Kamoana, the ‘grandpa’ dolphin at Sea Life Park, dies after sudden decline in health

(Image: Sea Life Park)
(Image: Sea Life Park)
Published: Feb. 28, 2019 at 12:56 PM HST
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HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Kamoana, a 54-year-old bottlenose dolphin at Sea Life Park, has died.

The park announced the sad news Friday, saying Kamoana had recently seen a decline in health.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share this sad news,” said Valerie King, general manager of Sea Life Park.

“As one of the oldest dolphins under human care in the U.S., Kamoana was a beloved member of our ohana for many decades. He lived a long enriching life and was our ‘grandpa’ of the ohana."

The average life expectancy of bottlenose dolphins in the wild is 40 to 45.

While Kamoana died of natural causes, a necropsy will be conducted ― as is protocol.

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