NATIONAL SHAMU THE WHALE DAY | SEPTEMBER 26
On September 26th, National Shamu the Whale Day honors a famous whale, while also raising awareness about orcas.
#ShamuTheWhaleDay
Shamu is the name used in several of the SeaWorld orca whale shows. It is the stage name given to the “star” of those shows, beginning with the original Shamu in the late 1960s. Shamu died in 1971. However, SeaWorld trademarked the name Shamu. They gave the name to different orcas throughout the years when performing in Shamu shows in several SeaWorld parks.
Wild Orca (killer whales) Facts
These warm-blooded mammals live in oceans all over the world. However, they’re mostly found in the colder waters of the Arctic and Antarctic. Female orcas can live up to 90 years, while male orcas live only up to about 60 years. These powerful predators are the largest member of the dolphin family.
Like dolphins, whales live in social groups and make sounds to communicate. They travel in pods. Both the sounds they make and their distinctive markings help them to identify each other. They also imitate others and seem to deliberately teach skills to their kin.
Orca pods consist of up to 40 members and together they make a powerful hunting party. Orcas eat a wide variety of fish, birds, and ocean-dwelling mammals. On average, an orca eats 500 pounds per day.
HOW TO OBSERVE SHAMU THE WHALE DAY
Take the day to learn more about Shamu and orca whales. Watch videos of Shamu. Use #ShamuTheWhaleDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL SHAMU THE WHALE DAY HISTORY
The origin of the day stems from the first surviving baby Shamu born in captivity who was born on September 26, 1985.