First Offspring of Rescued Hurricane Katrina Dolphins Are Born at Dolphin Cay.

The AZA and Alliance Accredited Facility at Atlantis, Paradise Island in The Bahamas Celebrates The First (and Second!) Miraculous Birth(s)

PARADISE ISLAND, The Bahamas -- The first offspring from the famed rescued "Katrina Dolphins" were born at Dolphin Cay, the new dolphin interaction and education center at Atlantis, Paradise Island resort in The Bahamas. The first was born to 32-year-old Kelly on April 4, 2007.

A second calf, was born on April 6, 2007 to 21-year-old Michelle. The two moms, who were together in a special maternity pool within the habitat at the time of both births, have spent the first days nurturing and bonding with the newest members of the Dolphin Cay family.

The calves are being monitored 24 hours a day by our marine mammal specialists to ensure they are healthy and developing on schedule," said Frank Murru, Chief Marine Officer, Kerzner International. "These births are the first successful ones for Dolphin Cay from the rescued 'Katrina Dolphins' that are expecting offspring, a true testament to the full recovery and acclimation of these miraculous animals."

Kelly, Michelle and 14 of their fellow Dolphin Cay residents, were stranded or swept to sea when their former home at the Marine Life Oceanarium in Gulfport, Mississippi, was destroyed during the infamous Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. After being rescued and nursed back to health, all of the dolphins were eventually transported to Atlantis to fully recover and reside in the new state-of-the-art habitat.

In addition to the interactive coves, the facility will serve as the only live marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation center in The Bahamas. On March 27, 2007, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) announced that Atlantis was granted accreditation by AZA's independent Accreditation Commission. To be accredited, Atlantis underwent thorough investigation to ensure it has and will continue to meet ever-rising standards, which include animal care, veterinary programs, conservation, education, and safety. Atlantis, Dolphin Cay was also recently accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums.

All of the Dolphin Cay residents live in eleven interconnected pools containing nearly seven million gallons of crystal-clear seawater, and are cared for night and day by a team of over 55 marine mammal specialists.

"We are proud to say our facility is one of the largest man made dolphin habitats in the world," said Teri Corbett, Vice President of Marine Mammal Operations. "This along with our state of the art quarantine facility allows us the proper space to safely care for beached or stranded animals and pregnant or nursing mothers."

The residents of Dolphin Cay are all Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins, who breathe air out of a blowhole located on the top of their head. The average gestation period for a Bottlenose Dolphin is 12 months. At the end of this period, they give birth to live young, called calves. The calf, born with sparse hair on its rostrum, is a mammal and will nurse from its mother for 12-18 months. The calf will begin to eat fish at 4-5 months of age. At birth, the average Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin is three feet long and weighs about 40 pounds.

About Atlantis, Paradise Island resort, The Bahamas

Atlantis, Paradise Island is the flagship resort of Kerzner International, a leading international developer and operator of destination resorts, casinos and luxury hotels. This unique, ocean-themed destination is located on Paradise Island, The Bahamas, and features a variety of accommodations, all built around a 97-acre waterscape comprised of over 20 million gallons of fresh and saltwater lagoons, pools and habitats. Home to the largest open-air marine habitat in the world - second only to Mother Nature - there are over 50,000 marine animals in lagoons and displays, including The Dig, a maze of underwater corridors and passageways providing a journey through ancient Atlantis. In February, 2007, Atlantis unveiled AQUAVENTURE, a non-stop water experience consisting of thrilling new water slides, a mile-long river ride with high intensity rapids and wave surges, and never-before-seen special effects. Also opened in early 2007, is the resort's dolphin interaction and education center, Dolphin Cay, created with the goal of enlightening visitors about the wonders of these remarkable ocean inhabitants. The Cove Atlantis, a new 600-room resort, opened in March 2007, featuring spectacular designs by acclaimed interior architects Jeffrey Beers and David Rockwell, unprecedented services and amenities, private all-adult and family pools, lavish cabanas and breathtaking views of the ocean. Atlantis is also known as THE culinary destination in The Caribbean with a collection of restaurants from world-renowned chefs including Nobu Matsuhisa, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Bobby Flay and Angelo Elia. The resort boasts an impressive collection of luxury boutiques and shops and the largest conference center, meeting and convention facilities in The Caribbean.

For further information about Atlantis, Paradise Island; telephone [phone], or visit Atlantis.com. For reservations, call your travel agent or 800-ATLANTIS.

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