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The news rocked the marine mammal world - the Dolphin Company was in bankruptcy, and homes needed to be found for all of their animals. Initially, Gulf World in Panama City Beach transferred their marine mammals to Miami Seaquarium and Dolphin Connection in the Keys. Next, we discovered that Miami Seaquarium was also closing, and had been sold to a developer who didn’t want to keep the animals. This meant that 10 harbor seals, 14 California sea lions, and 16 bottlenose dolphins, in addition to a family of African penguins, many exotic birds, and a significant number of fish and other species, were all losing their home. Many of these animals had been born there or lived there for almost their entire lives. It was a devastating tragedy for the animals and staff of the facility, and DRC’s Steering Committee immediately met to decide how we could help.

There was no question that we wanted to give homes to as many animals as we could. The challenging part was - how many could we adopt while still meeting our commitment to our DRC family? And - which ones? I remember Rita Irwin, President and CEO, saying it would be one of the most wonderful and, at the same time, most difficult things we would do. True words.

We decided to start with which ones, and the question answered itself quite easily. Which ones would be the hardest for them to place? Which ones were the oldest, compromised, or had challenges that would make it hard for them to move and adapt to a new environment? Those were the ones we wanted because we know how to help animals in need. We have decades of experience with geriatric animals, blind animals, and animals with any kind of social or other challenge. It goes back to our roots. When Jayne and Mandy Rodriguez made the promise of a forever home to all who joined this family, they welcomed everyone regardless of any special needs. We became known for our intensive care regimens for animals who needed so much more than just general care. Stranded animals with little chance of survival, a dolphin with scoliosis, dolphins stolen and illegally and unethically released who nearly starved to death (rescued by DRC & the U.S. Navy), and more…all found a forever home at DRC. As we made the decision to adopt this new group of animals in need, it felt just like those early days in the 1980s and 90s. Our mission is the same today - to provide sanctuary and a forever home. Financially, it wasn’t a decision that made sense. Seven more animals would be joining the family, needing not just care but, in some cases, special medical care. Yet we didn’t hesitate to make the call. As our co-founder, Mandy Rodriguez, with tears in his eyes, said, “It is our mission, it’s what we do. They need us, it’s as simple as that!”

That day is when the whirlwind began, and it hasn’t stopped for several months! There were trips up to Miami Seaquarium to meet the animals and their trainers. What a loving and inspirational group of individuals! From the leader who was overseeing the placement process for all of the animals, to every trainer, and their pump/filter maintenance crew- they all loved those animals with all of their hearts and were there for them until the very end. What an overwhelming feeling, knowing that you will be saying goodbye to animals you’ve worked with for many years (some over 20 years!), not knowing where they will end up, who will get to stay together with their social group, and who will have to be split up. That part was heartbreaking. Those trainers and their manager, who fought so hard to see the animals go to the best homes, were the unsung heroes in this sad situation. And at the end of the day, all of the animals DID get to stay with friends with whom they had bonds, which was extremely important for everyone.  

The steps to getting the animals all to DRC were complex, yet executed with precision. Mandy has overseen many transports over the years, and these went perfectly. The pinnipeds arrived on December 8th, the dolphins on December 11th. Our veterinarians, Dr. Scott Gearhart and Dr. Shelby Loos, accompanied them in the trucks, as well as trainers and other attendants. Miami Seaquarium sent down their Director of Training and Dolphin Training Supervisor to help the animals settle in. Another pinniped trainer came down on her own time to be sure everyone was happy in their new home. These trainers and others have just gone above and beyond in helping us get to know our new family members. They have truly all become part of the DRC family.  

We especially want to say thank you to our members for supporting our mission, now more than ever! It is because of all of you, along with our dedicated staff, that we could open our hearts and home to the Magnificent Seven: Ace, Cane, Baby, Clyde, Raleigh, J.J., and Samantha! We invite you to consider adopting one of our special animals. Please come visit soon and meet your new “kids” - we promise we will be taking the BEST care of them until you can get here!

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