The video will start in 8 Cancel

News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A beloved SeaWorld pilot whale has died after spending more than five decades entertaining visitors.

The creature, named Bubbles, had been at the firm's park in San Diego, California, for nearly 30 years after being transferred there from Marineland of the Pacific.

She died on Thursday aged in her early-to-mid-50s, park officials said, adding that the whale 'inspired and amazed more than 100 million guests' during her lifetime.

Today, Bubbles's passing was sparking outrage on social media, with many users remarking that the animal was forced to perform 'stupid tricks' up until her death.

(Image: Sea World San Diego)

Twitter user Quad Finn wrote: "RIP Bubbles: SeaWorld's oldest captive still died far short of average lifespan of 63 years for female pilot whales."

Another commented: "RIP Bubbles. U were ripped away from your family & forced to do stupid tricks 4 stupid humans, you are finally free."

Read more:

A third user wrote: "Just sad. Sad life. Sad death," while a fourth said: "Heart breaking news as yet another animal dies at SeaWorld :( CaptivityKills."

Many agreed that the whale - who was reportedly captured from her wild family in 1966 before being thrust into the spotlight -'deserved better'.

In a statement yesterday, SeaWorld San Diego said it was 'saddened' to announce the death of whale, describing her as 'one of the world's most beloved animals'.

Read more:

It said: "In her early- to mid-50s, Bubbles was the oldest pilot whale in a zoological park. She has inspired and amazed more than 100 million guests for nearly 50 years.

"Loved by her trainers and veterinarians, Bubbles had been a member of the SeaWorld family for nearly 30 years.

(Image: Stacina/Flickr)

"She was one of several pilot whales and a dozen dolphins that have participated in various shows at Dolphin Stadium since the late 1980s...

"While Bubbles will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her, she has helped generations of park visitors gain a better appreciation for all animals and the ocean environment."

The park added that a necropsy will be performed to determine the cause of Bubble's death.

Bubbles, who passed away late on Thursday, was transferred to SeaWorld after Marineland closed in the late 1980s.