DOLPHIN RESEARCH– Let’s break it down…
Demo: we observed our first sea lion demo with Kilo, Lina, Karen, and Diamond
Ocean heroes: a seminar on the importance of education about marine mammals
Laws: the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Animal Welfare Act protect the wildlife at the Dolphin Research Center
Paint: the dolphins love many activities including art—especially painting
Heated debate: should marine mammals remain in human care? Should they breed?
Iguana: there are more than mammals at the DRC
Nighty night dolphins: at the end of each day we go on the boardwalks to say goodnight to our flippered friends
Rostrum: the dolphin’s snout—you can identify some dolphins by their unique rostrums
Eat: dolphins, on average, can eat 20-50 lbs of fish per day! This costs the DRC over $1 million per year
Stranding seminar: Louie and Jax were both stranded, but now call the DRC their permanent home! If you see a marine animal in distress, call the Department of Fish and Wildlife!
Echolocation: a series of clicks used by dolphins and other cetaceans to perceive their surroundings
Anticipation: Gypsi’s birthday is tomorrow!
Rescue: the DRC still participates in manatee rescues; however, they no longer rescue dolphins due to fears of morbillivirus
Cognition seminar: dolphins are very intelligent
High energy: flips and dives keep the dolphins physically and mentally stimulated
By: Claire Kittock and Anna Olson