, exhibiting signs of fatigue and diminished appetite.){kind=link}
26th May 2025 – (Hong Kong) Ocean Park revealed the passing of Rita, a 24-year-old female Indian-Pacific bottlenose dolphin residing within the park’s confines. Rita’s health began to decline last Friday (23rd), exhibiting signs of fatigue and diminished appetite. The park’s veterinary team promptly conducted blood tests and a comprehensive examination, with the animal care unit providing dedicated care around the clock. Regrettably, Rita’s condition took a turn for the worse on this afternoon (25th), leading to her passing. Preliminary autopsy procedures have been completed to ascertain the cause of her demise, with further laboratory analyses currently underway.
Renowned for her vibrant spirit, Rita served as an animal ambassador cherished for her interactions with both her species and humans. Prior to her passing, she resided at the Marine Mammal Breeding and Research Centre adjacent to Ocean Park’s veterinary hospital. The park frequently hosted guided educational activities at the centre, offering visitors and students the chance to witness dolphins’ natural behaviours and care processes up close, fostering a culture of active marine conservation participation.