What is shamoo?

Shamoo is a common misspelling of the word "shamu," which is a reference to one of the killer whales (orca) that was featured in the SeaWorld parks. Shamu originally referred to the first killer whale that was captured and trained by SeaWorld in the 1960s, but it became a stage name used for multiple orcas in subsequent years.

Shamu became a popular and iconic attraction at SeaWorld, known for its impressive performances and interactions with trainers. However, in recent years, there has been significant controversy and backlash against the captivity of orcas and other marine mammals in amusement parks like SeaWorld.

In response to public pressure, SeaWorld announced in 2016 that they would be ending their breeding program for orcas and phasing out their orca shows. This decision was made in part due to the documentary "Blackfish," which shed light on the treatment of captive orcas at SeaWorld.

Overall, Shamu and other orcas have played a significant role in the history of marine parks and have sparked important conversations about animal welfare and captivity.