SAN ANTONIO – SeaWorld San Antonio said Thursday that its veterinarians are working to determine what caused the death of a 33-year-old Pacific white-sided dolphin in its care last month.
The dolphin, named Helen, died on March 19.
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According to park officials, a veterinary pathology team is conducting a post-mortem examination, or necropsy, to find what led to Helen’s death. The results will then be sent to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), according to SeaWorld officials.
Pacific white-sided dolphins can live up to 45 years of age.
Helen first arrived at SeaWorld San Antonio in April 2021 from the Vancouver Aquarium. She was first rescued off the coast of Japan in 1996 after she was found trapped in a fishing net, according to SeaWorld officials.
Her entrapment in the net led to her losing most of her pectoral flippers, deeming her “non-releasable.” When she arrived in SeaWorld’s care, Helen began receiving specialized treatment for her condition.
She was also housed with a pod of other Pacific white-sided dolphins.
SeaWorld San Antonio issued a statement and said Helen will be missed by their team and by parkgoers.
“She was a special part of our family here in San Antonio and will be missed by our team of dedicated care givers and the many guests that came to see her at our park.”
Helen, a Pacific white-sided dolphin estimated to be 33 years old, passed away at SeaWorld San Antonio on March 19. A...
Posted by SeaWorld San Antonio on Thursday, April 7, 2022