Nellie the dolphin dies at Marineland Dolphin Adventure

Beloved by young and old, Nellie the oldest dolphin in human care, has died at age 61, according to her caretakers at Marineland Dolphin Adventure.

We are saddened to announce that Nellie, the oldest Atlantic bottlenose dolphin in human care, has passed away. She lived to the incredible age of 61. Though we are saddened by her loss, her memory will live on in the lives she touched. She fostered a love of the ocean and promoted marine conservation to thousands throughout her lifetime. We will miss her dearly, the marine park announced on its Facebook page about 7 p.m. Thursday.

An Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, Nellie was born on Feb, 27, 1953 at Marineland. She was adopted as Jacksonville Universitys mascot in 1970. Last year, JU awarded Nellie an honorary doctorate degree in health sciences and longevity during her 60th birthday celebration.

Nellie brought such joy to so many, and was an inspiration to generations with her spirit and longevity, said JU President Tim Cost. We are honored to have had her as our mascot, and share our condolences with her caregivers at Marineland and with all those who shared such a special bond with her.

The certificate was Nellies third. The first was when she was proclaimed an honorary JU Dolphin when named its mascot. She then received an honorary masters degree in marine science in 2008.

She was also the oldest living college mascot in the country. A longtime star performer, she jumped through hoops and playfully interacted with trainers and spectators at Marinelands dolphin shows.

Nellies showmanship made her a national celebrity. She appeared in a Timex watch commercial, and a Frank Sinatra special.

She touched the lives of people who walked through the doors of Marineland. She gave them the gift of awareness, education and conservation while paving the way to help protect marine mammals in the worlds oceans. While an unfortunate loss for Marineland Dolphin Adventure and the Georgia Aquarium family, Nellies legacy continues through the memories created and inspiration she left behind, her human colleagues said on the Georgia Aquarium blog.

Teresa Stepzinski: (904) 359-4075

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Nellie the dolphin dies at Marineland Dolphin Adventure