Shamu

Shamu is the stage name used for performing killer whales at SeaWorld theme parks. The name has been applied to a succession of orcas that entertained visitors with aquatic displays, and it became the central branding for SeaWorld’s flagship orca show. Over time, Shamu became a widely recognized symbol associated with SeaWorld and its captive orca program.

The first orca to perform under the Shamu name was a female captured in the mid-1960s and exhibited at SeaWorld of San Diego. After her, several other orcas carried the Shamu title across SeaWorld parks, performing in routines that included high jumps, breaches, tail slaps, synchronized swimming, and other coordinated behaviors. The Shamu performances helped establish SeaWorld as a major destination for marine mammal entertainment and drew large audiences.

In the 21st century, public discussion about the welfare of captive orcas led SeaWorld to adjust its programs. The company announced changes to its breeding practices and shifted toward more educational presentations and naturalistic viewing experiences. Some parks phased out traditional Shamu-themed shows in favor of new formats, such as Orca Encounter, and other educational experiences that emphasize conservation and animal care. The Shamu brand remains part of SeaWorld’s history, recognizable in older media and still referenced in some contexts, even as the parks evolve their approach to whale displays and public storytelling.