Above is a picture of Kasatka and her son Nakai, taken by Laurie Neron. Remember to email Laurie for her photos (her email's on the photo-owners' page)!

Kasatka is the dominant female in the SeaWorld California 'pod'. She and Orkid are the two smartest whales, knowing over 200 signals; this also makes them pretty moody and unpredictable sometimes! Though she can be aggressive to trainers (and therefore isn't used with riding or other waterworks much), she is an excellent mother, having raised two calves successfully, Takara and the ground-breaking Nakai.

She was captured in November, 1978 in Iceland, and taken to Saedyrasafnid Aquarium. Kohana, Katina, Shawn, and Kotar were captured with her, but none seem to be related to her. She was transferred a lot, being one of a few whales who have been to all the SeaWorld parks (this includes the old Ohio one-it was shut down). However, when she gave birth to Takara, she became part of the permanent 'pod' at SeaWorld San Diego.

Kasatka is best known as being the first orca to be successfully artificially insemenated (AI'd). She was AI'd by Tillikum, and that was why Nakai, her son, was so ground-breaking, as this expanded the previously small breeding opportunities of captive whales.

She is one of two whales to be a grandmother in captivity, after her daughter Takara gave birth to grandbaby Kohana.

Kasatka knows she's the dominant female, and she runs a tight ship. She's been accused of playing favourites since she lets her own kids get away with more stuff! However, the other whales almost always follow Kasatka's lead. There are times when Ulises and Corky are the only ones to perform because if Kasatka doesn't want to perform, chances are no one else will either.

Also, as you'll see on the Home page, Kasatka has again been successfully AI'd, and is expected to give birth anyday! We hope to see another healthy calf, and we'll keep you updated!