National Shamu the Whale Day

Shamu was the name given to various captive orcas (killer whales) at SeaWorld theme parks. The original Shamu was a female orca who was captured off the coast of Washington State in 1965 and taken to SeaWorld San Diego. The name "Shamu" was first used as a stage name for a different killer whale in the park's "Shamu" show in 1965, but it became best known as the name of the orca who starred in the show for many years. Over the years, several different orcas have been given the name "Shamu" for use in the popular show.