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Press Releases
Minnesota Zoo Dolphin Begins New Adventure
Apple Valley, MINN – April 15, 2010 – After making a new group of friends, the Minnesota Zoo’s youngest Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, “Spree,” has relocated to the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago with their three female dolphins, “Tapeko,” “Noelani,” and “Allison.” The Brookfield Zoo trio had been temporarily residing at the Minnesota Zoo since the summer of 2009 while their Seven Seas Dolphinarium underwent renovations. The Minnesota Zoo moved Spree, 8, to provide her with a better social setting. Spree had a difficult time fitting into the dolphin pod since her mother “Rio’s” passing. Dolphins are very social animals; part of their social development involves learning how to behave with other dolphins. In Rio’s absence, Spree lacked the maternal influence necessary to teach her dolphin “social etiquette.” Her role models during this time – two adult males who treated her as an adult and two adult females who didn’t bond with her – did not welcome her into their pod. To continue providing the best care for Spree, the Minnesota Zoo and Brookfield Zoo worked cooperatively to design a multi-step plan that, over time, progressed Spree, Tapeko, Noelani and Allison toward living together. “It was difficult to see Spree go, but it was the right thing to do for her,” said Minnesota Zoo Marine Mammal Supervisor Diane Fusco. “This was an opportunity to integrate Spree into a new, solid group where she could experience positive interactions with different animals and learn from them. She’ll be a wonderful addition to Brookfield, and their guests will be able to see some of her favorite behaviors as we have for the past several years.” Adds Rita Stacey, curator of marine mammals for the Chicago Zoological Society: “We are very pleased with the renovations and the dolphins’ stay at Minnesota Zoo. The cooperative effort between the Brookfield Zoo and one of its partner institutions made this entire project go extremely well.” The four dolphins were flown to Illinois on a privately-chartered airplane by FedEx. On the return flight home, they were closely monitored by their trainers and veterinarians, and successfully made the trip in about five hours. FedEx, a Chicago Zoological Society partner in this move, worked closely with zoo staff to provide a well-executed air transport. For the next month, the female dolphins will not be on exhibit while they acclimate to their newly- renovated facility: the Seven Seas Dolphinarium will reopen Memorial Day weekend. Zoo guests will be able to enjoy an updated presentation that focuses on dolphin conservation and spotlights the animals and Brookfield Zoo’s 50th year of having this species in its care. 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).
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