KZL Kerzner

Sixteen of the dolphins displaced from Gulfport, Mississippi during Hurricane Katrina and temporarily housed in various marine facilities throughout the eastern United States have traveled safely to their new home at Atlantis, Paradise Island in The Bahamas. According to Atlantis veterinarian, Dr. Pam Govett, who along with eleven other marine specialists and an additional veterinarian accompanied the animals on their journey, "The dolphins traveled comfortably on a specially-fitted Stretch DC-8 airplane in transport carriers filled with filtered, temperature controlled water. They all arrived safely and are doing well -- eating, interacting and acclimating to their new environment." The transportation process, implemented by over 150 people, began in Philadelphia, where Wee Tee, Echo, Sasha and Naia, who had been living in temporary homes at the Baltimore Aquarium and at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey, came together for the first leg of their trip to Atlantis. Their plane then continued on to Mobile, Alabama, where Jill, Kelly, Jacki, Michelle, Tamra, Toni, Noah, Elijah, Cherie, Brewer, Katelyn and Johnah, who had been residing at the Navy Construction Battalion (SeaBee) Center in Gulfport and Florida's Gulfarium in Fort Walton Beach, were waiting. After arriving on Paradise Island, the dolphins were transported immediately to a spacious saltwater acclimation habitat in Nassau Harbour, where they will reside for the next year. The acclimation habitat has a natural sandy bottom, is filled with over 1.5 million gallons of Bahamian ocean water and will allow the dolphins to slowly adjust to their new surroundings. In addition, the staff of 45 marine mammal specialists is monitoring them around-the-clock. "Given the trauma that many of the dolphins experienced during Hurricane Katrina, our goal is to provide them with a stable environment, optimal medical care, enriching activities and plenty of interaction with our staff," said Dr. Govett. The dolphin's permanent habitat, which is currently under construction, will be an eleven-acre lagoon located on Atlantis's grounds and designed to exceed facility regulations set forth by the United States and the world. It will contain three interactive coves in a tropical setting, complete with sandy beaches, and will be one of the largest man-made, inland dolphin habitats in the world. In addition to the interactive coves, the dolphins will live in seven interconnected resident pools containing more than six million gallons of crystal-clear sea water. Atlantis will provide each dolphin with 250,000 gallons of water, more than ten times the amount required by United States regulations. The facility will also serve as the first marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation facility in The Bahamas. A permanent medical pool and six additional pools will be available for examinations and quarantine, should the need arise. Prior to departure, each dolphin was given a complete physical. One dolphin from the Katrina group was unable to make the journey. Dr. Govett states, "Tessie, who has been temporarily living at Florida's Gulfarium, was diagnosed with an aggressive fungal infection. Due to her weakened condition, we thought it best for her to stay in Florida to recuperate. A wonderful team of veterinarians and trainers is attending to her, and we will wait for a marked improvement in her condition before making any plans for her to join the other dolphins at Atlantis." As Chief Marine Officer for Atlantis, Frank Murru, explained, "The transport process requires meticulous planning, a crew of highly professional marine experts and state-of-the-art equipment, all of which ensure an efficient process, safety and comfort for the dolphins." He continues, "We are deeply grateful to the National Marine Fisheries Services in the United States and the Bahamas Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries for expediting this transport process and recognizing the urgency of getting these animals to a permanent home." The transport of the Katrina dolphins to Atlantis completes the rescue operation that has been underway for several months. According to Murru, "We realize these animals have become a symbol of hope and recovery in the coastal Mississippi area. Our intent is to remain connected to that community and provide the residents with an ongoing relationship with these dolphins. We are establishing a Katrina Kids program to bring schoolchildren from the Gulf area to Atlantis, and have already made arrangements to continue research programs with the local universities. I know I speak for all of the employees at Atlantis and Kerzner International Limited, Atlantis's parent company, when I say that we are proud to be entrusted with the care of these very special dolphins." About Atlantis, Paradise Island resort, The Bahamas Atlantis, Paradise Island is the flagship resort of Kerzner International (NYSE:KZL), a leading international developer and operator of destination resorts, casinos and luxury hotels. The 2,317-room, ocean-themed destination resort in the Caribbean is located on Paradise Island, The Bahamas. This unique property features three interconnected hotel towers built around a 34-acre waterscape with eleven million gallons of fresh and saltwater lagoons and pools. Known as the largest open-air marine habitat in the world - second only to Mother Nature - Atlantis is home to over 250 species and 70,000 marine animals ranging from giant sharks, rays and barracuda, to piranha, eels and multitudes of tiny tropical fish. Kerzner International Limited recently commenced development of a major expansion at Atlantis that includes a 600-room all-suite luxury hotel and a significant enhancement of Atlantis's water-based attractions. Certain parts of this expansion have already opened, including Marina Village at Atlantis, with the remaining elements expected to open in the second quarter of 2007. For further information about Atlantis, Paradise Island; telephone 242-363-6018, or visit on-line at Atlantis.com. For reservations, call your travel agent or 800-ATLANTIS. Both low and high resolution color photography of Atlantis, Paradise Island are available at AtlantisBrand.com. If you are new user to this site, please complete the online registration to be granted access to the Digital Asset Library.