With Heavy Hearts, Mourning Loss of Pacific White-Sided Dolphin
On Oct. 2, 2024, Elelo – a Pacific white-sided dolphin at Shedd – passed away. This comes just over a year after he was urgently relocated from Miami Seaquarium and provided refuge in the 3-million-gallon cold-water Abbott Oceanarium at Shedd.
Elelo came to Shedd with his mother, Loke, who exhibited multiple health concerns that we are still treating. Upon arriving, both dolphins quickly became cherished members of Shedd’s pod.
Here, surrounded by a dedicated care team, Elelo made incredible and inspiring progress. After spending most of his life in an environment with just his mother, he began to socialize with the other dolphins at Shedd.
Coupled with an enriching environment, more choice in where and how to spend his time and excellent onsite veterinary care, Elelo’s wellbeing increased significantly while at Shedd.
Photo by: ©Shedd Aquarium/Brenna Hernandez
A necropsy revealed that Elelo passed away from an injury he sustained following an accidental impact in his habitat. His passing was sudden and unforeseeable, and we are grateful to our community for the support we have received since sharing this news.
“While these results are conclusive, we continue to grieve this loss together,” said Andrew Pulver, vice president of animal care. “We will miss Elelo’s vibrant and resilient spirit.”
As we reflect on this profoundly difficult loss, we are thankful for the privilege of providing care and comfort to Elelo during his time with us.