A BELOVED orca with a “big personality” has tragically died, aged 50.
Katina the killer whale was known for delighting visitors to SeaWorld Orlando by sticking out her tongue.
She also wowed guests with her “speed swimming“, which would create an impressive cyclone of water.
Katina, a longtime resident of SeaWorld Orlando, died surrounded by medical and animal care teams who have worked with her for nearly 40 years, the park announced.
SeaWorld said that the orca was 50 years old, and had been suffering from declining health for some time.
The park announced that Katina had died despite “extraordinary efforts” to save her.
Read more in world news
The Orlando park wrote on Facebook: “Our SeaWorld family is mourning the loss of one of our beloved killer whales, Katina.
“Katina was 50 years old, and her health had begun to significantly decline as she entered her geriatric years.
“Over the last several weeks, our animal care and medical teams have worked around the clock to closely monitor her declining health and as her condition worsened, the decision was made to prioritize her comfort and welfare.
“Despite everyone’s extraordinary efforts, she passed away while surrounded by animal care and medical teams who have worked closely with her for nearly 40 years.”
Most read in The US Sun
The park celebrated the orca’s “big personality”, writing that the killer whale’s loss is “incredibly difficult”.
They said: “For many wonderful years, Katina awed and inspired millions of our guests to appreciate and learn more about this amazing species.
“This is an incredibly difficult time for those who knew and loved Katina.
“We appreciate the support of the community as we grieve her loss together with her loyal fans everywhere.”
When Katina was first brought to the US from the Icelandic seas, she lived in SeaWorld’s San Diego park, before spending time in Ohio, and finally settling in Orlando.
When she died on December 20, she was the second-oldest orca in captivity.
Katina was such an amazing performer that Jeffrey Ventre, a former SeaWorld trainer, called her “the Cadillac of killer whales”.
Last month, two killer whales were spotted looking lifeless in devastating drone footage of an abandoned marine park.
The mother and son had been left behind at a closed park in France.