SeaWorld Orlando announced that Katina, a longtime and beloved killer whale, died on Dec. 21 at age 50 after her health declined in her geriatric years. Staff closely monitored her condition and prioritized her comfort; she passed while surrounded by caretakers who had worked with her for nearly 40 years. Fans and visitors shared memories and condolences online, and several orca shows were reportedly canceled after her death. Katina was born in the wild in the mid-1970s and is survived by offspring and other group members.
SeaWorld Mourns Katina: Beloved Orca Dies at 50 After Geriatric Health Decline
ShutterstockSeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando announced on Dec. 21 that Katina, one of the park’s most well-known killer whales, has died at the age of 50 after her health declined in recent months.
Care Team Prioritized Comfort
SeaWorld said animal care and veterinary teams had been closely monitoring Katina as she entered her geriatric years. Staff made the decision to prioritize her comfort and welfare as her condition worsened; despite extensive care, she passed away surrounded by the animal care and medical teams who had worked with her for nearly 40 years.
"Our SeaWorld family is mourning the loss of one of our beloved killer whales, Katina," the park wrote in a statement, noting her age and declining condition.
Personality and Public Bond
SeaWorld highlighted Katina’s big personality — playful behaviors that included sticking her tongue out and generating dramatic whirlpools by swimming rapidly. For decades she served as an ambassador for her species, inspiring millions of guests to learn more about orcas and marine conservation.
Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via GettySeaWorld Orlando sign
Tributes and Operational Impact
Tributes poured in across social media from visitors and fans who recalled childhood memories and expressed condolences. Several visitors reported that SeaWorld Orlando canceled multiple orca shows following Katina’s death. The Whale Sanctuary Project previously described Katina as "the trust boss of SeaWorld Orlando," observing that other orcas often followed her lead.
Background And Survivors
Reports indicate Katina was born in the wild in the mid-1970s and arrived at SeaWorld Orlando in the late 1970s. She is survived by her son, Makaio, her daughter, Nalani, and fellow group members Trua and Malia.
Lifespan Context
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the average lifespan for female killer whales is around 50 years, although wild individuals can live into their 80s or 90s. Katina’s longevity and long tenure at SeaWorld made her a familiar and enduring figure to generations of visitors.
