Granddad, World's Oldest Public Aquarium Fish, Dies at Shedd, His Home Since 1933

CHICAGO, IL — Granddad, an Australian lungfish considered the oldest fish in any public zoo or aquarium around the world, was euthanized Sunday at the Shedd Aquarium after "a rapid decline" in the animal's health.

The world-famous fish was an aquarium resident since 1933 and was the last of a trio of ancient animals residing at Chicago-area institutions. That group also included R1, a dwarf African crocodile who lived at Lincoln Park Zoo from 1930 to 2010; and Cookie, an 83-year-old Major Mitchell's cockatoo who died last August at Brookfield Zoo.

“It is incredible to know that over 104 million guests had the opportunity to see Granddad in our care and learn about his unique species over eight decades,” said aquarium President and CEO Bridget Coughlin in a statement. “For a fish who spent much of his time imitating a fallen log, he sparked curiosity, excitement and wonder among guests of all ages who would hear his story and learn about the incredible biology that makes his species a living fossil and one of the oldest living vertebrate genera on the planet.”

Signs of Granddad's declining health — such as a loss of interest in eating — began showing up last week, according to the aquarium. The lungfish soon stopped eating entirely, and a physical exam uncovered the start of organ failure. The decision to euthanize Granddad was made after the exam's findings.

“Granddad lived a pretty relaxed life, enjoyed interactions with us, including gentle pats along his back, and loved to eat his leafy greens," Michelle Sattler, the collections manager who helped care for the fish for more than 30 years, said in a statement. "But worms were definitely his favorite. … We loved him. And he will be sorely missed.”

Native to the Mary and Burnett rivers in Queensland, Australian lungfish have existed for more than 380 million years and are among a few fish species that can breathe air. The species earned its name because of a single, primitive lung that, along with gills, allows it to survive in stagnant, oxygen-depleted waters caused by seasonal droughts, according to the aquarium.

Granddad was popular among guests, building a reputation for slowly rising from the bottom of his habitat in order to gulp a lungful of air at the water's surface. Shedd's famous lungfish was so loved that it even attended the wedding of one aquarium visitor.

"Granddad meant a lot to me," Nathan de Rover wrote in a comment posted to the aquarium's Facebook update about the animal's death. "I remember seeing him when I was a little boy visiting the aquarium. I would always check in with him during the many, many trips I've made. In fact, in 2015, my wife and I got married at the aquarium right in front of his tank so he could be our witness."

"I just watched our video again," de Rover added in another comment. "Our officiant, Michael, started by saying, 'Ladies, gentlemen, fish …'"

Granddad was one of two lungfish that were the first of their kind to be displayed in the United States when they debuted at the aquarium in May of 1933. The pair of Australian lungfish had been collected by Sydney's Taronga Zoo and Aquarium that month at the request of the Shedd director who was looking for new fresh- and saltwater species to exhibit in anticipation of overflow crowds from the upcoming Century of Progress International Exposition, which was opening just south of the aquarium.

While Granddad's exact age was unknown, aquarium officials believe he was close to 100 years old, an age that isn't uncommon for his species.

"We ask you to keep the Shedd family in your thoughts during this difficult time, especially the caregivers most deeply affected by his passing," a Facebook update about Granddad's death stated.

Granddad, Shedd Aquarium's Australian lungfish (photo by Shedd Aquarium | Brenna Hernandez)

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