Discover 10 aquariums and zoos with dolphins

Aquariums and zoos are the perfect places to visit if you are sure to want to learn more about animals. Many zoos and aquariums rescue and rehabilitate wildlife, but not all animals can be safely released back into the wild. Dolphins are amazing creatures that are often found in aquariums and zoos. These large aquatic mammals are intelligent and playful. However, captive dolphins differ from those in the wild.

More than 3,000 dolphins currently live in aquariums full-time. There are also at least 40 species of dolphins around the world. While you can take your chance and book a dolphin tour in the ocean, there is no guarantee that you will see one in its natural environment. However, if you want to see a dolphin, one of your best bets is to visit a zoo or aquarium.

Listed below are 10 aquariums and zoos with dolphins.

Georgia Aquarium

The first aquarium on our list that houses dolphins is the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia. This aquarium used to be the largest in the world. Though no longer the largest in the world, the Georgia Aquarium is the largest in the United States. One of the most popular activities at Georgia Aquarium is dolphin encounters. You can meet the trainers and interact directly with the dolphins during this encounter. You can still see common bottlenose dolphins if you don’t want to pay extra. The Georgia Aquarium has other great animals including a large and majestic whale shark. You don’t have to leave your home to see the facility’s animals, either, as the Georgia Aquarium streams live some of its animal tanks.

Texas State Aquarium

You can also find dolphins at the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi, Texas. The aquarium covers approximately 15 acres and was first opened on July 6, 1990. One of the most popular exhibits at this aquarium is Dolphin Bay. Here guests can interact and admire Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. The 400,000 gallon, 12 foot deep saltwater pool offers two main vantage points. The dolphins in the aquarium can be released back into the wild. Shadow is the oldest dolphin and was born on July 23, 1992. He was born with a small hole in his dorsal fin. Another dolphin in this aquarium is Merlin, the youngest dolphin known for its pink belly. Trainers love working with the 2007 born schooner as he is probably the smartest dolphin in the tank.

The Indianapolis Zoo

The Indianapolis Zoo in Indianapolis, Indiana is a large zoo with dolphins. Popular with many locals, this zoo opened its doors on April 18, 1964. The zoo covers approximately 64 hectares and is home to 1,416 different animal species. Nearly 1.5 million people visit the Indianapolis Zoo each year. In addition to a zoo, it is also an aquarium and a botanical garden. During a visit you can see penguins, tigers, macaws and gray seals. Meet the resident dolphins at the Oceans exhibit. You can also attend a dolphin presentation if you want to learn more. Calypso is a bottlenose dolphin at the zoo. She is nicknamed “the big sister” and has a dark area under her chin. Calypso sometimes swims with his tongue out. Born in 2011, Hemmingway came to the Indianapolis Zoo from Florida’s Marineland Aquarium. Considered a drama starter, he has pointy tail worms.

Shedd Aquarium

One of the oldest aquariums in the United States is the Shedd Aquarium, which first opened on May 30, 1930. It is located in Chicago, Illinois and covers 10 acres. There are many exciting exhibits and animals to see, including Pacific white-sided dolphins. You can see these unique dolphins at Abbott Oceanarium and the Polar Play Zone. These playful dolphins are fast swimmers and can reach speeds of up to 40 km/h. There is a group of 5 Pacific white-sided dolphins at Shedd Aquarium. The oldest is Kri. She is also one of the largest dolphins in the pod, measuring 6 feet 5 inches long. She first appeared at Shedd Aquarium in 1991 when she was 6 years old. Harmony is the newest addition, born August 31, 2020. Playful and young, she was named by the Chicago Public Schools fourth grade classrooms.

Miami Seaquarium

The next aquarium where dolphins live is the Miami Seaquarium. Although the Miami Seaquarium is not the largest aquarium in the United States, it still has many exhibits and animals. The Miami Seaquarium opened on September 24, 1955. It covers about 38 acres. Here you will not only find dolphins, but also manatees and stingrays. Miami Seaquarium also offers nearby tours and dolphin swims. However, you don’t need to purchase any extras to see bottlenose dolphins in their tank. You can also experience dolphin shows like Top Deck Dolphin and the Flipper Dolphin Show.

Asamushi Aquarium

Another aquarium featuring dolphins is the Asamushi Aquarium in Aomori Prefecture, Japan. It overlooks Mutsu Bay and covers approximately 12 acres of land. The volume of the largest tank is 82,000 US gallons, the dolphin exhibition pool. The doors to the Asamushi Aquarium opened to the public in 1922, but the aquarium was rebuilt in 1983. This aquarium has over 400 species of animals and a total of 10,000 animals. In addition to watching the dolphins in the pool, you can also experience a dynamic dolphin show where the animals perform tricks with trainers.

Mississippi Aquarium

Next we have the Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport, Mississippi. It is a relatively new aquarium and opened on August 29, 2020. It covers approximately 12 acres and includes indoor and outdoor exhibits. Aside from seeing lots of incredible animals at the Mississippi Aquarium, you can also book unique tours to get in touch with them. Dolphin Encounter is a popular animal encounter. You can meet and interact with a dolphin with a trainer for 5 minutes. There are four Atlantic bottlenose dolphins that can be seen from a multi-viewing tank. At 8.5 feet long and 400 pounds, Axl is the oldest and largest dolphin. He is a playful dolphin and sometimes swims upside down. However, Finn is the smallest dolphin in the school, weighing 340 pounds. He is goofy and loves to interact with people, often sticking his tongue out at them.

Water world

Mundo Marino opened on January 6, 1979 and is home to over 9,000 animals. It is the largest aquarium in Argentina. There are not only animal exhibitions and shows, but also fun rides. One of the main attractions in this large aquarium is the “Refugio del Mar” which is home to many bottlenose dolphins. The history of this park is interesting. After visiting the United States and impressed by the aquariums, Juan David Méndez bought land in San Clemente del Tuyú. He opened the park with the intention of helping sick and dying sea creatures heal and releasing them back into the ocean.

Rodadero Sea Aquarium and Museum

The Rodadero Sea Aquarium and Museum is a beautiful aquarium in Santa Marta, Colombia. Captain Francisco Ospina Navia opened this stunning aquarium and museum in 1965. The site is accessible by motorboat. This unique aquarium contains 13 tanks directly connected to the Caribbean Sea. Almost 95% of the animals in the Rodadero Sea Aquarium and Museum are native to the region. There are at least 805 animals including sea turtles and seabirds. Many of the exhibits are dolphin-themed, and there’s a popular dolphin show.

The National Aquarium in Baltimore

The National Aquarium in Baltimore is located in downtown Baltimore, Maryland. It opened on August 8, 1981 and covers 6 acres of land. There are over 20,000 animals in this aquarium. One of the most popular animals at the National Aquarium in Baltimore are dolphins. You can watch a spectacular dolphin show and also watch them from their tank. There are also tours and experiences available at an additional cost. There are four active females and two males in the dolphin colony.

Next: