If you are a member of the press, please contact:

Bon Voyage Allie and Semo! Minnesota Zoo Announces Dolphin Farewell
Dolphins on exhibit through September 9

Apple Valley, MN – August 16, 2012 – The Minnesota Zoo is inviting the public to come and wish happy travels to Atlantic bottlenose dolphins “Allie” and “Semo.” The dolphins will be on exhibit to the public through September 9.

The dolphins are moving to other accredited facilities this fall to allow for major, necessary repairs to the Zoo’s 15-year-old Discovery Bay building after years of salt water damage.

Schedule:
August 16 – 31: The Zoo’s current dolphin training sessions will continue.

September 1 – 9: The Zoo will host a “Dolphin Open House” where guests will be able to enjoy viewing Allie and Semo in an informal setting while the Dolphin Stadium is open (check mnzoo.org for times). During the open house, guests can get their picture taken with a picture of Allie or Semo superimposed on a green screen (separate fee), sign a giant card to wish the dolphins safe travels, submit pictures of the dolphins online at our virtual bulletin board, and bring in their plastic bags for recycling. Visit mnzoo.org for more details.

Special message from Minnesota Zoo Director Lee Ehmke. May 16 2012.

Dolphin Q&A:

Q: Why are the dolphins leaving?
A: The dolphin exhibit is now 15 years old and has been damaged by the ongoing use of saltwater.   The dolphins, Semo and Allie, cannot be in the pools while structural repairs are made to Discovery Bay.

Q: Why can’t Semo and Allie come back when the repairs are finished?
A: The repairs in Discovery Bay will take at least a year. Allie and Semo will move to other accredited facilities where they will be part of larger social groups of dolphins.  This is an exciting opportunity for Semo and Allie to form strong relationships with other dolphins.

Q: Why can’t you borrow dolphins from other zoos or aquariums?
A: They are simply not available.  Dolphins typically live in social groups, and the Minnesota Zoo would need several dolphins to create this type of setting.  There are not enough dolphins available from other institutions to create a new, cohesive social group.

Q: Why has the Minnesota Zoo not revealed where the dolphins are going? 
A: It is standard protocol that the transportation of dolphins and many other marine mammals is not publicized for the health and safety of the animals.  Once Semo and Allie have made the move, the Minnesota Zoo will provide details and status updates on how they are doing.

Q. What is going to be in the exhibit instead of the dolphins?
A. For the next year, the tank will be empty as repairs are made.  After that, there will likely be a temporary exhibit of rays and fish until a larger exhibit can be funded and built. 

The Minnesota Zoo is located in Apple Valley, just minutes south of Mall of America.  For more information, call 952.431.9500 or visit mnzoo.org. The Minnesota Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and an institutional member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).