SAAMBR
Durban's most loved dolphin and the oldest to be documented died in Ushaka Marine World on Monday.
The 48-year-old Gambit was father to five and a grandfather.
The South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR) announced his death on their Facebook page on Monday.
They said in recent months Gambit started to slow down and was carefully monitored by veterinary teams.
Gambit, who is the undisputed patriarch of SAAMBR was a true South African icon and legend in his own right.
He has helped to inspire millions of people to care for the ocean and has had a direct influence on the lives of many thousands of people who have met him.
The CEO of SAAMBR Dr Larry Oellermann expressed his deep sadness and support for the team.
He said when he met Gambit at the old Durban Aquarium in 1977, he was just a teenager.
Oellermann said Gambit inspired him to become a marine biologist.
SAAMBR's Dr Judy Mann said the outpouring of affection for Gambit in the hours after his death have made it clear just how much he has impacted the lives and hearts of so many people, and how important it is to have a personal connection with nature.
Gambit allowed countless people the opportunity to peer beneath the sea and meet one of its great ambassadors. He has played a vital role in SAAMBR’s mission to connect people to the life of the ocean.
