Climate change and pollution delay move of captive dolphins

BALTIMORE – An aquarium in Maryland has been looking to build a refuge in the tropics for its captive dolphins. But it’s having trouble finding the right location because of pollution and warming waters from climate change.

The Baltimore Sun reports that the seven bottlenose dolphins live at the National Aquarium in Baltimore. The aquarium is planning to move them to a sanctuary in Florida or the Caribbean.

A major challenge is the dolphins’ compromised immune systems. They are the result of years spent living in a controlled environment.

The risk of disease is higher in warmer water. And potential sites have been eliminated because nearby housing developments empty septic tanks into the water.

National Aquarium CEO John Racanelli said they’ve delayed the date for moving the dolphins from 2020 to 2021.

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Information from: The Baltimore Sun, http://www.baltimoresun.com