Her Story

Kalina was born head-first on September 26, 1985 at 6:21 PM EDT. Her mother Katina went into labor around 1:50 PM EDT. Another female named Kona II* was by her side during the birth. The public would come to know her as the first Baby Shamu. Kalina made history by becoming the first orca born and raised successfully in the care of man.

A few months after turning age four, Kalina was sent to SeaWorld Aurora for the summer season. Afterwards, she was sent to SeaWorld San Diego and then to SeaWorld San Antonio. Kalina was paired with a male named Kotar* during her stay at SeaWorld San Antonio. On February 2, 1993, Kalina gave birth to a baby boy that staff called Grandbaby Shamu who would later be named Keet.

Kalina would mother several more calves including son Keto (June 17, 1995) who was fathered by Kotar, and son Tuar (June 22, 1999) and daughter Skyla (February 9, 2004) who were fathered by Tilikum.

Where You May Have Seen Her

September 26, 1985 - February 12, 1990 (SeaWorld Orlando, USA)
February 12, 1990 - October 1990 (SeaWorld Aurora, USA)
October 1990 - May 30, 1991 (SeaWorld San Diego, USA)
May 30, 1991 - October 1994 (SeaWorld San Antonio, USA)
October 1994 - Present (SeaWorld Orlando, USA)

What She Looks Like


Photos © Amanda Pippin.
Do not redistribute.

Her Known Family

Mother: Katina
Father: Winston*
Half-sisters: Katerina*, Unna, Nalani
Half-brothers: Taku*, Ikaika
Nieces: Nalani
Nephews: Trua
Daughters: Skyla
Sons: Keet, Keto, Tuar
Granddaughters: Kalia, Halyn

* = Deceased