Dolphins generally live between 20 and 50 years, with lifespan varying by species, environment, and conditions.
- Bottlenose dolphins, one of the most studied species, typically live at least 40 years in the wild, with some females known to live over 60 years
. The oldest recorded bottlenose dolphin was about 66 years old
- Orcas (killer whales), the largest dolphin species, can live significantly longer, with some individuals reaching up to 90 or even 100+ years
- Other species, like Fraser’s dolphins, tend to have shorter lifespans around 18 years
- In the wild, dolphins face threats such as predators, pollution, and injuries, which can reduce their lifespan. In captivity, average life expectancy is around 28 to 29 years, although survival rates have improved and some captive dolphins live as long or longer than wild ones
- Male dolphins generally have shorter lifespans than females
Overall, dolphin longevity depends on species, habitat, and environmental factors, with wild bottlenose dolphins often living 40+ years and some exceptional individuals surpassing 60 years. Orcas can live much longer, sometimes over a century
