September 26

Happy Birthday to You, Shamu!

On this day in 1985, Shamu became the first killer whale born in captivity. Since she was born, many other killer whales (also known as orcas) have been born in aquatic parks around the country. Baby killer whales are born about 2.4 meters long and weigh about 150 kilograms—bigger than the average NBA player!

Just after they are born, their mother helps them to the surface to breathe. Baby orcas drink their mother's milk, but by the time they are one year old, they can eat about 25 kilograms of fish and squid in a single day.