The news broke shortly before I got off work. I feel for all the trainers and staff who were close to him. Everything described on Facebook indicates he was a very vibrant, very energetic performer. He had been feeling ill for a couple days, and the Shamu Show was canceled today due to his passing. For any of the locals who frequent SeaWorld SD I'm sorry.
Killer whale dies at SeaWorld in San Diego; orca shows canceled | L.A. NOW | Los Angeles Times
"Happiness is a Low Water Level"
"Creating magical memories and making Managers cry since 1955!"
Awww....sad.
It is very sad. He was only 12. Orcas live to about 30 years in the wild.
how sad..
I know several members here on the board who have AP's to Seaworld. I've only been a handful of times and to my knowledge never "met" the orca in question. For those friends I am sorry. I showed this to a coworker who used to work for SeaWorld as part of their entertainment staff. He actually worked there when Sumar came to the park. He said this orca stood out specifically because he loved to interact with anyone near the tank. After I broke the news my coworker made several calls expressing his condolences. I worked for Disney, I am well aware of how friends become family at theme parks. There are countless individuals who were entertained and inspired by this orca and never realized who he was. To a myriad of children he was "Shamu"
Seaworld is not currently planning any type of memorial service. Considering the press the company has had recently I doubt they want to publicize anything. This headline barely made a ripple in the news today. Some members of the public were planning their own memorial, and from what I was told the trainers and staff may do their own thing as well. Again at this time there is nothing official from SeaWorld. My heart really goes out to the staff.
"Happiness is a Low Water Level"
"Creating magical memories and making Managers cry since 1955!"
May he rest in peace. He acted as an invaluable ambassador for his species.
He was on cup cake wars. They had a competition for his birthday.
Average lifespan of a WILD orca: 30-35 yearsOriginally Posted by KingEric
Average lifespan of a CAPTIVE orca: 7 years
(Source: U.S.D.A.)
thats sad.
That's not true. If that was true then most of the whales at Sea World would be dead, since only one is under the age of 7 with the oldest being over 40!
It's a fact.
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