Overview
- The park said Katina’s health had worsened in recent weeks and teams prioritized her comfort before she died surrounded by longtime caretakers.
- Katina spent nearly four decades at SeaWorld Orlando and was remembered for a distinctive personality, including sticking out her tongue and performing a fast “speed swim.”
- PETA said Katina was captured off Iceland in 1978 at about 2 years old and called her the 46th orca to die in SeaWorld’s care, a figure reported by multiple outlets.
- SeaWorld confirmed its 2016 policy ending orca breeding and reiterates that the animals in its care are the last generation, with media noting four whales remain in Orlando.
- Some guests and social-media posts reported canceled orca shows following her death, while other coverage noted the park’s Orca Encounter continues daily.