In her youth, Blue was a standout mine-hunter for the U.S. military. She and her colleagues are now at the vanguard of geriatric marine mammal medicine.
The lifespan of dolphins varies depending on the species, but they generally have a long lifespan compared to many other mammals.
On average, bottlenose dolphins (the most common species) can live up to 40 years in the wild, while captive individuals have been known to live into their 60s. Other species of dolphins have shorter lifespans, with some species living for 20-25 years in the wild.
Dolphins’ longevity is influenced by a number of factors, including genetics, environmental conditions, and the presence of disease or predation. In the wild, dolphins face a range of threats, including fishing gear, water pollution, and the effects of climate change, which can impact their overall health and lifespan.
It’s important to protect dolphins and their habitats in order to ensure their survival and well-being for future generations.