For Immediate Release, January 15, 2008
Contact: Kelly Lessard (952) 431-9217

Minnesota Zoo Welcomes Two New Dolphins

Dolphins getting acclimated to new home; not yet on public display

Apple Valley, MINN – After much anticipation, two new female Atlantic bottlenose dolphins have arrived at the Minnesota Zoo.

April and Allie arrived at the Zoo yesterday from the Dolphin Connection in Florida. They will join Minnesota Zoo dolphins Semo and Spree on public display after they are fully acclimated to their new surroundings and caretakers. "This is an exciting time for the Zoo and we're thrilled to have April and Allie here,” said Marine Mammal Supervisor Diane Fusco. “Our staff looks forward not only to introducing them to Spree and Semo in the near future, but to our guests as well.”

April and Allie, who are owned by the Brookfield Zoo in Illinois, were brought to the Minnesota Zoo as a breeding recommendation by a consortium of zoos and aquariums that manage their dolphins collectively. It is also hoped that the two will become “role models” to young Spree. Both dolphins are approximately eight feet long and weigh between 400-430 pounds.

Until they are on public display, guests will be able to get periodic updates of April and Allie by visiting the Minnesota Zoo’s Web site at mnzoo.org.

The most familiar of the 37 species of dolphins, adult Atlantic bottlenose dolphins range in length from 8 to 12 feet and weigh between 400 and 600 pounds. Their sleek, torpedoshaped bodies are padded with a layer of insulating blubber. Their prominent rostrums or beaks account for the name “bottlenose.” Bottlenose dolphins inhabit warm and temperate seas worldwide and may also enter harbor bays, lagoons, estuaries and river mouths. Some populations can also be found living offshore.

The Minnesota Zoo is open 363 days a year and is just minutes south of Mall of America. For more information, call 952.431.9500 . The Minnesota Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. Visit aza.org.