SeaWorld Orlando has announced the death of Katina, one of its most famous and long-resident killer whales. The orca, known for her playful personality, passed away at the estimated age of 50 after a recent and rapid decline in her health.
A Sudden Decline and a Fond Farewell
The park confirmed that Katina's health had deteriorated over several days, with animal care teams monitoring her closely for weeks beforehand. In a statement released on Friday, SeaWorld shared that her long-term caretakers, some of whom had worked with her for nearly four decades, were by her side when she died.
"Despite everyone’s extraordinary efforts, she passed away while surrounded by animal care and medical teams who have worked closely with her for nearly 40 years," the statement read. The park described this as an "incredibly difficult time" for staff and the many fans who adored her.
Katina's Legacy as an Ambassador
Katina was celebrated for her "big personality" and specific behaviours that delighted visitors for decades. She was known for playfully sticking her tongue out at guests and for swimming rapidly in tight circles to create impressive water cyclones in her pool.
SeaWorld stated that "For many wonderful years, Katina awed and inspired millions of our guests to appreciate and learn more about this amazing species." According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), female orcas like Katina have a typical lifespan of around 50 years, though they can live to be 100 in the wild.
The End of an Era for SeaWorld
Katina's death marks another significant step in the transformation of SeaWorld's relationship with orcas. In 2016, the company made a landmark announcement to end its controversial orca breeding programme. It pledged that the whales currently in its care would be the last generation to perform in its shows.
As of 2025, it is estimated that only 18 to 20 orcas remain across all SeaWorld locations in the United States. The passing of each whale brings the park closer to the end of its orca exhibition era, a move long demanded by animal rights activists and a shifting public sentiment.
The park expressed its gratitude for the public's support, stating, "We appreciate the support of the community as we grieve her loss together with her loyal fans everywhere." The future of SeaWorld's attractions now lies beyond its historic, and increasingly legacy, orca performances.
