Minnesota Zoo to Discontinue Dolphin Exhibit

APPLE VALLEY (AP) - The dolphin exhibit at the Minnesota Zoo is closing despite a recent wave of state money to help maintain it.

The Apple Valley zoo will move its resident dolphins, Allie and Semo, to other facilities while repairs are made to the tank. But zoo officials say the tank won't house dolphins once the upgrades are done.

Zoo officials say dolphins aren't readily available and that the zoo has other pressing development projects. The zoo is looking into other aquatic animals that could be housed at the exhibit.

Five dolphins have died at the bottlenose exhibit since 2006, including Allie and Semo's young calf in February.

The state recently approved $4 million for the dolphin tank repairs.