#mamuk

June 14th

43 years ago today, Mamuk died at Sea-Arama Marine World, due to a bacterial lung infection.

The Protectors are those who, whether from disagreement with the Turaga, or desire to branch out past the confines of tradition, have founded and now lead new villages. Interestingly, though to all appearances being normal Matoran, they possess specialized armor and tools, and usage of their mask powers and elements on a similar level with the Turaga; it is rumored that they were granted these through some secretive ritual or agreement with the elders, but they are evasive on the matter. Still, while not as powerful as a proper Toa, they are still staunch defenders standing between their villages and the Rahi, and capable, practical leaders in their own right.

Narmoto Leader of Ta-Koro in the Forest.

Mamuk Leader of Ta-Koro by the River.

Kivoda Leader of Ga-Koro behind the Falls.

Owaki Leader of Ga-Koro below the Cliffs.

Vizuna Leader of Le-Koro among the Vines.

Agarak Leader of Le-Koro in Fau Swamp.

Korgot Leader of Onu-Koro over Crystal.

Epolim Leader of Onu-Koro in the Cove.

Izotor Leader of Ko-Koro on the Glacier.

Udapo Leader of Ko-Koro beneath Three Brothers.

Nikluu Leader of Po-Koro in the Hollows.

According to this February 1971 article, Sea-Arama Marineworld had to cut out larger gates in order for the growing Mamuk (caught in 1968) to fit through them, and was also planning on building a new pool complex for him, Nooka (not mentioned here, but he is in another article, written five days after this one), and a third whale.

So what happened? Nooka died a month after this article (he had been caught in August the year before), while Mamuk lived until 1974, two years after they said this new pool complex would be finished.

Yet the only pictures of Mamuk, are of him in this pool (I would bet the lower image, with that tiny gate, is before the gate was enlarged).

And this is an overhead photo of the pool complex long after his, and the park's, death.

Killer Whale Facilities #11

Facility: Sea Arama 

First Orca Held: Mamuk, who survived 6 years on captivity.

Last Orca Held: Mamuk

Total Orcas Held: 2

Deaths: 2

Average Age at Death: 7

Births: 0

Orcas From Wild: 2 (both from the endangered Southern Resident population)

Years Active: 1968-74 (orca program)

Notable Facts: Not a whole lot is known about Sea Arama. The orca tank was quite small (200000 gallons), and due to the fact trainers performed waterworks in bikini's and regular clothes, the water was too warm. Mamuk survived 6 years in that environment though, and briefly had Lil Nooka as a companion for less than a year. Lil Nooka was caught in the notorious Penn Cove roundup, the same one that Lolita was caught in, and was the first whale from that capture to die in captivity. Mamuk was kept alone for most of his captive life, and the park never kept killer whales after his death, though they did continue on as a marine park until 1990 when they closed.The opening of Seaworld San Antonio, a nicer and more modern park likely contributed to it's closure. The park was abandoned and eventually demolished in 2006.

Gender: 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.