Govind Tekale
SeaWorld San Antonio is mourning the loss of Notchfin, a bottlenose dolphin who passed away on March 12, 2025, at the remarkable age of 63. As one of the park’s “founding members” since its opening in 1988, Notchfin’s death marks the end of an era for the marine park.
“With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Notchfin, one of our most cherished bottlenose dolphins,” SeaWorld announced in a statement. The park attributed her longevity to “the expert care she received at SeaWorld and the deep bonds she formed with those around her.”
A Record-Breaking Life
Notchfin held the distinction of being the oldest dolphin in human care, taking over this title after the previous record-holder, Nellie, died in 2014 at age 61 at Marineland in Florida. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, female bottlenose dolphins in the wild typically have life spans of around 60 years or more.
Throughout her 37 years at SeaWorld San Antonio, Notchfin played a crucial role in shaping the social structure of her pod. The park noted she served as “a mother, grandmother, and great-great-grandmother” to other dolphins in the facility.
Similar Posts
Conservation Contributions
SeaWorld emphasized Notchfin’s contributions to dolphin research and conservation efforts. “Her legacy lives on through the invaluable knowledge she contributed to dolphin health and conservation—helping to protect her wild counterparts for generations to come,” their statement read.
The park credited her with providing invaluable knowledge that contributed to dolphin health and conservation efforts.
The Captivity Debate
Notchfin’s death occurs against the backdrop of ongoing debates about marine mammals in captivity. While SeaWorld highlights the care provided to their animals and their conservation work, organizations like PETA have previously criticized SeaWorld for its treatment of marine animals.
In recent years, discussions about the welfare of marine mammals in captivity have increased in the public consciousness.
Notchfin’s remarkable longevity in captivity raises questions and discussions about the quality of life and care for marine mammals in controlled environments.
“Rest in peace, Notchfin,” SeaWorld wrote. “You will always be remembered.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Notchfin was 63 years old when she passed away on March 12, 2025. She was considered the oldest dolphin living in human care, surpassing the previous record-holder, Nellie, who died at age 61 in 2014.
In the wild, female bottlenose dolphins can live up to 60 years or more, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Notchfin’s 63-year lifespan was exceptional, making her the oldest dolphin in human care after surpassing the previous record holder, Nellie.
Notchfin was at SeaWorld San Antonio from the day the park opened in 1988 until her death in 2025 – a total of 37 years. She was considered a “founding member” of the park and shaped the social fabric of the dolphin community there.
According to SeaWorld, Notchfin contributed “invaluable knowledge” to dolphin health and conservation efforts. While specific research projects aren’t detailed in the sources, the park credits her with helping to protect wild dolphin populations “for generations to come” through the knowledge gained from her long life under human care.
Notchfin played a significant role in shaping the social structure of the dolphin community at SeaWorld San Antonio. The park described her as “a mother, grandmother, and great-great-grandmother” to other dolphins, indicating she had multiple generations of offspring in the facility.
There’s an ongoing debate about keeping marine mammals like dolphins in captivity. Organizations like SeaWorld emphasize the care provided, educational value, and conservation contributions, while critics like PETA have previously criticized SeaWorld for its treatment of marine animals. Public reactions to situations like Notchfin’s death often reflect a mix of views regarding marine animals in captivity.
