Four Dolphins Die In Under A Year At The Mirage Las Vegas Hotel

In less than a year, four dolphins have died at The Mirage Las Vegas hotel, with Duchess being the latest to pass away at the age of 48. Duchess was one of five dolphins brought to the hotel in 1990 for the Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat exhibit, which has since been closed. The remaining dolphins have been relocated to Seaworld, sparking concerns about the welfare of the marine mammals kept in captivity at the Mirage.

The deaths of the dolphins have raised questions about the living conditions at the hotel, with animal welfare advocates criticizing the lack of shade and shallow tanks that could have contributed to the animals' health issues. The causes of death for the dolphins in 2022 were attributed to respiratory complications and gastroenteritis, indicating potential stress and boredom from captivity. With public opinion shifting away from captive dolphin shows, it remains uncertain if the Mirage will reopen its dolphin exhibit in the future.