The remaining six dolphins from Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage have been relocated to SeaWorld San Diego, as reported in a statement from Mirage president Joe Lupo. Specifically, Karli, Sofi, and Osborne have been returned to the aquatic theme park from which they were loaned several years ago.
Bottlenose dolphins will be the primary performers at SeaWorld San Diego, their new home. When the Seminole Tribe of Florida purchased the Mirage from MGM Resorts International in December, seven dolphins remained in the habitat, including Duchess, the last of the five original dolphins at the opening of the attraction in 1990. Sadly, Duchess passed away in January, aged 48, having been one of four Mirage dolphins to have died in the year prior. K2, Maverick, and Bella all succumbed to respiratory illnesses and gastroenteritis respectively.
In November, the Mirage announced the permanent closure of the Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat, and that the dolphins, white tigers, white lions, and leopards would be placed in the care of trained animal care professionals and veterinary experts. This news was welcomed by the animal rights organisation PETA, who urged Hard Rock to find reputable new homes for the big cats and relocate the dolphins to a seaside sanctuary, away from the lights and noise of the Strip.
According to Lupo, homes are still being sought for the three remaining Mirage dolphins, while the tigers and lions have already been relocated elsewhere. However, the destination for these animals remains undisclosed.
