FORT WALTON BEACH — Three Florida aquariums rushed to Gulfport, Mississippi to rescue dolphins and sea lions just one day after Hurricane Katrina.

Marine Life Oceanarium in Gulfport had moved many of its animals out of harm’s way before the storm made landfall on Monday, August 29. Six dolphins had been moved to two motels inland.

The category 4 storm slammed the Mississippi coast with a massive storm surge, inundating the fragile coast under 20 to 30 feet of seawater, extreme waves, and hurricane force winds. Marine Life suffered near total destruction, as did many other businesses and homes along the northern Gulf Coast from New Orleans, Louisiana to Pensacola, Florida.

With a call for help from the devastated Gulfport marine facility, three Florida aquariums quickly mobilized to rescue the dolphins as well as sea lions. Animal staff from Seaworld of Orlando, Gulfworld of Panama City Beach, and Florida’s Gulfarium headed west in two large moving trucks loaded with equipment and supplies. Four sea lions and six dolphins were moved to the Gulfarium, while the remainder of the sea lions went to Seaworld. The animals will remain in Florida until Marine Life rebuilds.

Animal trainers from Marine Life have temporarily moved to the Fort Walton Beach and Orlando areas while the animals under their care are in Florida. Some of the Marine life staff lost their homes and all of their possessions. Florida’s Gulfarium is accepting donations to help the trainers with living expenses while in Florida and to assist in the care of Marine Life’s animals. More information on donations can be found at www.gulfarium.com/help.html