look for the name KATINA | requested by @hyen-ess

daisy "biblically accurate" drape metallic knit mini dress w/ convertible hood

424 reconstructed sun-faded heavy overcoat

enfants riches déprimés "radiation" over-the-ankle boot w/ carved wooden heel

criminal elements "gretel" eau de pafum (spices, tobacco, tonka bean, frankincense, hay)

The Last Flight

Katina... It feels very surreal to be posting a tribute to her. Though I didn't have the privilege of visiting her often, she was ever-present in my life one way or another, be it the countless photos and videos by park regulars, old killer whale documentaries, stock images and at some for a few years,a promotional image of her and her son, Taku.

December 21st, 2015, was the day I first and last saw killer whales in person at SeaWorld Orlando. It changed my perspective, so much, especially for captive individuals who are frequently portrayed as these mega aggressive creatures. For me, the highlight of that trip was getting to see Katina and most of the Orlando pod before and after One Ocean, just being themselves. That's not to say that their unique personalities don't shine during the shows. Of course, they offer one aspect in what behaviors they prefer to do, with Katina being the one with the most energy, jumping so high you could've sworn she'd fly away at any minute. But with that said, in between performances is when the whales just, for lack of a better term, vibe. I almost wish there was a hydrophone and a live cam in the show pool just to get a full view of what was going on. I just remember Katina, Kayla, Nalani, Malia and Makaio swimming together as a pod, at times spyhopping and engaging in some interesting behaviors on the surface.

On December 21st, 2025, the very day that I was reminiscing about the 10th year anniversary of that experience, rumors started to pop up that Katina had died. As with any whale death, I didn't want this to be true, but unfortunately, it was. At an estimated 50 years old, Katina passed away due to declining health. To say that this is absolutely devastating is an understatement, as so many whales and people have gotten to know her so well for so many decades. She had been a constant presence in this world and will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to the Orlando pod, her caretakers, and everyone who got to know her one way or another. It's gonna be difficult to accept a world without this wonderful whale.

Katina has passed away at 50 years old, Seaworld Orlando has made an official statement, I have no energy to type everything out word by word so you get the ripped text from my Instagram post.

Oh Katina, I knew this was going to eventually happen but I never thought it would be this soon or like this, where the last time I would ever see you was August of this years, now hundreds of miles away from you.

You were an amazing, awe-inspiring animal, you were my favorite and one of the whales who I've been around since day one when I first went to the parks as a baby, I dont know how to describe how to even feel about the news of your unfortunate passing, it doesn't even feel like you're gone right now, like you're still at Shamu Stadium waiting for a show or swimming with your daughter, son, grandson, and Malia. You're still there in my mind right now, not gone, alive and energetic like how you used to be before this illness took a turn for the worse for you.

Katina and her kiddos