A pilot whale at SeaWorld died last week of unknown causes, the park's spokesperson announced Wednesday.
"Sully" the pilot whale had a medical history even before his arrival to San Diego in 2010, said David Koontz, SeaWorld spokesman.
Sully died May 23, Koontz said. A necropsy has been performed on him to determine the cause of his death, but the results from the examination won't be released for several weeks.
The beloved whale had a history of chronic illness, and was taken into the care of SeaWorld's specialists after becoming stranded on the Caribbean island of Curacao three years ago.
"[Sully] brought great joy to those in SeaWorld’s zoological team who worked, played and cared for Sully since his arrival at the marine-life park in January 2010," Koontz said, "as well as the many other employees and guests who had the opportunity to see him."
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