The National Aquarium community is mourning the loss of Nani, the oldest of our Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Late Monday afternoon, Nani began to exhibit unusual behavior. Although our animal care team responded and provided emergency care immediately, Nani was unable to recover and passed away on Monday evening. Efforts are underway to determine her cause of death.
At approximately 44 years of age, Nani was the matriarch of the dolphins residing at the National Aquarium and the mother of Spirit and Beau.
We feel so fortunate to have had Nani in our lives, and we are sure that many of our volunteers,
members and guests feel the same way. In the days, weeks and months ahead, we’ll remember and celebrate the joy and wonder Nani brought to staff and guests alike.