Seaquarium of Miami confirmed the successful transfer of theLi'i dolphin to a center in Texas where he can have a better quality of life and swim accompanied by others of his species.
"After 35 years under the care of the Miami Seaquarium,Li'i, ourPacific white dolphin, who spent the last few years with our beloved Lolita (whale), was successfully transferred toSeaWorld in San Antonio, Texas, to a habitat with other dolphins of the same species," the institution said on its Instagram profile.
On social networks there was astrong campaign so that Li'i would not be left alone in the old pond where he had lived for more than three decades, because dolphins are sociable and extremely intelligent animals that suffer in captivity, especially if they are isolated.
The institution explained that after the whale's death, animal care experts suggested thedolphin transfer to a habitat with other companions of its species.
"We took it toSeaWorld in San Antonio. Although we are going to miss him a lot, we are happy to know that this is the best for him," they said.
The institution thanked the entire team that participated in the transfer of the dolphin, The Dolphin Company and all the people who expressed their interest in the well-being of the dolphin.Li'i.
Li'i is a 90.7 kilogram dolphin and is 40 years old. He is considered an "elderly man" and specialists believe he would have little chance of surviving in freedom.
He was transported in a container filled with cold water aboard achartered Boeing 767 plane, accompanied by two veterinarians and a trainer.
The transfer was a success. HeDr. Christopher Dold, veterinary director ofSeaWorld, reported that the dolphin remained calm throughout the flight and was alert and interactive upon arriving at its new home.
Lolita's death made headlines in the Florida press. The orca had been at the Miami Seaquarium for more than 50 years and died from a kidney condition in August.
The captivity of these aquatic mammals has been the subject of debate among animal rights groups, especially the case of Lolita because she lived in a small pool since 1970, with the only company ofhis inseparable friend Li'i.
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