Brookfield Zoo’s seven bottlenose dolphins were temporarily relocated to the Minnesota Zoo for 15 months while their habitat at Seven Seas underwent significant renovations. The dolphins, ranging in age from 50 to 18, were moved to ensure their safety and comfort during the construction period.
Renovations at Brookfield Zoo
The $10 million makeover at Brookfield Zoo aimed to improve the dolphins’ habitat by incorporating dynamic elements to enrich their daily lives. These improvements included:
- Rockwork structures: Anchors were added to attach items like kelp strips and floating objects at different levels in the water, providing variety and stimulation for the dolphins.
- Shallow sand pit: This feature allows staff to hide items for the dolphins to find using their echolocation skills, enhancing their cognitive abilities.
- Built-in bubbler systems: These systems create bubbles that the dolphins can play with, roll over, or use to propel objects. The bubbles also disrupt echolocation signals, allowing the dolphins to engage in underwater hide-and-seek.
Improvements at Minnesota Zoo
During their stay at the Minnesota Zoo, the dolphins were provided with a suitable environment to ensure their well-being. The zoo’s staff worked closely with Brookfield Zoo’s animal care team to ensure the dolphins received the same level of care and engagement as they would at their home habitat.
Return to Brookfield Zoo
After the 15-month renovation period, the dolphins returned to Brookfield Zoo, where they are currently acclimating to their new habitat. The Seven Seas exhibit has been redesigned to mimic the natural environment of Sarasota Bay, Florida, where the zoo’s dolphin research program is based. The exhibit now features artificial plantings of mangrove trees and tall grasses, providing a more immersive experience for visitors.
Dolphins in Action Presentations
The Dolphins in Action presentations will resume on March 22, and the underwater viewing gallery will reopen on March 25. Ticket prices for the presentations are:
| 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 is committed to dolphin conservation through its Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, which conducts the world’s longest-running study of dolphins in the wild. The zoo also administers the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) Endangered Species Fund, supporting conservation-oriented research projects.
Brookfield Zoo’s dedication to providing a safe and enriching environment for its bottlenose dolphins, along with its ongoing conservation efforts, make it a must-visit destination for zoo enthusiasts and animal lovers alike. The recent renovations and the dolphins’ temporary stay at the Minnesota Zoo have only strengthened the zoo’s commitment to the well-being and conservation of these remarkable marine mammals.