‘Molly’, Hong Kong Ocean Park’s oldest male Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, dies aged 40


The oldest male Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin at Hong Kong’s Ocean Park has died at the age of 40.

The theme park said Molly became weak on New Year’s Eve and died on Thursday, despite round-the-clock care from its veterinary and animal care team.

“Molly, like our other dolphins, played a vital role as an ambassador at Ocean Park and resided in the Marine Mammal Breeding and Research Centre next to the Ocean Park Veterinary Centre,” it said.

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

Hong Kong Ocean Park breeds world’s first cownose ray by artificial insemination

The popular park, in Hong Kong’s Southern district, said a necropsy was being carried out to determine the exact cause of Molly’s death, adding that bottlenose dolphins entered their senior years at age 40.

In April, the attraction also lost an 18-year-old female Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, Dumisa. The mammal, which arrived in the city from South Africa in 2009, required advanced dental care and eventually died of complications.

Will efforts to help Hong Kong’s two giant pandas breed bear fruit?

In July 2022, An An, the world’s oldest male giant panda in captivity, was put down at Ocean Park after the 35-year-old – the equivalent of 105 human years – refused solid food, drinking only water or liquids fortified with electrolytes.

As of June 30 last year, the park had 6,515 animals in its care.

For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2024.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Aseanplus News

New Zealand lead by 143 as spin rules in seesaw third India Test in Mumbai
Motor racing-Norris wins Sao Paulo sprint to cut Verstappen's F1 lead
US restaurant chain TGI Fridays files for bankruptcy
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Saturday (Nov 2, 2024)
'For sake of women and children' Singapore continues to call for ceasefire in Gaza and release of all hostages, says foreign minister
Thai finance minister says plans debt relief measures, seeks to ease mortgage rules to help people
Indonesia considers importing one million tonnes of rice from India and ensure enough supply until harvest season
Philippine police nabs alleged crime group leader after shootout with cops
Vietnam's aquatic exports expected to rise in year-end despite many challenges
Myanmar, Thailand and Laos launch joint action plan to tackle transboundary haze

Others Also Read