Featured Image Credit: CBS 5 News
By: Lindsay Edgar
Imagine being able to swim with dolphins in the desert… No this is not a mirage.
The only water in the desert of Scottsdale, Arizona will come from a brand new dolphin exhibit called Dolphinaris. Located adjacent to the OdySea Aquarium, the 900,000 gallon complex will give guests of all ages the opportunity to interact with five bottlenose dolphins. Eager visitors will be able to view the dolphins through underwater glass panels, wade into the shallow end of the enclosure to say hello and even swim alongside them.
The dolphin experience is an exciting prospect for the public and has drawn a significant amount of attention. As the proposed grand opening date of the exhibit approaches, park ambassadors are eager to introduce the dolphins to everyone. “Our programs are designed for kids of all ages but certainly we want to have school groups here. We want to have young people here learning to appreciate and be inspired by these wonderful creatures,” says Dr. Grey Stafford, the general manager of the exhibit.
As for the dolphins – they are thriving in their new home and getting accustomed to their surroundings. They started eating fish right away, which is a good indication they are not under any stress from the transfer. And to make sure these wonderful creatures stay happy and healthy, a team of experienced trainers and a full time veterinarian will be on site at all times.
The company is sticking to its mission of providing a place for ocean conservation that otherwise wouldn’t be possible due to its geographic location. The overall goal is to encourage people to become involved in ocean conservation, and to inspire them through contact with the animals. Dolphinaris insists that it has put a great deal of thought into the wellbeing of its newcomers. We can’t wait to see what type of impact these wonderful creatures will have on the younger generations in Arizona.