Former Atlantis dolphins moved to new home

Three of the former Atlantis dolphins were moved to their new home at Underwater World at Hillarys today.

Environment Minister Bob Pearce said the two females, Mila and Echo, and the male, Rajah, were among nine captive dolphins returned to the wild after an extensive rehabilitation program, based at Two Rocks marina.

"The three dolphins were recaptured after they were found to have lost weight, apparently unable to find their own food," Mr Pearce said.

"Without the Underwater World dolphin program, these three dolphins would almost certainly have been sent to an overseas marine park.

"The Government welcomes Underwater World's initiative and is glad that the dolphins will be cared for in WA."

The three dolphins were moved today by staff from Underwater World and the Department of Conservation and Land Management.

Each of the mammals was weighed before being taken by boat to new sea pens built by the Department of Marine and Harbours in the Hillarys boat harbour.

"Underwater World and CALM have formed a joint management committee to oversee the dolphin program, which will continue to train the mammals to look after themselves at sea," Mr Pearce said.

"It is hoped the dolphins will eventually return to the wild, but their response so far means this is unlikely, or at best, will be a long-term project.

"Underwater World staff will provide day-to-day care for the dolphins and an education and interaction program for visitors to Underwater World will be developed once the dolphins have settled in to their new surroundings.

"This is a very significant conservation program.  It will not only provide valuable information about dolphin behaviour, but could also lead to other joint marine mammal programs between Underwater World and CALM.

"The other special component of this program is the chance it gives the community for contact with these intelligent and endearing mammals."

Mila, Echo and Rajah were released off Two Rocks with the other Atlantis dolphins in January this year.  Two of the others are thought to have adapted to their new life successfully, three are no longer within radio tracking distance and one has died.