Mamuk - orca

Sex: Male

Pod: Southern Residents

Place of capture: Bainbridge Island, Washington State

Date of capture: October 15, 1968

Age at capture: Approx. 3 years

On October 15, 1968, more than 25 orcas were captured off Bainbridge Island, including the [now deceased] male, J-1 Ruffles. Five males were kept and held at the Seattle Marine Aquarium until purchase.

Ahab and Ishmael were both purchased by the US Navy, while young male Mamuk was purchased by the [defunct] Sea-Arama in Galveston, Texas.

Mamuk’s tank was visibly too small and likely too warm for the whale, who was used to the cold, rainy waters of Puget Sound. However, he seemed to adjust fairly well to his new surroundings.

In August 1970, he was joined by a young male known as Lil Nooka. Both whales appeared to get along well, but in March 1971, Mamuk was left alone again when Lil Nooka died. Mamuk went on to be the star of the park and even performed waterworks with trainers.

On June 14, 1974, Mamuk died due to acute streptococcal septicemia.