SeaWorld's 'Grand Dame' Bubbles the Pilot Whale Dies

SAN DIEGO, CA --- A pilot whale named Bubbles, who spent nearly 30 years at SeaWorld, died Thursday.

Bubbles was the oldest pilot whale in a zoological park, according to Kelly Terry, SeaWorld's public relations manager.

The whale had performed in shows at the park's Dolphin Stadium since the late 1980s, Terry said.

A necropsy will be performed on the whale, who was estimated to be in her early- to mid-50s, Terry said.

"It may take weeks to get results," said Terry, adding that Bubbles died in one of the back pools at Dolphin Stadium. 
"Trainers and vets were with her when she died."

"Bubbles will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her," Terry said. "She has helped generations of park visitors gain a better appreciation for all animals and the ocean environment." 

  In 1987, Bubbles came from Marineland to her home at SeaWorld San Diego, where she became known as the "Grand Dame." 

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--City News Service and Maggie Avants contributed to this post; Photo of Bubbles courtesy of SeaWorld San Diego; Photo of Bubbles at Marineland by EditorASC via Wikimedia Commons