SeaWorld Dottie the Dolphin Died
SAN DIEGO - In this undated handout photo supplied by SeaWorld San Diego, Mother Dottie and her baby swim together at SeaWorld in San Diego, California. Dottie, a 21-year-old bottlenose dolphin gave birth to the calf July 14, 2008 in a behind-the-scenes pool at the marine-life park. Animal care specialists at SeaWorld report that the mother and baby appear to be in good health and are swimming together, nursing and bonding. This birth marks Dottie?s fourth calf, and the 72nd successful bottlenose dolphin birth at SeaWorld San Diego. (Photo by Mike Aguilera/SeaWorld San Diego via Getty Images)
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Famed SeaWorld Dolphin Has Died at 39

SeaWorld San Diego is mourning Dottie the dolphin, a beloved resident who survived a groundbreaking medical procedure and lived to 39.

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SeaWorld San Diego is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved residents, Dottie the dolphin.

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Dottie, who was born at SeaWorld Orlando before moving to SeaWorld San Diego in 1999, died at the age of 39.

Seaworld Dolphin Died After Remarkable 39-Year Life

SeaWorld San Diego announced Dottie's passing on Sunday, May 31, paying tribute to a dolphin that touched the lives of both guests and caregivers over several decades.

"With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Dottie, an extraordinary dolphin who lived to the impressive age of 39," the statement read.

"Born at SeaWorld Orlando before making her long-term home at SeaWorld San Diego, she became deeply known to her care team and guests alike. She was the devoted mother of four calves, and was especially known for her strong personality and curiosity."

The statement went on to note that Dottie shared an "exceptionally close bond with her care team," becoming one of the park's most recognizable animals.

Dottie also made headlines in 2010 after suffering acute kidney failure caused by complications from kidney stones.

According to PEOPLE, she became the first dolphin ever to undergo dialysis and have kidney stones surgically removed.

Groundbreaking Medical Procedure Helped Dottie Thrive

SeaWorld described the treatment as a "groundbreaking procedure" that allowed Dottie to "thrive" for another 15 years.

"Her tenacity and resilience remained evident well into her senior years," the statement added.

"She will be deeply missed by the team who cared for her and by the countless guests who were able to connect with her over her remarkable life."

The 2010 procedure was led by Roger Sur, the director of the UC San Diego Medical Center.

Reflecting on the operation, Sur described it as "challenging, exciting - and scary."

He also recalled how ill Dottie had become before treatment.

Sur added that Dottie "didn't really fight me much. She had nothing really left in her to fight."

Fortunately, the surgery proved successful and Dottie recovered, returning to her home later that year.

Through two procedures, a cystoscopy and a ureteroscopy, doctors were able to break up and remove the kidney stones.

After returning to the pool with her son, Dottie continued to undergo regular monitoring through ultrasounds, blood tests, and urinalysis.

Looking back on the experience, Sur said that "she'll probably be the one I'll never forget — it's not every day you operate on a dolphin."