One Of Nation's Oldest Captive Dolphins Dies At Discovery Kingdom

VALLEJO (CBS13) – One of the oldest dolphins in captivity in the United States has died at her home at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom.

The staff at Discovery Kingdom says 51-year-old Terry, an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin died Saturday.

"Terry had well surpassed the commonly held lifespan of this species both in captivity and in the wild," said Michael Muraco, Animal Care Director. "Each day that she lived in recent years was really a milestone and we're thankful so many individuals were able to learn from her and enjoy her lively spirit. Amazingly, her age at 51 is comparable to a human at 95 years old."

Terry had been living at the park since it was originally located in Redwood City and moved to the new location in Vallejo in 1985.

Park officials say Terry lived far past the average lifespan up to 25 years. And despite her age, she was still active and still performed at shows doing a wave, a kiss and a hug, an air spin and squirt gun in which she spit water at the person facing her.

Trainers at the park called Terry one of their favorites.

"Terry has been the most special dolphin any of us here have ever worked with and she has touched all of our lives in indescribable ways," said Kim Lara, marine mammal manager. "She was the epitome of what we imagine an animal her age would be like – she had a gentle, loving nature but yet she was playful and very funny. She will be missed by all."

Terry's cause of death is pending results from a necropsy, but it will likely be attributed to her age.