Shamu is a name given to the "star" of the shows put on by SeaWorld. This stage name was chosen after the original Shamu the Whale in the late 1960s, who died in 1971. Killer whales are also called orcas, and they are warm blooded mammals who live in cold waters worldwide. Females can live for up to 90 years, and males up to 60. They can live in pods of up to 40 members and eat a wide variety of fish and ocean mammals. Orcas are incredibly intelligent, which is why they are such great attractions at SeaWorld, but the life in captivity often drives them to depression. On this national day, we attempt to raise awareness for the plight of orcas, who face dangers both in the wild and in captivity.

On September 26th, National Shamu the Whale Day celebrates this famous whale.

The origin of the day stems from the first surviving baby Shamu born in captivity who was born on September 26, 1985.