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Press Releases
Minnesota Zoo Mourns Loss of "Dolphin Grandma"
Apple Valley, MINN – February 15, 2011 – The Minnesota Zoo is saddened to report that its elder Atlantic bottlenose dolphin "April," age 44, passed away today. April was mom to "Allie" and grandma to young "Taijah" born last summer. April had been suffering from a few physical ailments in recent months and was undergoing treatment at the time of her death. A necropsy (animal autopsy) will be performed to confirm the final cause of death. April arrived at the Minnesota Zoo on January 14, 2008. She was on loan from the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago along with her daughter, Allie. April gave birth to four calves during her lifetime. Said Minnesota Zoo Director of Biological Programs Kevin Willis: "April was one of our most beloved animals. Since she arrived here a few years ago, she quickly became a guest favorite. She enjoyed interacting with her trainers during enrichment sessions, and was often heard vocalizing during these interactions. She will be terribly missed by staff, volunteers, and all the Zoo guests who met her." The Minnesota Zoo houses three other Atlantic bottlenose dolphins besides April: daughter "Allie," 22; granddaughter "Taijah," 7 months, and "Semo," 45. The Minnesota Zoo is located in Apple Valley, just minutes south of Mall of America. For more information, call 952.431.9500 or visit mnzoo.org. The Minnesota Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and an institutional member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).
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