Beloved SeaWorld Dolphin Dottie Dies After Decades At San Diego Park

SAN DIEGO, CA — Dottie, a bottlenose dolphin that spent much of her life at SeaWorld San Diego, has died at age 39, SeaWorld announced.

Born at SeaWorld Orlando, Dottie later moved to SeaWorld San Diego, where she became a longtime member of the park's dolphin population and a favorite among animal care specialists and visitors.

Dottie was the mother of four calves and developed close relationships with her care team, according to SeaWorld. Those bonds helped facilitate voluntary diagnostic behaviors that aided veterinarians in monitoring her health.

In 2010, Dottie was diagnosed with kidney stones and underwent what SeaWorld described as a groundbreaking procedure that allowed her to continue thriving for another 15 years.

SeaWorld officials said Dottie remained resilient throughout her later years and was well known for her strong personality and curiosity.

"She will be deeply missed by the team who cared for her and by the countless guests who were able to connect with her over her remarkable life," officials said.