Marineland's Dolphin Nellie Gets A Fish Cake For Her 56th Birthday

By Joan Whittemore 

St. Augustine, FL - Nellie, the world’s oldest dolphin in human care, continues to surprise her caregivers, friends and fans as she approaches her 56th birthday. As the 9th animal listed in the North American Bottlenose Dolphin Studbook, Nellie has amazed even those closest to her with her good health and resilience at this stage of life. Daughter of Happy and Susie, Nellie was born at Marineland on February 27th, 1953. Having already lived more than twice the average lifespan of a female Atlantic Bottlenose dolphin in the wild, Nellie continues to eat well, socialize with her peers, interact with staff and the occasional guest, and play with enrichment devices daily. Curator Kevin Roberts states, “We all need to be amazed at Nellie’s longevity. As we celebrate this occasion each year, we are ecstatic and hope to celebrate many more.”

Nellie’s long time social mate, Lilly passed away recently at an estimated 47 years of age due to age related conditions and a weakened immune system, which led to pneumonia, the most common cause of death in dolphins.  While all are quite saddened by this event, it makes Nellie’s upcoming celebration even more poignant as everyone is more aware than ever how fortunate we are to know this remarkable animal and share in this milestone with her.

The public is invited to attend Nellie’s 56th birthday celebration at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 27th, at Marineland’s Dolphin Conservation Center through general admission.  There will be an ice and fish cake for Nellie along with a round of “Happy Birthday” sung by all her friends, followed by cake more suitable to her human party guests. 

Nellie starred in shows at Marineland's dolphin stadium during the 50's, 60's and beyond as well as in Timex watch commercials in the 1960's. She continues to be the mascot for Jacksonville University and has received both an honorary undergraduate degree from the school in 1970 and a master’s degree in marine science in 2008.  Staff members are thrilled to celebrate each birthday with Nellie, and recognize the need to be grateful for each and every day with this extraordinary animal. 

For information, photographic images, or reservations call (904) 471-1111 or visit www.marineland.net   

About Marineland

Marineland’s original steel oceanariums were the first structures of their type in the world and were built to house and display multiple species of marine life, replicating the variety of life to be found off the coast of northeast Florida.  Marineland continues its tradition of creating state of the art facilities with the Dolphin Conservation Center.  Today’s guests are able to interact with dolphins from around and within their habitat, even swimming with the animals.  Efforts in the disciplines of education and research are shared, as guests view educational signage placed throughout the facility or are introduced to the animals via interactive encounters.  In both cases the plights and challenges facing wild dolphins are key messages conveyed to inspire the general public to become informed and active in the conservation of marine animals and their natural environments.