Sharky ’s portrait

Sharky

  • Died Apr 28, 2008
  • Orlando, Florida, United States
Sharky collided mid-air with another dolphin after leaping out of the water during a show at Discovery Cove in Orlando. The 30-year-old female bottlenose suffered head injuries and died soon afterwards.
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Beloved Sharky returns to the Sea

An unfortunate accident occurred during the weekend at a SeaWorld sister park as two dolphins collided in midair. The impact killed one of the dolphins at the Orlando, Florida, amusement park, The Associated Press reported.

The dolphins leaped out of the water during a guest interaction program, but slammed into each other in the air. The approximately 32 people who visited the lagoon on Saturday afternoon, where shocked when they found that Sharky, a 30-year-old dolphin, died.

The incident occurred at about 4:30 p.m. Saturday. The dolphins were in the center of the lagoon and not near guests, according to Bides. Visitors were gathered along the perimeter of the lagoon about 50 feet away when the dolphins collided in the center.

Apparently, the other dolphin (Tyler) wasn’t injured, said Discovery Cove spokeswoman Becca Bides on Monday. However, the animal is being monitored and under strict supervision from veterinarians.

"This is a very unfortunate and very rare incident," Bides said.

"While it is not unusual to have two animals performing aerial behaviors at the same time, we are reviewing the situation to ensure even such a random incident does not occur again," she added.

This is the first time when a dolphin dies in the park’s eight years history. The Discovery Cove water park is located across from SeaWorld. Its visitors have the opportunity to swim with dolphins, rays and tropical fish.

A necropsy was performed Sunday on Sharky and the exact cause of death will be revealed over the next few days.

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Memories

From a dolphin lover!

Kimistry (Aug 22, 2008)

My love of dolphins has always been strong but when I read this story about Sharky it touched my heart because though I've never seen a dolphin up close I've always felt a connection with them spiritually. I can not wait to be able to swim with a dolphin and actually touch one. They are amazing creatures.

it doesnt matter

Dani (Aug 1, 2008)

it doesnt matter if this was a person or not, it was a living creature and cared for people! im sure its trainer and others were hurt by the death of this wonderful gift from god! sorry for your loss

Memory

Ophelia Yves (May 5, 2008)

Bardzo sympatyczne zwierżatki. Oglądalam kiedyś o nim film.Szkoda, ze zdechł, ale taki natury bieg

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  • Did Sharky have siblings? Were they close?