Mirage Dolphin Habitat Earns Prestigious Honor

• 
  SAVE
• 
  SHARE
• 
  TEXT SIZE
• 
  PRINT
• 
  COMMENT
• 
  PDF

. October 14, 2008

LAS VEGAS, NV, June 27, 2007. The Mirage Dolphin Habitat has earned accreditation by one of most respected marine care and conservation societies, the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. Collectively, the Alliance represents the greatest expertise in caring for marine mammals in the world.

"Members of the Alliance are committed to standards of care that surpass current regulatory requirements of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal Welfare Act," said Alliance Executive Director Marilee Menard. "The recent accreditation of The Mirage Dolphin Habitat indicates the facility excels in providing care for their dolphins."

To become accredited, The Mirage Dolphin Habitat underwent a stringent on-site inspection. During the two-day examination, reviewers evaluated the facility on a wide range of criteria including training, husbandry, veterinary care, enrichment and food preparation. Education and research programs also were assessed. Like all Alliance-accredited institutions, The Mirage Dolphin Habitat will face recertification every five years.

Scott Sibella, president and COO of The Mirage, said "Excellence in animal care is the first priority of The Mirage Dolphin Habitat. This prestigious accomplishment shows the ongoing commitment and dedication to care, research and public education by our entire Animal Care staff. We are extremely proud to join one of the world's most esteemed voices in marine mammal care."

The Mirage Dolphin Habitat is home to a family of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Specialists from around the world lent their expertise in creating a safe, healthy environment for their care. The size of their aquatic home exceeds government regulations by more than eight times. The general public is invited to explore the habitat at their leisure. Educators are located poolside to answer questions and provide narratives on dolphin/trainer interactions.

Dave Blasko, director of Animal Care for The Mirage, said, "The dolphins and Animal Care staff of The Mirage provide an unequalled educational experience to the local community as well as to visitors from around the world. By providing an up close and personal experience, we touch hundreds of thousands of people every year and make a real impact in promoting wildlife conservation."

To help further advance awareness, a special "Trainer for a Day" program allows guests the unforgettable opportunity to work side-by-side with Mirage animal experts. During the daylong session, participants take part in the daily care and training of the dolphins while learning about their health and behavior.

Another educational program, developed by The Mirage Animal Care staff and the Clark County School District, provides kindergarten through 12th grade students the chance to visit the Dolphin Habitat and learn about the fragility of the planet's marine ecology.

Menard said, "Dave Blasko has been on the Alliance Board of Directors since 2006. A valued member of the marine mammal community, he is highly respected for taking the lead on international conservation issues."

Founded in 1987, the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums is the first and largest organization in the world dedicated to the concerns and issues that affect the public display of marine mammals.