Dolphins Weather Storm In Pool

Three dolphins from a Gulfport, Miss. aquarium rode out Hurricane Katrina in a local hotel swimming pool.

The dolphins — Katelin, Cayenne and Jonah — usually live in a shallow water tank at Marine Life Oceanarium. They were moved to the Best Western in Gulfport because they needed to be at a higher elevation, said one of their keepers, Dr. Moby Solangi.

The sea animals were transferred to the pool just hours before the storm hit. They survived and appear to be doing well.

The move was nice not only for the dolphins, but also for those staying at the hotel. The human guests said being able to see the dolphins swimming around in the pool cheered them up.

Moving dolphins is normal operating procedure. Solangi said during any hurricane threat, they are taken to various area hotel swimming pools until danger passes.