Advertisement National Aquarium mourns loss of renown sea turtle Calypso Share Shares Copy Link Copy

A beloved 500-pound green sea turtle who inspired awe and wonder in millions of guests at the National Aquarium died suddenly. Aquarium officials said Calypso was found unresponsive in the Blacktip Reef exhibit Monday before the aquarium opened to the public.Staff members responded immediately, but, despite their best efforts, it was confirmed that Calypso had already died, officials said.The cause of Calypso’s death is unknown, officials said. Preliminary tests completed by the aquarium’s Animal Health and Welfare team did not reveal any obvious cause of death and Calypso had not exhibited any recent indication of illness or distress, officials said.In 2002, Calypso was welcomed to her permanent home at the National Aquarium, where she instantly became an iconic favorite of both guests and staff, presiding first over the aquarium’s Wings in the Water exhibit, before eventually transitioning to Blacktip Reef in 2013. In the years since her arrival, Calypso had grown to measure approximately 4.5 feet in length and weigh more than 500 pounds. “To say we are heartbroken today is woefully inadequate. We are truly devastated at losing Calypso. From the staff that interacted with her every day to our guests and members, all who encountered Calypso will never forget her," said National Aquarium Chief Executive Officer John Racanelli. "Arriving here as a survivor of cold stunning, she was a living testament to our commitment to animal rescue, care and welfare. Over the past 18 years, she inspired millions and embodied our conservation mission. She was an irreplaceable member of our family, and every one of us, along with an entire generation of aquarium visitors from around the world will miss her.”Calypso was healthy throughout her life at the National Aquarium, officials said. Aquarium officials said Calypso received annual physicals and was monitored daily.A full necropsy will be performed to investigate how and why she died.