Dolphinaris Dolphin Died From Possible Human Contact, Sign Taken Down

Fox 10 of Phoenix reported the sign from Dolphinaris Arizona was removed and was replaced with a banner “Beach Club at Docktails,” a restaurant located nearby. The sign was taken down following a facility shut down after four dolphins died in less than two years.

Dolphinaris, an aquatic theme park which permits humans to swim and play with dolphins, was temporarily closed after a bottlenose dolphin named Kai was euthanized on Jan.31 following health issues.

The theme park said in a statement that before his death, Kai had difficulty breathing, eating and swimming. This condition lasted for about two weeks, and despite constant medical care, he was unable to be stabilized.

Lori Marino, the founder of the Whale Sanctuary, told AZ Central it is very stressful for dolphins to live in tanks and deal with people entering their living quarters to pet them. She added when people enter the water to pet the creatures; there is a possibility of transferring disease.

Fox 10 was told by multiple sources the closure of the facility was permanent. However, Dolphinaris would not confirm the rumor to Fox 10. In a statement to the news station, they wrote; “Some people may think that is the case, but the facility is being evaluated, so the closing is temporary until the findings are in and an assessment can be made.

Written by Barbara Sobel

Sources:

KGUN 9: Dolphinaris signs taken down as facility maintains “temporary closure”
Fox News: Sign removed from Dolphinaris Arizona after 4th dolphin dies, possibly from contact with humans
12 News: Dolphinaris sign taken down, new one put in its place

Featured and Top Image Courtesy of  Chris Oakley’s Flickr Page – Creative Common License