Community Corner

Aquarium's Oldest Dolphin Panama Dead

The dolphin, estimated to be in her mid-30s died Sept. 25, according to Clearwater Marine Aquarium officials.


Panama, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium's oldest dolphin, died Wednesday.

She is estimated to be in her mid-30s which would be the latter years of a dolphin's life.

"Panama will always be remembered for her sweet nature and eagerness to play," according to a Clearwater Marine Aquarium Facebook post.

Panama came to aquarium from Gulf World in Panama City after stranding there on Oct. 21, 2000. She suffered from anemia and severe sunburn. After receiving several months of rehabilitative care, the National Marine Fisheries and Wildlife Service determined Panama would not be able to be released back into the wild.  

She was transferred to her home at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium March 23, 2001.

Panama was believed to be deaf and worked with hearing impaired kids, aquarium officials said.

When Winter came to the aquarium in 2005, Panama quickly adopted her as a surrogate daughter. In 2012, Panama met the aquarium's youngest dolphin, Hope, and all three quickly bonded, officials said.

The University of Florida Aquatic Animal Health Division will conduct a necropsy in conjunction with Clearwater Marine Aquarium. 


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