Behind the Scenes: Dolphins Move to Minnesota Zoo

[@kellyburnett1833]

Anything you do to help the animals in your care live a more fulfilling life is just wonderful....I love each and every animal in the world. Growing up in Downers Grove..my first experience at a zoo was field trips to Brookfield. I am now 56. I saw the primates in cages at that time, and big cats pacing. I am so grateful that over the years things have changed drastically, and now the animals welfare and comfort is above all else. I only live 4 hours away, so I will continue to visit and be supportive of your fantastic zoo. I know that you don't have the space or the funds right now to house elephants... hopefully someday we be able to see them there again. I didn't like seeing them in such small spaces, as much as I knew they were well cared for...I worked with Dr.Royal in the past. ❣️

[@krischugh2651]

I love each and every animal in the world as well 💜💜🐾🐾

[@kellyburnett1833]

@@krischugh2651 We are the animal people !! 👍

[@BrookfieldZooChicago]

When Brookfield Zoo first opened in 1934, it was cutting edge! Things have changed a lot in the past 90 years as we learn more about each species. We are continually studying animal behavior and adjusting how we do things so that our animals have the habitats and enrichment that will be best for them.

[@peggylenda683]

Missing the Brookfield dolphins! Might have to visit Minnesota.

[@alexallen9640]

Surprising news, glad your dolphins are doing well at Discovery Bay

[@javy.airlines]

I Love Those Dolphins So Much😍❤️😘😘🐬!!!

[@lpzgrv2010]

Good job, Rita.

[@bobbouse5904]

We will miss seeing you all for the next few months. But glad you are in a safe environment until things are ready again for you back home! Take care!!

[@whatdoyousuppose]

I’ve been lucky to be able to visit your dolphins in Minnesota! Some of them I remember having lived here in the past (I remember when Spree was born!), it’s been a decade since we last had dolphins at Discovery Bay and it’s a real treat for us 💙

[@BrookfieldZooChicago]

We're so glad you were able to visit them!

[@user-zm1nw2cb2o]

Nice work!

[@zoeleistikow6965]

I will be going in May! I go to the MN zoo every year for my birthday, it's always been my DREAM to see a dolphin but as a minnesotan that's really hard, I can't believe I will be able to see them for the first time in only a month! So happy my birthday fell in the 7 month window!

[@BrookfieldZooChicago]

That's wonderful!!!! We're so glad you're able to finally have the opportunity! Please be sure to send us photos at [e-mail] or tag us on Facebook so that we can share with our dolphin staff.

[@angelaolson46]

@Brookfield Zoo I'm gunna miss my baby girl tapeka,I adopted her last yr❤ whenever my time comes I can die a happy old lady knowing I was a proud dolphine mom&feel blessed that I was blessed to have adopted a dolphine&felt what they feel like (rubbery&smooth❤) cant wait to see my girl&her pod next summer 2023❤🐬❤ #prouddolphinemom

[@Vic-se1fz]

I'm glad they all made it through the move safely. Did the results of the Cetacean Welfare Study influence the decision to improve the habitat?

[@BrookfieldZooChicago]

The plans for these improvements have been in the works for quite a while. However, other things have been implemented as a direct result of the study, like puzzle enrichment.

[@laudemgloriae3]

Was the water-filled transport carrier like a gigantic trailer that traveled on the road? Just curious. That seems like such an amazing feet! I wanted to be a dolphin trainer when I grow up because of Brookfield Zoo. I’m not but I still love dolphins 😊🐬❤

[@BrookfieldZooChicago]

Each dolphin was in their own dolphin-sized carrier.

[@laudemgloriae3]

@@BrookfieldZooChicago oh wow amazing! Did they fly or go by road?

[@marioponce8482]

How has the cancer treatment been going with Lucky? This was the recent update about him ever since his return to Brookfield Zoo and I am just curious.

[@BrookfieldZooChicago]

Lucky is doing great!!

[@leaholson6243]

So the 7 team members moved as well with the dolphins for the next 6-8months ?

[@lpzgrv2010]

That's what Rita said.

[@BrookfieldZooChicago]

Two staff have relocated for the entire time, and the other 5 will be taking turns. There will always be 7 animal care staff with the animals.

[@joshuacongdon7846]

How long will they be here in Minnesota for

[@BrookfieldZooChicago]

They will be returning to Brookfield Zoo sometime in Summer 2023.

[@ZebraSiats]

So wait ur not gonna have dolphins anymore in the future?

[@amyarnold2097]

She said the move was temporary because of renovations at Brookfield Zoo's Seven Seas dolphin house. They are expected back in summer 2023 when the renovations are finished. Personally it'll be a little sad not being able to see them during the holiday lights at Brookfield Zoo this year but the renovations they have planned sound good. I'll be eagerly awaiting their return.

[@BrookfieldZooChicago]

They're just taking a short vacation and will be back once renovations in Seven Seas are complete.

[@ZebraSiats]

@@BrookfieldZooChicago Alright thx for letting me know

[@saravanwyk2282]

What happened to magic and Maverick?

[@RosieandTapeko]

​​@@saravanwyk2282Magic passed away and I believe Maverick was moved to Texas

[@THELUCIFERLAKE]

Have they moved the dolphins back yet

[@BrookfieldZooChicago]

Not yet! We're hoping to have them back by fall. We'll be making a big announcement, so you won't be able to miss it!

[@kellyj6070]

Can you please enable closed captions on this video? I want to watch it! Thanks :)

[@BrookfieldZooChicago]

We will work on that for you! Check back in a few days (because of the holiday, staff may not be available.)

[@saravanwyk2282]

I wonder if yhe tanks would get bigger

[@BrookfieldZooChicago]

Not for this round of construction, but we're definitely dreaming big about the future of all of our habitats here at Brookfield Zoo.

[@CharleyWalker581]

You guys I have a brilliant idea what you should I should get at the Minnesota zoo A new animal that’s worth a lot of money for a prize to bring the best one like mines between five different animals a beluga whale, lobster, emperor penguins, octopus, and peacock those are my ideas whoever brings one of them earn some money and that should be a competition someday in the new year or something it’s just an idea you guys don’t have to do it if you don’t want