Chicago dolphins crash at Minn. Zoo during aquarium renovation

Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Zoo

​ The Minnesota Zoo's dolphin exhibit just got a little more snug now that they have three of Chicago's bottlenose dolphins crashing there until their new aquarium is completed. Warning to the wise: Don't offer your place to a Chicagoan. They usually overstay their welcome.

The dolphins are from the Brookfield Zoo and arrived Sunday night by a FedEx plane. They were monitored and taken care of by zoo professionals during the trip.

"Tapeko," 27; "Noelani," 5; and "Allison," 3, will live at the Minnesota Zoo until their home is complete in spring 2010. The Seven Seas dolphin arena in Brookfield is 20 years old.

"The move went very smoothly," said Minnesota Zoo Marine Mammal Supervisor Diane Fusco in a press release. "We are excited to have the Brookfield Zoo's dolphins and their staff here while their facility is being remodeled."

The new arrives will live in a separate area away from the zoo's resident dolphins: "April," 42; "Allie," 22; "Spree, 7," and "Semo," 45. They could be integrated into the saving living space in the future.

Six of the Chicago Zoological Society trainers will stay in Minnesota with the dolphins to keep their training continuous.

To see the new arrivals, visit Discovery Bay stadium during the following hours:
August 31 - Labor Day: 9:30 - 4:30 daily
September 8-30: 9:30-2:30 weekdays/9:30 - 4:30 weekends
October 1-May 1: 9:30 - 2:30 daily