SeaWorld San Antonio welcomes Li’i the dolphin from Miami

Li’i, the Pacific white-sided dolphin who was a companion to the orca whale Lolita at the Miami Seaquarium, was transferred to the San Antonio SeaWorld, according to a tweet from the Seaquarium on Monday, September 25. Li’i spent 35 years there and was the last of his species at the aquarium. 

The post notes that Li’i moved to San Antonio to be in a habitat with other dolphins of the same species. After the departure of Lolita, Miami Seaquarium’s post states its animal care experts suggested his relocation to a habitat with other peers of his species would be better for his well-being. 

“Although we will very much miss him, we feel happy to know this is the best for him,” the seaquarium wrote. “Thank you to all the team from Miami Seaquarium and The Dolphin Company for making this possible and thank you to all the people who always expressed their interest in Li’i’s welfare, just as we did.”

SeaWorld San Antonio “is one of only two places in the United States to care for his species,” according to a Facebook post shared Monday. Li’i is 40 years old and will be joining other Pacific white-sided dolphins, “some of whom he lived with previously. He will receive world-class care based on accredited zoological standards for the remainder of his life,” SeaWorld’s post stated.

“Our veterinary team is experienced with caring for older animals like Li’i and can provide a custom care regimen that will be in his best interest,” the Facebook post read.