The Brookfield Zoo in Illinois recently completed a $10 million renovation of its Seven Seas habitat, which is home to seven bottlenose dolphins. The renovation aimed to enhance the dolphins’ welfare and provide a more engaging experience for zoo visitors.
Improvements to the Dolphins’ Habitat
The renovated habitat includes several new features designed to stimulate the dolphins’ natural behaviors:
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Rockwork Structures: These structures serve as anchors for attaching enrichment items like kelp strips and floating objects at different levels in the water, encouraging the dolphins to explore and interact with their environment.
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Shallow Sand Pit: This feature allows the dolphins to use their echolocation skills to find hidden items, mimicking their natural foraging behaviors.
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Built-in Bubbler Systems: These systems enable the dolphins to play with bubbles, roll over them, or maneuver objects over the bubbles, creating an underwater hide-and-seek experience.
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Hydrophones: Underwater microphones have been installed to monitor the dolphins’ vocalizations, aiding in scientific studies and allowing guests to hear the dolphins through the sound system.
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Upgrades to Overhead Cameras: The improvements to the overhead cameras enhance research efforts and monitoring of the animals.
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New Roof, Skylights, and Pool Lining: These upgrades improve the overall environment and energy efficiency of the habitat.
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LED Lighting: The fluorescent lighting has been replaced with more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient LED lighting.
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Heating and Cooling System: The new system provides a better temperature-controlled climate year-round and improved ventilation for both animals and guests.
Changes to the Exhibit
The exhibit’s theme has been updated to reflect the natural environment of Sarasota Bay, Florida, where the zoo’s dolphin research program is based. New artificial plantings mimic species found around Sarasota, including mangrove trees and tall grasses.
Dolphin Acclimation and Return
The seven bottlenose dolphins, ranging in age from 50 to 18, spent 15 months at the Minnesota Zoo while their habitat was renovated. They returned to Brookfield Zoo in February 2024 and are currently acclimating to their new environment. The dolphins will be visible to the public starting March 22, with the underwater viewing gallery reopening on March 25.
Ticket Information
Tickets for the “Dolphins in Action” presentations are available:
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults | $6.00 |
| Seniors 65 & Over | $4.00 |
| Children 3 to 11 | $3.00 |
| Unlimited-Level Members | Free |
Conservation Efforts
Brookfield Zoo’s dolphin program is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. The zoo’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program conducts the world’s longest-running study of dolphins in the wild, supporting conservation-oriented research projects.
References:
– Brookfield Zoo Welcomes Back Dolphins After 15-Month Absence
– Dolphins Return Home to Brookfield Zoo’s Seven Seas
– Bottlenose Dolphin
– Brookfield Zoo Dolphins Return After Exhibit Renovations