National Aquarium general manager Joe Woolcott said Terry was popular with visitors and beloved by staff, including former employees through the decades.
“We are deeply saddened by Terry’s passing. Those who worked closely with him cared for him every day and developed a special bond over many years. His loss is being felt profoundly, and we are taking time to support one another as we mourn a truly special and much-loved animal,” Woolcott said.
“The aquarium team were dedicated to his wellbeing, care and enrichment and he was a much-loved member of the aquarium whānau. He will be missed by many who loved him, staff, visitors and the wider community.”
Over the years, tourists and locals raised concerns with aquarium staff about the size of Terry’s tank and his solitary existence.
He was housed in a 90,000-litre heated salt-water tank to emulate tropical Pacific conditions. By contrast, the National Aquarium’s oceanarium water temperature matches that of Hawke Bay.
The cause of death is unknown. Specialist veterinarians at Massey University have been engaged to perform an autopsy.