National Aquarium Confirms Plans To Move Dolphins Into Ocean Sanctuary

Eight National Aquarium bottlenose dolphins that have held captive may have the chance to be released, along with the other sea animals held captive like the orcas of SeaWorld and The National Aquarium of New Zealand. According to reports, a group of animal rights advocates is behind the campaign for the release of the marine mammals.

In a recent announcement, the National Aquarium confirmed the decision to transfer the bottlenose dolphins to an ocean sanctuary. Based on reports, the facility will create the first dolphin sanctuary for the transfer and plans to move all the animals by the end of 2020.  

Ever since the National Aquarium decided to stop dolphin performances, some years ago, the agency has been thinking of what to do with the animals. Eventually, its officials chose an ocean sanctuary after being shown proof  that the highly-intelligent marine mammals need space as well as the chance to build social groups in order to have a positive quality life. A dolphin agency is now working to find a location for the sanctuary, eyeing some areas in the Caribbean and Florida, National Geographic reported.

Although the new life will not be a complete release into the wild, the action will give the animals a significant additional space and natural stimuli. One of the Dolphin facts dictate that the animals still need human care, since only one of them had the chance to be hand-reared by humans since birth. As explained by the aquarium's chief execute officer John Racanelli, they have set the criteria, with the interests and needs of the dolphins in their minds.

The announcement is considered a huge win for the animal rights advocates, who are hoping that the decision will encourage other facilities to think about the health and happiness of the animals first.

While the animals may still be viewed by the public, the officials will also observe National Aquarium hours, particularly a National Aquarium dolphins schedule. Guests are are invited to watch the animals as they learn and train for the transfer, which include getting accustomed to outside spaces, swimming into transportation units and becoming comfortable while being lifted by a crane, according to NPR.