Namu was accidently captured on June 23, 1965. He and a young calf (possibly C15*) were held in a gill net and many people wanted to pay for them to take them into captivity. Namu managed to escape and tried to show the calf how to get away. After two days the calf was gone but for some reason Namu stayed. Ted Griffin, the director of the Seattle Marine Aquarium bought $8,000 for Namu and moved him to the aquarium in a floating cage.

In Seattle, a purpose built pen became his new home and he settled in quickly and built up a great relationship to his trainer and owner Ted Griffin. Namu showed that orcas can be gentle and were trainable for shows. Namu became a star and even participated in the movie "Namu, the killer whale". Many people came to see him and the views on orcas changed. Ted even entered the water with Namu and the orca never showed any aggression to his trainer.

In October 1965, Namu was joined by Shamu, who was supposed to be a companion for him. But both of them didn't get along well and Shamu was sold to SeaWorld in December. Namu remained in Seattle and continued to entertain people. Sadly on July 9, 1966 he died after he got infection caused by a bacteria called clostridium perfringens. His central nervous systems got damaged and he finally drowned after being caught in the net. 

- Namu was named after the place he was captured
- Pronouciation of Namu: NAH-moo
- Blood Type: 100% Northern Resident

Namu, Canada	June 23, 1965 - July 26, 1965
Seattle, WA	July 26, 1965 - July 9, 1966