Renovations to the Seven Seas Dolphinarium are underway, and Brookfield Zoo’s three dolphins are doing well at the Minnesota Zoo’s Discovery Bay.

“Everything is on schedule, and that’s good news,” said Kim Smith, Brookfield Zoo’s vice president of animal care. “All of the renovations are in progress.”

The nearly $5 million dollar renovation project involves relining the dolphin pool, installing a brand new HVAC air system, new lighting systems and upgrades to the water filtration system.

“We’re also increasing the deck space for animal care — the area where trainers take care of the dolphins,” Smith said.

Rita Stacey, the marine mammal curator, said that the zoo’s dolphins — Tapeko, 27, Noelani, 5, and Allison, 3 — are adjusting very well.

“Our dolphins just got introduced to the Minnesota Zoo’s young female dolphin, and the four are now spending more and more time together,” Stacey said.

The dolphins have been in Minnesota for six weeks and have been writing “postcards” about their stay, ranging from how they’re adapting to the new surroundings to the fact they have familiar toys from home to play with.

“We’re hoping to get them back in spring 2010, so they can be ready to do shows in the summer,” Stacey said.

For more information on the dolphins, visit czs.org/dolphins.