The Most Famous Orca, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the orca you think is the most famous!

Updated on Apr 22, 2024 08:15

In the deep, expansive oceans, the orca, with its striking black and white coloring, has fascinated humans for generations. These intelligent and powerful marine creatures play a pivotal role in their ecosystems and have intrigued scientists and ocean lovers alike. By ranking the most famous orcas, we can highlight their unique behaviors and stories, increasing public awareness and interest in their conservation. This list provides an interactive way for enthusiasts to share their admiration and knowledge of different orcas that they have learned about through documentaries, research studies, and aquarium visits. Your votes help identify which of these magnificent animals captivate hearts the most, allowing new visitors to learn from the collective experiences and preferences of the community.

Who Is the Most Famous Orca?

1

52
votes

Keiko

Keiko was the orca who starred in the movie Free Willy, and his journey from captivity to freedom inspired many people to advocate for the release of captive orcas.
2

47
votes

Tilikum

Tilikum was the orca involved in several fatal incidents at SeaWorld and became the subject of the documentary Blackfish. His story brought attention to the issues surrounding captive orcas and their treatment in theme parks.
3

11
votes
Luna

Luna was a young orca who became separated from her pod and sought out human interaction in Nootka Sound, Canada. Her story captivated many and brought attention to the importance of protecting wild orca populations.
Luna is a popular kitten name inspired by the moon.

Meaning: Luna means 'moon' in Latin.

Popularity: Luna is consistently ranked among the top kitten names.

Significance: The name Luna symbolizes mystical and celestial qualities.

Gender: Luna is a gender-neutral name.

Origin: Luna gained popularity as a name for cats after the Harry Potter character Luna Lovegood.
4

16
votes

Corky

Corky is a captive orca who has been held in captivity since 1969. She is one of the longest held captive orcas and has become a symbol for the movement to end captivity for these animals.
5

14
votes
Granny

Granny was the oldest known orca in the world and was estimated to have been over 100 years old when she died in 2016. She was a matriarch of the Southern Resident killer whale population and her death was a devastating loss for the endangered species.
Granny is a popular mobile horror game where the player must escape from a haunted house inhabited by a possessed grandmother. The objective is to successfully navigate through the house while avoiding Granny's detection and solving puzzles to unlock exits.

Control: Touchscreen

Developer: DVloper

Platforms: Android, iOS

Release Date: November 24, 2017

Genre: Horror, Puzzle
6

5
votes

Springer

Springer was a young orca who became separated from her pod and was found alone in Puget Sound. She was rescued and rehabilitated before being released back into the wild, and her story was seen as a success for the rehabilitation of orphaned orcas.
7

8
votes
Lolita

Lolita is a captive orca who has been held at the Miami Seaquarium since 1970. She has become a symbol for the movement to end captivity for these animals and for her release back into the wild.
Lolita is a famous killer whale, also known as Orca, that has been living in captivity in the United States for many years. She is one of the oldest and longest-held orcas in captivity.

Species: Orcinus orca (Killer Whale)

Age: Estimated to be in her late 50s

Length: Approximately 22 feet (6.7 meters)

Weight: Approximately 7,000 pounds (3,175 kilograms)

Habitat: Originally from the waters of the Pacific Northwest, Lolita has been residing in a small tank at Miami Seaquarium in Florida since her capture.
8

10
votes

Kasatka

Kasatka was a captive orca who was held at SeaWorld San Diego for over 40 years. She was involved in several incidents with trainers and became the subject of controversy surrounding the treatment of captive orcas in theme parks.
9

9
votes

J35

J35, also known as Tahlequah, became famous in 2018 when she carried her dead calf for over 17 days in a display of mourning. Her story brought attention to the plight of the endangered Southern Resident killer whale population and the threats they face.
10

7
votes

Kalia

Kalia is a captive orca who was born at SeaWorld San Diego in 2004. She has become a symbol for the movement to end captivity for these animals and for the release of captive orcas back into the wild.

Missing your favorite orca?

Graphs

Discussion

Ranking factors for famous orca

Popularity

Consider the level of recognition and fame the orca has achieved worldwide. This can be measured by factors such as media coverage, public interest, and documentary appearances.
Accomplishments

Assess the orca's notable achievements, such as starring in movies, playing important roles in scientific studies, or contributing to conservation efforts.
Longevity

Consider the orca's lifespan and the duration of its fame. Orca individuals that have had sustained fame over a significant period would rank higher.
Influence

Evaluate the impact the orca has had on raising awareness about orcas' conservation issues, marine life in general, or influencing public perception.
Personal Stories

Consider any unique personal stories associated with the orca, such as survival against the odds, overcoming challenges, or interacting with humans in compelling ways.
Rescue and Rehabilitation

If the orca has been rescued or rehabilitated from captivity, it can be a factor to consider for ranking, considering the impact on public sentiment and the overall narrative.
Cultural Significance

Consider the orca's significance in indigenous cultures or its portrayal in folklore, art, or mythology of specific regions.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous orca. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Orca is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2304 views
165 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Orca once every 24 hours. The rank of each Orca is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous orca

Orca whales, also known as killer whales, are one of the most recognizable and beloved species of marine mammals. These intelligent creatures are known for their distinctive black-and-white markings and their impressive hunting skills. In recent years, orcas have become the subject of much attention and controversy, thanks in part to their growing popularity in the media and entertainment industries. When it comes to fame, there are few orcas who can match the star power of Shamu. This iconic orca first rose to fame in the 1960s, when she was captured off the coast of British Columbia and brought to SeaWorld San Diego. Over the years, Shamu became a beloved fixture of the park, delighting audiences with her impressive tricks and performances. However, Shamu is not the only famous orca out there. Other notable orcas include Keiko, the star of the hit movie Free Willy, and Tilikum, a SeaWorld orca who was the subject of the documentary Blackfish. Whether they are beloved performers or controversial figures, these famous orcas have captured the public's imagination and sparked important conversations about the ethics of keeping marine mammals in captivity.