Splashes of water, squeals of delight, and some sizeable, slippery animals all can be found at Seven Seas.

The Dolphinarium features a favorite sea creature---Atlantic bottlenose dolphins! Shows several times a day showcase the skills and adaptations of these beloved mammals. (The only fish found here are for the dolphins’ dinner!)

Brookfield Zoo’s dolphins play an important role in the science of conserving these special creatures. Zoo scientists study dolphins at the Dolphinarium and in the wild. Over the years, we’ve learned important information about dolphin biology, social structure, and health. Our scientists are called on by researchers around the world to help protect dolphins and their watery habitats. Watch closely during the shows to make some amazing dolphin discoveries of your own!

Have you ever imagined being a dolphin researcher, spending your days on the ocean, watching for the ripples and splashes that tell you a dolphin is swimming nearby? If so, the new Dolphin Research Boat Theater is for you! Surrounded by huge palm trees and colorful wall murals depicting ocean scenery, the theater is located at the end of a short dock in Brookfield Zoo’s Seven Seas Underwater Viewing Gallery. Video screens and surround-sound speakers bring the sights and sounds of Sarasota Bay, Florida, so close that you feel the engine rumble and a warm breeze on your face. The 8-minute adventure gives you a one-of-a-kind look at what dolphin research is really like. Dr. Randy Wells, one the world’s foremost dolphin scientists and head of the longest-running wild dolphin study, narrates the excursion, making it a fun learning experience for the entire family.

Dive into Dolphins!

Dolphins in Depth
The zoo's interactive feature that explores the relationship between zoo and field research. Fun games. Tons of info. AND, you can try training a virtual dolphin!

Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin Field Guide

Wild Encounters
Want to get closer to the dolphins? Want to know what its like to be a trainer? We have the program for you! Actually, two of them. Find out about our premium programs "Deckside with Dolphins" and "Trainer for a Day."

Dolphin Birth
Take a peek at the freshest new fins in our dolphin group---a calf born in November 2005.

Finding the Fifth Fin
Dr. Wells' program is the longest-running dolphin research study on Earth---find out about a new benchmark that has been eclipsed.

Franciscana Dolphins
Dr. Wells does not limit his studies to bottlenose dolphins in Florida. Find out about a groundbreaking study going on in Argentina right now!

Plunge into Pinnipeds!

Field Guides:

• California sea lion
• Harbor seal

Graduating with Honors
Three sea lions have returned from quite the college experience!

His Name is Harley
How did a sea lion stranded on the coast of California end up in Chicago?

Wild Encounters
Want to get closer to the seals and sea lions? Want to know what its like to be a trainer? We have the program for you---it is called Pinniped Pals and it is available now.

Share the Care:

Kaylee Dolphin

Noelani Dolphin

Harley Sea Lion

Harbor Seal

At Pinniped Point, get an up close (or underwater!) view of animals that have something unusual in common. Pinniped means “fin-footed”---and all of the animals found here have fins or flippers to help them move in the water and on land. Lots of things about these animals give clues about their lives---how they hunt, communicate, mate, and survive.

With a sleek splash, the sea lions slip in and out of the waves. Their long fins help them steer in the water and maneuver on land. The harbor seals have similar adaptations, plus big, dark eyes that help them see even in the depths of the sea!

Harbor seal