The real Shamu was a young female captured from the J,K,or L pods in 10/1965. She was meant to be a companion for an orca named Namu but didn't get along with her. She was then brought to Sea World California. She died 8-23-1971 after 6years in captivity.

Now Shamu is a stage name for the orcas of Sea World so no one will know when one dies

~Rachel