Minnesota Zoo CEO and Director Lee Ehmke is trying to clarify why the zoo will soon discontinue its dolphins exhibition. There are two main reasons, he said, "the welfare of the two beloved dolphins currently at the zoo, and the fiscal and logistical challenges of acquiring a viable dolphin group to replace them." There are just "no viable" options to keep it going, he said.

Days after the Legislature approved $4 million for the Minnesota Zoo — for what many legislators thought would be used to refurbish the dolphin tanks there — the zoo announced an end to the popular exhibit. But zoo officials were thinking about moving the dolphins several months before they told the public, or the Legislature, according to documents obtained by MPR News.

Allie and Selmo were originally going to be sent to another facility while their tank at Discovery Bay was being renovated. However, zoo officials said in a letter that "due to the low availability of dolphins and the urgency of other zoo development priorities ... we do not foresee exhibiting dolphins in the building's aquatic environments."

Visitors have until Sept. 9 to say goodbye to Atlantic bottlenose dolphins Allie and Semo, the Star Tribune reports. The Apple Valley zoo's Discovery Bay exhibit, which houses the dolphins, is closing for a major $4 million facelift.

The dolphin show at the Minnesota Zoo is no more. Friday marked the final day for dolphin shows at the zoo after 35 years of performances. Organizers say that the two remaining dolphins -- Allie and Selmo -- will be moving to a new, undetermined location. While the shows are done, the zoo is starting a "Farewell Week" Saturday, where people can stop by to view the dolphins and see them interact with trainers.

Schools of fish and stingrays will likely replace dolphins at the Minnesota Zoo, at least in the short term, MPR reports. The zoo decided this spring it would no longer house dolphins after one died in February, leaving only two in the collection.

The Minnesota Zoo's new master plan, which was approved by its board on Nov. 1, features some ambitious ideas for the Apple Valley facility. CEO Lee Ehmke told the Pioneer Press, "We inspire to become a world-leading zoo with the ultimate intention on saving wildlife and wild places. This is the next step in that evolution."

Taijah, a playful dolphin who was popular with zoo staff and guests alike, passed away after coming down with a sudden illness.