RIP Kelpie: uShaka Marine World mourns oldest male dolphin
Kelpie celebrated his 41st birthday this January, despite being under supportive geriatric care.
It’s a sad week for uShaka Marine World as they mourn the loss of their oldest male dolphin Kelpie.
Kelpie, an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, celebrated his 41st birthday in January. He'd been on supportive geriatric care and treatment by uShaka Marine World’s animal care specialists and veterinary teams for several months.
On average, bottlenose dolphins live to at least 40, with some females outliving males and reaching 60 years or older.
Kelpie’s passing, although not unexpected, still brought a “deep sense of loss to all,” according to a statement released by the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR).
“My thoughts go out to all SAAMBR staff, both past and present, who have worked with, and fallen in love with Kelpie. We know too that his passing will bring sadness to the hearts of millions of people in all corners of the world who were inspired by this beloved gentle giant. Our thoughts are with all of you. It has been an honour and a privilege for all of us who shared Kelpie’s life” said Dr Larry Oellermann, SAAMBR CEO.
Clinical veterinarian Dr Francois Lampen will perform a full necropsy to determine the exact cause of Kelpie’s passing.
Kelpie was the first dolphin born into the Sea World family when they were still based at the old aquarium in South Beach.
SAAMBR will remember him for his boundless enthusiasm and friendly nature.
“Kelpie has been a true conservation legend, helping over 20 million people from all over Africa to connect with the ocean,” the statement concluded.
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Image courtesy of SAAMBR
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