While many Gulf Coast residents were busy fleeing the oncoming storm, animal trainers and oceanarium staff carefully transported six dolphins in low-lying tanks to hotel swimming pools further inland.
The remaining eight dolphins were left in a 30-foot-high tank that survived all previous storms, including Hurricane Camille, a Category 5 hurricane that devastated the Gulf Coast in 1969.
Eight of the 27 sea lions were taken by trailer to a staff member's home, according to the Marine Life Oceanarium. Others were secured in what was believed to be a safe area.
The dolphin tank survived, but the animals themselves were swept away, according to the oceanarium's Web site. It's believed they either swam or were pushed out as giant storm surges washed over the tank.
Missing for a week and a half, they were discovered Saturday, Sept. 10, at the mouth of the Port of Gulfport near the ruins of the Marine Life Oceanarium, according to the organization's Web site.
"These animals found us, they came back after Katrina ... they came home," Moby Solangi, director of the Marine Life Oceanarium, told
The Boston Globe. "All eight are together. It's the most wonderful news."
Shelly, Kelly, Jill, Noah, Tamara, Toni, Jackie and Elijah are being fed by trainers and have been placed on antibiotics and vitamins.
When they're strong enough, they will be transferred to a temporary pool, and then — if it's clear they won't spread disease — on to Florida's Gulfarium or Sea World Orlando, according to
The Boston Globe.
The 19 sea lions were also swept away by Katrina's storm surges, according to the Marine Life Oceanarium.
Many of the missing sea lions were recovered in the weeks following the storm. Several were found in unusual spots, including beneath houses, on back porches, amid debris piles and swimming in neighboring bays and swimming pools.
Five sea lions died, and two are still missing, said the Marine Life Oceanarium's Web site.
