Where’s Hollywood? Beloved Miami Seaquarium Dolphin Reportedly Deceased

Hollywood shows her amazing spirit despite 35 years of captivity at Miami Seaquarium

Sad news is being reported that Hollywood, a female bottlenose dolphin who has resided at Miami Seaquarium since her capture in 1975 has died. According to Marine Mammal Inventory Reports (MMIR) from the National Marine Fisheries Service, Hollywood, age 40, was captured on 05-19-1975 at the estimated age of 5 years old and has been entertaining guests at Miami Seaquarium for some 35 years.

The Orca Project has been told that she delivered a stillborn calf in March and never fully recovered from that ordeal. Until recently, she was housed with her tank mates Samantha and J.J. in the Top Deck Pool, where according to park staff, dolphins are sent to “retire”. But several weeks ago Hollywood was reportedly moved to Dolphin Harbor, an area that is off limits and out of view of park guests. We are not sure how long she survived in Dolphin Harbor… as it’s reported that Hollywood may have died as long as 2 weeks ago.

Miami Seaquarium has yet to acknowledge her death and would neither confirm nor deny the reports during calls to their office on Thursday. Messages left for the marine park’s staff have gone unreturned and visitors asking about her status on Miami Seaquarium’s FaceBook site had their posts removed.

UPDATE from THE ORCA PROJECT: On October 11, 2010, Miami Seaquarium’s Animal Training Department returned a previous telephone call and confirmed Hollywood’s passing. On November 03, 2010 The Orca Project received a copy of Miami Seaquarium’s Marine Mammal Inventory Report (MMIR) from NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Hollywood’s cause of death is listed as SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA. She died on September 15, 2010 . The Orca Project has requested copies of the necropsy report from NMFS and will post an update when received…. Rest in Peace Hollywood.

A single look into the eyes of Hollywood afforded thousands of visitors a glimpse into her soul.

Since record keeping began, the MMIR report shows 73 dolphins have died unceremoniously in captivity at Miami Seaquarium… so it is not surprising that Hollywood’s passing would be swept under the rug by MSQ staff. Although they put forth the public view that their captive marine mammals are “family” it is clear that these slaves to entertainment are nothing more than disposable money-making assets, not worthy of recognition.

Here at The Orca Project, we believe the loss of Hollywood IS worth mentioning and her life IS worth celebrating. Please feel free to share your favorite memories of her… and feel free to mourn her loss. Rest in peace Hollywood… you are not forgotten.

Here is a beautiful video tribute to Hollywood made by 124yuppers on YouTube. Thank you 124yuppers… from The Orca Project and friends of Hollywood!

Note: If you have a favorite picture of Hollywood… we’d like to see it. Please send it to webmaster@theorcaproject.com to have it included in a slideshow presentation commemorating her life.