Dolphin Quest terminates contract with Dolphinaris after dolphin death

PHOENIX — After a dolphin died in the care of Dolphinaris Arizona on Thursday, the company who loaned out the animal has terminated its contract with the Scottsdale attraction.

Dolphin Quest formally terminated its animal loan agreement with Dolphinaris on Friday after the death of Kai, a 22-year-old male bottlenose dolphin, the company said in a press release.

The company announced it was also evaluating the next steps for the remaining two Dolphin Quest animals on site.

“The safety and health of our animals is our top priority”, Dr. Rae Stone, co-founder of Dolphin Quest said in a press release. “In spite of their best efforts, the animal health concerns have not been resolved at Dolphinaris.

“We have a senior marine mammal specialist from Dolphin Quest onsite at Dolphinaris who knows our remaining dolphins well and is closely monitoring them. They are bright, alert and in good condition at this time. We have contacted USDA and are working with them as we move forward.”

It’s the fourth dolphin death at Dolphinaris in less than two years.

The marine habitat said in a press release that it euthanized 22-year-old Kai after he had difficulty swimming, eating and breathing for two weeks.

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, a 10-year-old dolphin at Dolphinaris died from a bacterial infection, and in September 2017, a 7-year-old dolphin died at the facility from a muscle disease.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, bottlenose dolphins typically live between 30 and 50 years.

Dolphinaris has yet to comment on the contract termination.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Nailea Leon contributed to this report.

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