Hope sinking for dolphin Shona

36 year-old Shona has been sick for over two weeks. Picture/ Hawke's Bay Today

She's thought to have entertained four million people, but now Napier's Marineland dolphin Shona has fallen ill, with her chances of survival rated at less than 50 per cent.

Marineland manager Gary Macdonald said 36-year-old Shona had been unwell for more than two weeks, and was lethargic and eating very little.

Blood and other tests had failed to show up any abnormalities and Marineland staff were keeping a close watch on the ailing dolphin.

"Marineland staff are concerned for Shona, who has lived well beyond the normal life expectancy of 20 years for common dolphins, and we cannot rule out her deteriorating health being associated with old age," Mr Macdonald said.

He rated Shona's chances of survival as "less than 50-50".

Shona is one of two remaining dolphins at Marineland, and had been taking part in summer visitor shows until recently.

The other dolphin, Kelly, is also in her mid-thirties and is continuing with daily performances.

Both dolphins have been at Marineland for more than 30 years.

Shona continues to live in the main pool with Kelly, and Marineland staff are trying to feed her as much as they can, along with antibiotics.

Mr Macdonald said Marineland staff members were emotional about the health of one of the facility's star attractions.

"I think they're feeling just like me - flat.

"She (Shona) is family."

Mr Macdonald said Shona had previously remained remarkably free of health problems, which made her current plight more of a shock.

"This really came almost out of the blue. There had been no prior warnings."

Mr Macdonald said the possibility of Shona having to be put down could not be ruled out.

But he did not think that would have to be seriously considered until the end of the week.

Marineland had plans in place for the day when they were reduced to one dolphin, involving a seal or seals being placed in the main pool with Kelly, Mr Macdonald said.

"This day was always going to come, the fact that it's taken so long is remarkable."

- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY