Nellie the Dolphin turns 60 years old

JU mascot oldest dolphin in human care

Published On: Feb 27 2013 03:06:00 PM EST   Updated On: Feb 27 2013 03:11:12 PM EST
Nellie the Dolphin
MARINELAND, Fla. -

A very special marine mammal celebrated a birthday Wednesday.

Marineland's Nellie the Dolphin has just turned 60 years old.

That's equivalent to about 120 years in human years and makes her the world's oldest dolphin in human care.

Nellie was born at Marineland, which is located south of St. Augustine, and was featured in several TV shows in her younger years.

In 1970, she became the mascot of Jacksonville University and received honorary undergraduate and graduate degrees.

JU plans to give Nellie an honorary doctorate as part of Marineland's 75th anniversary celebration in June.

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