In Indonesia, 3 former circus dolphins finally swim free: ‘we wish them a good long life’
- Johnny, Rocky and Rambo were rescued from a tiny pool in a resort hotel three years ago, after spending years performing in a travelling circus
- Johnny, the oldest dolphin, had teeth that were worn down to below the gum line when he was rescued. He has since been fitted with dental crowns
As red and white Indonesian flags fluttered, underwater gates opened off the island of Bali on Saturday to allow Johnny, Rocky and Rambo to swim free.
The trio were rescued three years ago from their tiny pool in a resort hotel to which they had been sold after spending years performing in a travelling circus.
They regained their health and strength at the Bali sanctuary, a floating pen in a bay that provided a gentler, more natural environment.
Lincoln O’Barry, who worked with the Indonesian government to set up the Umah Lumba Rehabilitation, Release and Retirement Centre, said dolphins are wild animals that should live free.
“It was an incredibly emotional experience to see them go,” O’Barry said.
The centre was initiated in 2019 by the Bali Forestry Department and the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry. Umah lumba means “dolphin” in Indonesian.