SeaWorld Remembers Shadow the Pilot Whale

SeaWorld San Diego is very saddened by the death today (Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018) of Shadow, a 38-year-old female short-finned pilot whale. Loved by her trainers and veterinarians, Shadow was part of the SeaWorld San Diego family for 36 years.

“This is a very difficult day for all of us,” said Stephanie Costelow who oversees SeaWorld San Diego’s zoological operations. “Shadow touched the hearts of those who have cared for her over the last four decades as well as the millions of guests who have visited SeaWorld.  We’re proud to have been a part of her life and to know that she inspired people from around the world.”

While her death was unexpected, a necropsy will be performed with results expected in several weeks. 

As an ambassador for marine animals, Shadow not only enhanced the awareness of pilot whales for the more than 75 million guests that had the chance to see her in person, but also helped generations of park visitors gain a better appreciation for all animals and the ocean environment.

Shadow also provided great knowledge and insight by her participation in various important research studies related to pilot whale hearing sensitivity, energetics and metabolic rates, and dive physiology. These studies help provide critical baseline data that can help scientists with further studies of pilot whales.