A DOLPHIN that fathered many of the dolphins in the Peel Harvey Estuary has passed away.

Zero One was at least in his late 30s or even older.

He was found deceased in the lower reaches of the South Dandalup River, near where the river meets the upper Murray River.

Camera Icon Image Credit: Supplied / Supplied

An Estuary Guardians Mandurah spokeswoman said Zero One survived many strandings and at least one shark attack.

He used the entire estuary and river system to his advantage and rose to become one of the most successful dolphins in our waterways.

“Zero One was the senior member of the highest ranking male alliance the King’s Crew and was still chasing the girls in his last weeks,” she said.