Beloved SeaWorld orca Katina dies at age 50 | EUROtoday

On Dec 23, 2025

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SeaWorld Orlando has introduced that Katina, one in every of its beloved killer whales, has died.

The whale died on the age of fifty after her well being quickly deteriorated in latest days, the park mentioned in a press release on Friday.

SeaWorld mentioned that its animal care personnel had been monitoring the whale’s well being for the final a number of weeks. The park mentioned that the whale’s caretakers — some who’ve been working with the animal for nearly 40 years — have been at her facet 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 park mentioned that the animal was an inspiration to the friends who visited the park.

SeaWorld Orlando announced that one of its orcas, Katina, has died at age 50. The whale died after its health quickly deteriorated over the course of several weeks, the park said — SeaWorld Orlando introduced that one in every of its orcas, Katina, has died at age 50. The whale died after its well being rapidly deteriorated over the course of a number of weeks, the park mentioned (Getty Images)

“For many wonderful years, Katina awed and inspired millions of our guests to appreciate and learn more about this amazing species,” SeaWorld mentioned in a press launch.

According to the NOAA, feminine orcas are likely to reside round 50 years, however can reside lengthy sufficient to see their one centesimal birthday.

SeaWorld mentioned Katina was well-known for her “big personality” and preferred to stay her tongue out at friends. The park mentioned the animal additionally loved rapidly swimming in tight circles in her pool to create cyclones of water, a spectacle that was additionally loved by friends.

“This is an incredibly difficult time for those who knew and loved Katina,” SeaWorld mentioned. “We appreciate the support of the community as we grieve her loss together with her loyal fans everywhere.”

The demise of any of SeaWorld’s orcas marks one other step towards a brand new period for the park. In 2016, SeaWorld introduced it was ending its whale breeding program and pledged that the whales in its care could be the final era of SeaWorld performer whales.

When the final captive whale dies, the animal reveals that constructed SeaWorld will go away ceaselessly.

As of 2025, there are roughly 18 to twenty whales residing in SeaWorld areas throughout the U.S.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/seaworld-orca-katina-dies-b2889241.html