Three dolphins from Chicago check in at the zoo

Star Tribune

Last update: August 31, 2009 - 9:31 PM

The Minnesota Zoo's four dolphins will have company until next spring.

Three dolphins from Chicago's Brookfield Zoo arrived in Apple Valley Sunday to stay until their 20-year-old enclosure in Chicago is refurbished.

The three Chicago cetaceans were accompanied by six trainers who brought them to the zoo's Discovery Bay facility and plan to remain for the duration of their visit to continue the animals' regular care and feeding.

According to a news release from the zoo, the transfer of the dolphins, via a FedEx plane, "went very smoothly."

Initially, the dolphins will be kept separate from the resident pod, but all seven may eventually be permitted to swim together, according to the zoo.

For the record, the newcomers are Tapeko, Noelani and Allison. The Minnesota dolphins are named April, Allie, Spree and Semo.

BOB VON STERNBERG

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