01.08.06
Atlantis Resort has new Dolphins and Condos
Marine Life Oceanarium in Gulfport has received the permits and has moved 17 Katrina-victim dolphins named Jill, Kelly, Jacki, Michelle, Tamra, Toni, Noah, Elijah, Tessi, Cherie, Brewer, Katelyn, Johnah, Wee Tee, Echo, Sasha and Naia to the Atlantis Resort in Paradise Island, Bahamas.
“After searching for the finest home for these animals since the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and noting that the temporary residences we found for them were no longer optimal, we feel that the best solution for the animals is to reunite them collectively in a new habitat,” said Don Jacobs, Chairman, Marine Animal Productions. He continued, “Atlantis has established empathy for our animals, our people and efforts to rebuild the community. They are committed to participating in these efforts by establishing a `Katrina Kids’ program with us which will sponsor trips for Mississippi Gulf Coast school children to visit the resort and the dolphins. A research program will also be established with regional Universities to enable ongoing collaboration with the Atlantis veterinary medical and research teams. We feel their heritage in building and operating the largest outdoor man-made marine animal exhibit in the world, their facilities, maintenance and husbandry standards make this the best home in the world for our 17 dolphins.”
Atlantis in Paradise Island includes hotel towers surrounding a 34-acre waterscape with 11 million gallons of fresh and saltwater lagoons and pools. The resort is home to the largest open-air marine habitat in the world with over 200 species and 70,000 marine animals in lagoons and displays, including The Dig, a maze of underwater corridors and passageways providing a journey through the ancient Atlantis. The resort spends approximately $33,000 per month just feeding its fish and wildlife.
Atlantis Resort’s management has also recently annouced a new development, The Residences at Atlantis, an exclusive condominium-hotel to be built within Atlantis, Paradise Island. Owners will enjoy all the exciting resort amenities, including access to the marine habitat, water activities, casino, gourmet dining and entertainment, yet reside within a gated community that includes a private pool. The 400 units are comprised of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites with the finest finishes. Condominiums will be delivered turn key, totally furnished with designer touches including china and linens. The $200 million development project is a partnership between Kerzner International Limited and Turnberry Associates, one of the premier real estate development and property management companies in the United States.
Elizabeth said,
April 18, 2006 at 1:09 pm
Has Tessie, the Mississippi dolphin that had a fungus, been moved yet to Atlantis Resort to be with the other dolphins?
Thank you,
Elizabeth
dolphinlover said,
January 21, 2007 at 12:19 am
Tessie was able to spend over a year with the trainers that loved her in Florida before being moved to Atlantis several months ago. Unfortunately, she died after spending only 3 months at the resort. Atlantis has not released any other information.