47-Year-Old Dolphin Back At Brookfield For Cancer Treatment

LA GRANGE, IL – Lucky, a bottlenose dolphin who previous lived at Brookfield Zoo’s Seven Seas, is back, according to a zoo news release. He was recently diagnosed with an oral tumor.

The 47-year-old marine mammal was diagnosed in June by veterinarians at an accredited facility, where he has lived since leaving Brookfield in 2008, the news release said. Otherwise, Lucky is considered in great health for his age.

“Brookfield Zoo is one of less than a dozen zoos and aquariums with a CT scanner on site. Having this diagnostic capability here at the zoo’s Animal Hospital allows us to continue to closely monitor Lucky’s condition and response to treatment,” Dr. Mike Adkesson, the zoo’s vice president of clinical medicine, said in the release. “In the weeks ahead, our team will be working with veterinary oncologists and surgeons to develop a treatment plan for Lucky. We are hopeful and optimistic that we can treat his condition and provide him more healthy years ahead.”

For now, Lucky remains out of public view as he receives medical care and observation, and will remain at Brookfield Zoo during and after his treatment, according to the news release.