An Original Shedd Aquarium Dolphin Has Died

One of the Shedd Aquarium’s original dolphins has died. Tique has been in Chicago at Shedd’s Oceanarium since it opened in 1991.

Tique was the most recognizable among Shedd’s dolphins for the white spot on her right side. Tique came to Shedd from southern California in March 1991, just before the opening of the Oceanarium, according to the Shedd, which posted the news of her death on its blog:

“The 30-year-old dolphin was humanely euthanized Friday evening because of a rapid decline in her quality of life due to the progression of kidney disease. This illness common to aging humans also affects geriatric animals both in professional care and in wild populations.”

Tique had received veterinary care for years. But her trainers recently saw changes in her appetite and energy levels, said Bill Van Bonn, vice president of animal health at Shedd.

“Based on our knowledge of her behavior throughout her long life, and her extended health condition, the animal care team that worked with Tique every day recognized that her condition had progressed,” he said.

A difficult decision had to be made.

“It’s a very sad day at Shedd Aquarium. We’ve lost a family member,” said Tim Binder, vice president of collection planning. “As one of the oldest of her species living in a U.S. aquarium, and one of the first dolphins here at Shedd, we’ve had the tremendous privilege to care for, and learn from, Tique for more than two decades. The relationships and bonds our dedicated staff built with her during that time make this loss a difficult one.”

» learn more about Tique and the Shedd Aquarium’s dolphins on the Shedd’s blog