A 19-year-old bottlenose dolphin that resided at the Mirage’s Secret Garden and Habitat died last week, MGM Resorts announced.
Officials said that Maverick died on Sept. 1, KVVU-TV reported. The animal died after treatment for a lung infection, according to a letter from Mirage Interim President Franz Kallao.
“Our veterinary and animal care teams were treating and closely monitoring Maverick’s condition, which sadly took a turn for the worse in recent weeks,” Kallao said.
DOLPHIN DIES: 19-year-old dolphin dies at Las Vegas Mirage's Secret Garden, Dolphin Habitat. #8NNhttps://t.co/E58Fi0i2xt
— 8 News Now (@8NewsNow) September 2, 2022
It was the second dolphin to die at the habitat since April, KLAS-TV reported. Bella, a 13-year-old bottlenose dolphin, died after undergoing treatment for gastroenteritis, according to the television station.
Maverick was the son of Duchess and Banjo, a pair of bottlenose dolphins, KVVU reported.
Wild bottlenose dolphins typically live between 40 to 60 years, according to the National Marine Fisheries Service.
The animals at the Mirage received weekly physical exams by veterinarians, Kallao wrote in his letter.
“Nothing is more important than the health, safety and happiness of the animals entrusted in our care,” Kallao said.
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