The original Shamu was the first intentional live capture of a female orca and the second female orca to ever live in captivity. She was captured in 1965 by Ted Griffin to be a mate for Namu, another captive orca. Shamu did not get along with Namu and so was sold to San Diego's SeaWorld to be part of the Shamu SeaWorld orca shows at the amusement park. She only lived to 9 years of age when wild orcas can live up to 80 years. At her last show, she showed signs of distress and agitation and bit an employee. This employee was Anne Eckis and was not her handler, but an employee meant to ride Shamu for a publicity event. Shamu retired after this incident on April 17, 1971 and died 4 months later. She has lent her name as a branding tactic for other orcas that have been inhumanely captured and sold to parks and aquariums for human entertainment. Due to this, may continued to believe that the later Shamu's were the original. They were not informed that the oringial Shamu had died from Septicaemia and Pyometria, two of the highest reported common deaths for captive killer whales.




Why this Story Affects Conservation Efforts
    Stories such as Shamu's are only the first of many that have arisen from whaling efforts that capture orcas for human entertainment. Whaling efforts, along with pollution, are the two leading causes for the decline of orca populations. These creatures are not meant to be confined to aquarium tanks. Aquarium orcas had an alarming number of injuries and would sometimes be forced to perform while injured.


Conservation Groups
Groups such as the Center for Whale Research, WildOrca, and Orca Conservancy strive to inform the public about the threats facing orcas. Whaling efforts and pollution are amongst the top two threats for these creatures. They aid in orca research and rehabilitation efforts.


visit this link to learn more about conservation efforts