‘Beloved’ dolphin — one of the oldest of her species — dies at SeaWorld in Texas
Betty, a 44-year-old Pacific white-sided dolphin, passed away recently at SeaWorld in San Antonio, Texas, the park said.
SeaWorld San Antonio shared the news on its Facebook page Thursday, June 23, saying, “She was adored by our animal care team and by the millions of guests who delighted in seeing her in our parks.”
Betty died of cancer and was one of the oldest recorded animals of her species, the statement said. The typical lifespan for Pacific white-sided dolphins is between 36 and 40 years old, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
“It was our privilege to care for this extraordinary animal and to enable the public to get to know her too,” the park said. “She will live on in our hearts, and the knowledge and insight gained from her study and care for so many years will continue to help the conservation of her wild counterparts for decades to come.”
According to the NOAA, Pacific white-sided dolphins are a protected species found off Alaska and the West Coast. They are “playful,” “highly social,” and known for their “distinct coloring,” the agency reported.
This story was originally published June 24, 2022 at 9:20 AM with the headline "‘Beloved’ dolphin — one of the oldest of her species — dies at SeaWorld in Texas."
