ROCKY
Imagine being captured from the wild, then forced to perform in one of the world’s most abusive shows – the traveling dolphin circus. That’s what happened to Rocky. But it didn’t end there. After spending years as a circus performer, he was then sold to the Melka Excelsior Hotel in North Bali, where, for 10 years, he was confined to a small swimming pool, interacting with an endless stream of tourists. Since we rescued Rocky in 2019, here, in the crystal clear waters of the Umah Lumba Center, he gained weight and strength, and enjoyed the natural rhythms and sounds of the sea. Our 24/7 expert team of veterinarians and caregivers evaluated Rocky for release back into the wild, and, on September 3, 2022 the gate at the Umah Lumba Center was opened. Johnny, Rocky and Rambo swam out towards the open ocean. From post-release tracking, to preparing for future rescues, there is still much work to be done. Adopt Rocky today to help support these efforts!
RAMBO
It’s hard to envision the suffering endured by Rambo, violently captured from the ocean and forced to perform in Indonesia’s notorious traveling dolphin circus. If that wasn’t enough, this young dolphin was then confined inside a small swimming pool in the Melka Excelsior Hotel in North Bali, where, day after day, was forced to perform for paying tourists during loud theatrical shows. Since his rescue in 2019, Rambo rehabilitated at the Umah Lumba Center, transforming into a highly energetic individual that is full of life. Our 24/7 expert team of veterinarians and caregivers evaluated Rambo for release back into the wild, and, on September 3, 2022 the gate at the Umah Lumba Center was opened. Johnny, Rocky and Rambo swam out towards the open ocean. From post-release tracking, to preparing for future rescues, there is still much work to be done. Adopt Rambo today to help support these efforts!
Post-Release Tracking
There are many expenses associated with post-release tracking, including gasoline for the boats monitoring the dolphins, and education of local fisherman regarding best-practices on dolphin avoidance, to name a few.
Wildlife Rescue
Our team is on the ready to rescue other animals in need, including turtles, sea eagles and stranded marine mammals.
Maintenance
The Umah Lumba Center’s seapens will always remain open and be fully staffed, should the dolphins choose to return. The Center will also always be ready to accept future rescues.
Staffing
Post-release, staff have their hands full with monitoring the dolphins by boat, engaging in local education and outreach efforts, and preparing for potential future rescues.
WHAT YOU’LL GET
With a recommended minimum donation of $25, you’ll receive an electronic adoption kit, including: a personalized adoption certificate suitable for framing, gorgeous underwater photos, biographical information, a dolphin fact sheet, a dolphin warrior booklet, and quarterly updates!
About the Facility
Umah Lumba Rehabilitation, Release and Retirement Center
The Umah Lumba Rehabilitation, Release and Retirement Center in Banyuwedang Bay, West Bali, Indonesia is the first and only permanent dolphin rehabilitation, release and retirement facility for formerly performing dolphins. In September 2019, BKSDA Bali Forestry Department and the Ministry of Forestry initiated the idea. Working with local partners Jakarta Animal Aid Network to supply the manpower and Dolphin Project to provide the financial support and supervision, the Umah Lumba Center was built. (“Umah Lumba” means “dolphin house” in Balinese.)
The facility is designed to stabilize recently confiscated dolphins from captive facilities, or stranded or injured dolphins, return them back to health and to assess whether they are candidates for readaptation and release.
The Umah Lumba Rehabilitation, Release and Retirement Center and Camp Lumba Lumba Readaptation and Release Center form an incredible partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia, BKSDA Bali, Dolphin Project, Jakarta Animal Aid Network, Karimunjawa National Park and the West Bali National Park. Together, we built Umah Lumba, the world’s only permanent dolphin rehabilitation, release and retirement facility for previously captive dolphins and Camp Lumba Lumba, the world’s first permanent facility dedicated to the readaptation and release of dolphins in Kemujan, Karimun Jawa. Ric O’Barry, Founder/Director of Dolphin Project has pioneered readaptation for captive dolphins and has released a number of dolphins into the wild.
