Las Vegas, NV – The second dolphin in a month has died at the Mirage Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat in Las Vegas. The 11-year-old bottlenose dolphin, named K2, died on Saturday. He had been receiving treatment for a respiratory illness.

On Sunday, the resort’s Interim President Franz Kallao send a note informing staff about K2’s passing:

I am devastated to share with you that K2, an 11-year-old bottlenose dolphin at The Mirage Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat, died Saturday. He had been receiving treatment for a respiratory illness. All of us are heartbroken over this tragic loss, especially our amazing animal health and care teams who love and care for our animals on a daily basis.

Kallao described K2 as “vocal, (and) energetic,” and noted that he “loved his toys.”

Earlier this month, 19-year-old Maverick died at the same dolphin habitat. Prior to Maverick’s death, the resort lost Bella to a gastrointestinal illness. The dolphin habitat has been temporarily closed for an investigation.

Kallao said:

I cannot stress enough that nothing is more important to us than the health, safety and welfare of the animals entrusted in our care. We are temporarily closing the Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat to focus our efforts on ensuring that we have the safest possible environment and the best care possible for our dolphins and to give our team the time they need to process and grieve.

(image of K2 via screenshot)