A beloved dolphin said to have the world's longest breeding record has died after spending 36 years at an aquarium in Shizuoka Prefecture, the aquarium said.
The female false killer whale named Jumbo died Tuesday, Shimoda Kaichu Aquarium said.
Jumbo arrived at the aquarium in 1970 and marked her 36th anniversary there Dec. 15. The dolphin had been in bad shape since early December with her appetite waning.
Jumbo was believed to be 40 years old.
In September 1996, she broke a previous breeding record of 25 years and nine months set by another false killer whale at Sea Life Park in Hawaii.
"A long-range jumper and quick to recognize the staff's orders, she has become our star," the aquarium said in a statement. "It is truly regrettable. We would like to utilize the important data we garnered through raising Jumbo for future breeding."
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