Now, at 27, he is stationed in San Diego & goes to Sea World often. He says it's like seeing old, old friends.

-Didee

> Did you go to Marineland often? It's always interesting to
> talk to someone who's been there and saw/knew the whales.
> Actually, another Marineland animal is at SeaWorld as well.
> Bubbles the pilot whale. Have you seen her?

> - SeaWolf

> I did go to Marineland often. The park was only ten minutes
> from my house and our home overlooked the property. If I
> was bored I could watch the sky tower cabin go up-and-down
> all day long.

> I remember Bubbles the pilot whale. She had her own show
> with some dolphins, but a different type of dolphin that
> you don't typically see in the dolphin shows. I'm sorry I
> don't know animals that well.

> It is my understanding that all of the dolphins went to
> SeaWorld San Diego as well. I'm not sure of the lifespan of
> a dolphin in captivity and if its at all possible that one
> or more of them might still be alive at the park.

> Also, the few remains of Marineland are starting to be torn
> down in preparation for construction to begin on a resort
> hotel. Construction begins soon on the Long Point property.

> Eric

>