Spinnaker, a Pacific white-sided dolphin, died Thursday morning at the Vancouver Aquarium after spending months under close observation for a prolonged illness.
The male dolphin had been receiving treatments in the care of veterinarian Dr. Martin Haulena, and his condition appeared to be improving in recent weeks, the aquarium said in a statement.
"Vancouver Aquarium staff, in particular its animal care team, and volunteers are deeply saddened by this loss," it said.
A full necropsy is being performed at the provincial animal health centre, with results expected Friday.
Spinnaker was rescued in 1991 after being caught in a fishing net off the coast of Japan. He was taken to the Vancouver Aquarium in July 2001.
He was estimated to be 26 years old when he died. The maximum age recorded for a male dolphin of his species is 42.
Andrew Trites, director of the University of B.C. Marine Mammal Research Unit, told CTV News it's rare for a Pacific white-sided dolphin to live past age 25.
"He was a senior citizen in the dolphin world. He lived a full life," Trites said.
Spinnaker served as a model for researchers studying echolocation skills, leading to new fishing nets designed to be avoided by dolphins. Trites said the dolphin also helped scientists study the food requirements of wild members of his species.
