They were ready to go ❤️
For much of their lives, dolphins Johnny, Rocky, and Rambo were trapped in a small pool, far from the freedom of the open ocean. Taken from their natural habitat at a young age, they spent years performing in a traveling circus and later entertaining guests at a hotel.
Their time in captivity was filled with hardship. Forced to perform daily for tourists, they were denied proper nutrition, social interaction, and the expansive waters they were meant to roam. The result was severe physical and emotional distress—depression, anxiety, and declining health.
In 2019, a turning point came when the Dolphin Project teamed up with the Indonesian government to rescue the trio. They were transported to the Umah Lumba Rehabilitation, Release and Retirement Center in Bali, a safe haven dedicated to helping captive dolphins heal and, if possible, return to the wild.
“Many believe dolphins kept in aquariums can never go back to the ocean,” Dolphin Project explained on TikTok. “But with the right support, they can thrive again in sanctuaries that mimic natural ocean environments.”
When the dolphins first arrived, they were in critical condition. “[They] were underweight, malnourished and suffering from serious injuries,” reported Umah Lumba. Caretakers provided medical treatment, proper nourishment, and the safety needed to begin their recovery.
To help them reconnect with their natural instincts, the dolphins were moved to a large, netted enclosure in a quiet bay. There, they could gradually adjust to the sea’s sounds, sights, and rhythms without danger. Over time, they regained strength, vitality, and the vibrant colors typical of healthy wild dolphins.
A crucial step in their rehabilitation was relearning how to hunt. Years in captivity had dulled their survival skills, but with time and patience, they learned to catch fish again—proving their wild instincts were still intact.
After three years of dedicated care, Johnny, Rocky, and Rambo were finally ready. The enclosure was opened, giving them a choice: remain under the center’s protection or return to the wild. All three chose freedom, swimming off into the ocean.
Umah Lumba noted a remarkable change: “They spent 90% of their time underwater—completely opposite to captive dolphins, who mostly linger at the surface.”
The release was deeply emotional. Alexandra Johnston, a team member at Umah Lumba, was moved to tears watching the dolphins swim freely for the first time in years.
Not long after their release, Johnny passed away due to age-related issues. Though his time in the wild was short, his rescuers were grateful he spent his final months free. Meanwhile, Rocky and Rambo continue to thrive. They now spend their days exploring the sea, playing in the surf, and living on their own terms—no longer confined, no longer performing, but finally, truly free.