By The newspaper
Sep 28, 2023, 10:09 PM EDT
Li’i, Miami Seaquarium’s beloved Pacific white-sided dolphin, has embarked on a new journey after spending several years with her beloved orca companion, Lolita.
The dolphin has been successfully relocated to SeaWorld in San Antonio, Texas, marking a significant change in its aquatic life.
Li’i, the last Pacific white-sided dolphin at the Miami Seaquarium, has been moved to a habitat with other dolphins of his own species after an impressive 35 years in the care of the Miami Seaquarium.
This move, announced via a tweet from the facility, comes after Lolita’s recent death, which created a need for a fresh environment and companionship for Li’i.
After 35 years under the care of Miami Seaquarium, Li’i, our last Pacific white sided dolphin, who spent the last years with our beloved Lolita, was successfully moved to SeaWorld in San Antonio, Texas, to a habitat with other dolphins of his same species. After the departure of… pic.twitter.com/K25TBKre2W
— Miami Seaquarium (@MiamiSeaquarium) September 25, 2023
Following the loss of Lolita, Miami Seaquarium animal care experts recognized the importance of relocating Li’i to an environment where she could socialize with peers of her species. SeaWorld in San Antonio was chosen as Li’i’s new home, a decision made with her well-being in mind.
As one of only two facilities in the United States that houses Pacific white-sided dolphins, SeaWorld San Antonio is well equipped to provide specialized care to Li’i.
Their veterinary team is trained to care for older animals like Li’i and will create a personalized care plan tailored to their specific needs, SeaWorld says in a Facbeook post.
At age 40, Li’i will join other Pacific white-sided dolphins, some of whom she has lived before, ensuring she receives top-notch care meeting accredited zoological standards for the rest of her life.
Miami Seaquarium expressed its gratitude to all those involved in making Li’i’s relocation possible, including the Miami Seaquarium team and The Dolphin Company. They also thanked all those who had shown great interest in Li’i’s well-being, echoing their commitment to ensuring her continued well-being.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Pacific white-sided dolphin can live more than 40 years, underscoring the importance of providing Li’i with the best possible care and companionship during this new chapter in her life.
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