Keystone Individuals

Recently, the zoological community said goodbye to a few remarkable and long lived animals, Katina, Seaworld's iconic killer whale matriarch and Slowpoke, a 50-year-old Pacific walrus. Both animals had an impressive lifespan educating and inspiring millions of visitors, as well as, teaching generations of animal caregivers. Katina was not only the queen of Shamu stadium, she was a highly successful mother of eight calves across her 50+ years. Chuck Tompkins was one of the first trainers to know and develop a strong relationship with Katina before moving up the corporate ladder and handing her day to day training and care to the next generation of trainers including Killing Keiko author, Mark Simmons. Both discuss these unique animals who left an indelible mark on so many.

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