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Shamu is the stage name of SeaWorld's iconic Orca (killer whale) show, which is shared by numerous adult male or female orcas at the SeaWorld parks. Shamu's popular performances are presented along with Baby Shamu and Grandbaby Shamu in 7-million-gallon tanks.
Contents |
Sites
Shamu is presented at the following SeaWorld parks:
A fourth SeaWorld park, SeaWorld Ohio, closed in 2001.
History
The name Shamu means "friend of Namu" or "She-Namu" and was given to the second female orca ever captured.[1][2] She was only the third orca ever displayed in a public exhibit and was originally intended to be a companion for the orca Namu at a Seattle public aquarium. But the two orcas experienced social conflicts and Shamu was eventually leased to and then purchased by SeaWorld San Diego on December 20, 1965.[3] Shamu was a Southern Resident orca, likely born in 1961 and captured in Puget Sound in 1965.[3] She performed in several SeaWorld shows and eventually died on August 23, 1971.[4] Her final year of performing in front of an audience was mired in controversy. She was retired from performing after an incident caught on tape where she attacked Annette Eckis, an employee of SeaWorld at the time, who was supposed to ride her.[5]
Today, "Shamu," "Namu," and "Ramu" are trademarked stage names given to all of the orcas residing within the SeaWorld parks.[6] The first Baby Shamu is named Kalina. She is the first surviving orca born in captivity on September 26, 1985.[6] Notably, ten orca calves had been born in captivity before 1985, but five were stillborn and the others all died within two months of their births.[6] Kalina's parents, Katina and Winston, were bestowed the names Namu (Katina) and Ramu (Winston). The stage name Grandbaby Shamu was given to Kalina's first calf, which was born on February 2, 1993 - a male named Keet. The first Great Grandbaby Shamu was Keet's first calf, born on December 21, 2004 - a female named Kalia. The first ever calf to be born to captive-bred parents (Kayla and Keet) is a female named Halyn, who was born on October 9, 2005 and died on June 15, 2008.[7]
Shows
Orcas perform in Shamu Stadium, which seats 5,500. The Shamu show is the most popular show at SeaWorld, running 20 minutes and showing up to seven times a day. The show highlights both the innate (natural) and learned behaviors of orcas, as well as the relationships SeaWorld trainers have with these animals. According to the official SeaWorld website, people sitting in the first 14 rows "must be prepared to get soaked by Shamu," with water that is chilled to 55° F (13° C). As of the "Believe" show, this is born out by the fact that Shamu (as opposed to the younger whales used for most of the show) is brought out toward the end to specifically splash the guests watching the show.
The show was recently changed at all three SeaWorld parks. The new show, dubbed "Believe," features an emotional soundtrack and more trainers than any previous show.
Shamu Shows throughout the years:
| Year | Name |
|---|---|
| 1966-1971 | Doctor Dolittle |
| 1971-1974 | Shamu Goes Hollywood |
| 1974-1975 | Shamu for Mayor |
| 1975-1977 | Shamu the Yankee Doodle Whale |
| 1977-1980 | Shamu Goes to College |
| 1980-1982 | This is Shamu |
| 1982-1984 | Shamu, Take a Bow |
| 1984-1986 | Shamu Celebration |
| 1987 | Shamu's Water Symphony |
| 1988-1990 | Shamu 25th Anniversary |
| 1989-1991 | Baby Shamu Celebration |
| 1992-1995 | Shamu New Visions (Played from 1998-2004 at SeaWorld San Antonio) |
| 1995-1998 | Shamu: World Focus |
| 1998-2006 | The Shamu Adventure |
| 2005-2006 | The Shamu Experience |
| 2006-Present | Believe |
Night shows performed during the spring and summer:
| Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Shamu Rocks Texas | San Antonio, TX |
| Shamu Rocks Around the World | Orlando, FL and San Diego, CA |
| Shamu Rocks | Orlando, FL |
References
- ^ "A listing of dolphin/whale captures..." at pbs.org
- ^ "Shamu Stadium Evolves over the Years" 2006 May SeaWorld Press Release Accessed 2008 May 17.
- ^ a b "SeaWorld Investigation: Secrets Below the Surface". KGTV San Diego. http://www.10news.com/news/13334667/detail.html. Retrieved 2008-05-05.
- ^ "Shamu dies of infection". Eugene Register-Guard. August 31, 1971. http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=4zYRAAAAIBAJ&sjid=6-ADAAAAIBAJ&pg=5085,6896349&dq=shamu+1971. Retrieved 2009-06-07.
- ^ Killer Whale / Show Girl CBS News broadcast from the Vanderbilt Television News Archive
- ^ a b c "Ask Shamu: Frequently Asked Questions". SeaWorld/Busch Gardens. http://www.seaworld.org/ask-shamu/faq.htm#sw-animals. Retrieved 2008-05-05.
- ^ "Killer whale at SeaWorld San Antonio dies". Dallas Morning News. http://www.woai.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=F016E77F-495E-4F8D-80D0-C067CAF7B562&gsa=true=. Retrieved 2008-06-15.
External links
- Shamu.com – Shamu's official site
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