National Aquarium Vows To Keep Dolphins Safe In Seaside Sanctuary

The National Aquarium just announced that they are relocating their dolphins, not into sea cages, but at a seaside sanctuary.

The move was applauded by the CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, John Racanelli, saying that the National Aquarium has "done something terribly important" in its decision to relocate the dolphins into these more animal-based facilities that are made to prioritize their well-being.

In a move applauded by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) the National Aquarium plans on moving its dolphins to a new ocean enclosure by the end of 2020 -- a decision that proves new in the marine mammal industry.

Racanelli said in an interview, "There's no model anywhere, that we're aware of, for this. We're pioneering here, and we know it's neither the easiest nor the cheapest option."

The National Aquarium hasn't mentioned how large the enclosed sanctuary will be, but Racanelli mentioned that it will be measured in acres, not square feet as they do in aquariums. Potential sites, according to Omaha News, include Florida Keys and the Caribbean.

ABC News reported that the Humane Society, in partnership with SeaWorld, is concentrating on conservation efforts and education programs for better treatment of these animals.

Aquarium Board member Colleen Dilenschneider told WBAL News, "We've evaluated this for five years and have decided that this is the right decision for the dolphins, and, thus, for our organization,"

Unfortunately, despite the partnership, SeaWorld officials said that they are not following the Aquarium's lead, with spokeswoman Aimee Jeansonne Becka saying in an email that their animals have better care in their current displays that in high-risk "sea-cages." She also added that their move to keeping the dolphins in their zoos and aquariums would help educate the public as they are "ambassadors for their species and the oceans."