Dolphinaris Arizona ‘optimistic’ it will reopen as a new concept

PHOENIX — Dolphinaris Arizona said Wednesday night that it is “optimistic” it will reopen as a new concept not involving dolphins.

The marine habitat temporarily closed two weeks ago for an evaluation by a panel of experts after four dolphins died there since its opening in October 2016.

The four remaining dolphins at the facility were transferred by private jet to Coral World Ocean Park in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Dolphinaris said in a statement.

The facility removed signage from its building on Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community tribal land near the Loop 101 and Via de Ventura last week.

According to the statement, the habitat hopes to reopen as something ocean-related and is still undergoing testing:

Dolphinaris is optimistic that the Scottsdale location will reopen as a new concept, not involving dolphins, and continue to carry out its mission in ocean conservation and education.

Meanwhile, evaluation of the Dolphinaris Arizona facility, including water testing and lab testing by pathologists, is still underway. No conclusions regarding what might have contributed to the health issues of the other dolphins have been made.

It is unclear when the testing is expected to be done, or when the facility plans to reopen.

Twenty-two-year old bottlenose dolphin Kai died at Dolphinaris on Jan. 31.

Kai’s death was preceded by 11-year-old Khloe’s death in December from a chronic illness due to a parasite called Sarcocystis that she had for six years.

In May 2018, Alia, a 10-year-old female dolphin, died after suffering from an acute bacterial infection.

In September 2017, a 7-year-old male named Bodie died of a fungal infection, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Dolphinaris initially reported that he died from a rare muscle disease.

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