Dolphin dies after aerial collision at Discovery Cove

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- A 30-year-old dolphin named Sharky died over the weekend at Discovery Cove after colliding with another dolphin during a guest interaction program.

Park spokeswoman Becca Bides says about 32 visitors were in the lagoon Saturday afternoon interacting with four dolphins when Sharky and another animal swam into the deeper center and leapt from the water.

She says the two collided and Sharky died. The other dolphin appears to be uninjured but is being monitored.
Bides says the incident is very rare.

It was the first fatal accidental death of a dolphin since the park opened eight years ago. Located across from its sister park, SeaWorld, Discovery Cove offers visitors the opportunity to swim with dolphins, rays and tropical fish.