Shamu: Not a Place, But a Stage Name for SeaWorld's Orcas

"Shamu" is not a location—it's the trademarked stage name used for performing orcas (killer whales) at SeaWorld parks. The original Shamu was a female captured in 1965; the name has been reused for successive animals.

SeaWorld parks (San Diego, Orlando, San Antonio, formerly Aurora) have housed Shamu shows. In 2016, SeaWorld ended orca breeding and theatrical shows, shifting to "educational encounters." No wild orcas are named Shamu.