One of SeaWorld’s last whales dies | Katina, 50, was matriarch
A killer whale at SeaWorld Orlando named Katina passed away. She was the matriarch of her family and one of the last whales who will ever live at the park.
SeaWorld Orlando announced Katina’s death on Dec. 21, 2025.
“[Katina’s] health had begun to significantly decline as she entered her geriatric years,” according to a statement from SeaWorld of the 50-year-old whale (full statement below).
Four whales remain at SeaWorld Orlando, and they will be the park’s last. In 2016, SeaWorld announced all of its parks would stop breeding killer whales, eventually phasing out whale shows.
At SeaWorld Orlando, Katina was part of the “Orca Encounter” show, which continues daily performances. The park also hosts a “Dine with Orcas” meal, at which dining tables are located right beside an orca viewing area behind glass.
At age 50, Katina was the oldest in SeaWorld Orlando’s whale family. The youngest, her son, is 15, according to SeaWorld ambassadors during a Dec. 1, 2025, show posted to YouTube by Tropic nook.
Comments on SeaWorld’s Facebook post mourned the loss of Katina:
- “I knew this day would come but hoped it wouldn’t. She’s been my favorite since I started working at SWO in 1985.” -Helen
- “I used to work at Shamu Stadium and will always remember her speed swim and the wall of water that would hit the front rows from it sending guests flying up the stairs because they were cold and wet … she was the sweetest girl always kept me company when I was sweeping the underwater viewing area” -Alessandra
- “She was one of the first whales I ever saw, as a kid, in OH, and is the reason I have so much love for orcas today. She will be greatly missed.” -Kristy
SeaWorld Orlando posted the following statement on its social media channels:
Our SeaWorld family is mourning the loss of one of our beloved killer whales, Katina. Katina was 50 years old, and her health had begun to significantly decline as she entered her geriatric years. Over the last several weeks, our animal care and medical teams have worked around the clock to closely monitor her declining health and as her condition worsened, the decision was made to prioritize her comfort and welfare. 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.
Katina had a big personality, including being known for her tendency to stick her tongue out and enjoying the “speed swim” to create a cyclone of water.
For many wonderful years, Katina awed and inspired millions of our guests to appreciate and learn more about this amazing species. This is an incredibly difficult time for those who knew and loved Katina. We appreciate the support of the community as we grieve her loss together with her loyal fans everywhere.
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