Dolphin Research Center wishes you blessings, light, good fortune, love and time with dolphins!

Beautiful, smart and a dolphin who gets you to step to her beat. That's Aleta! Happy birthday, Allie Cat. We love you!

Happy Holidays from Dolphin Research Center

From our family to yours . . .

To see an animated version of the DRC holiday card, click here.

Surprise Visit from an Old Friend

Last week, we were delighted when an old friend stopped by during his vacation in the Florida Keys.

An Olympic gold medalist in diving, Greg Louganis first visited DRC around 1989 with his father. He spent quality time with several of our dolphins, including Theresa, Aleta, Santini and Merina. We were happy to take him out to the lagoons to reconnect with some of the dolphins he's carried in his heart and memory all these years. Aleta brought her son Delta over for an introduction to Greg and his friend, and happily stole some kisses.

A short time later, Santini and Pandora welcomed him for a Dolphin Encounter.

Greg and his friend are super nice people. Guys and dolphins all had a great time together. It was fun for the rest of us to watch the reunion between friends.

A film crew accompanied Greg and obtained footage for a documentary about him. The producer promised to keep in touch and let us know what develops with the film and we'll be happy to share the information with you.

Happy birthday to Tursi - Flipper daughter, super mom, definitely one of a kind!

Happy Thanksgiving from the DRC family. May everyone enjoy a day filled with laughter and love!

Double dose of celebration. Happy 14th birthday to Pandora and happy 2nd birthday to her little brother Delta!

Picture Perfect for the Holidays!

If a picture’s worth a thousand words, imagine how friends and family will talk when they see a holiday photo picturing you and a dolphin! Now through December 22nd, Dolphin Research Center is again giving guests the opportunity for a holiday photo. Visitors who participate in DRC’s Meet the Dolphin program will be offered holiday-themed props, and can bring their own Santa hats, reindeer antlers or other accessories to use while posing.

DRC’s experienced photographers will shoot the pictures using high-resolution digital cameras. Meet the Dolphin gives guests the opportunity to go onto the floating dock to give backrubs and share a “flippershake” with a dolphin. The program is offered several times each day on a walk-in basis and costs $25 per person in addition to general admission prices.
The photos can be supplied on CD for $15 for one person, and $30 for two to six people in the same shot. Quality prints are also available and print prices vary depending on number ordered. Group size is limited to six people.

Share the holiday spirit with one of your dolphin friends and make a photo memory together that will last forever!

Trick or Treat!

Does anyone remember this Halloween costume?

You could roam your neighborhood collecting candy while dressed as everyone's favorite dolphin. (Yes, there are some people on staff at DRC who own up to doing just that.)

These days, we could probably do better than a plastic mask and shiny acetate suit. How great would it be to create a dolphin outfit, or any costume, reusing things from something else or using recyclable materials?

Go green for Halloween. All of your dolphin friends will be grateful!

Kibby's ready for Fintasy Fest or any costumed event!

TGIF! The dolphins and sea lions plan to swim, play with people, eat and play some more. What are your weekend plans?

Hula Hoop Cuteness!

Several of the dolphins at DRC enjoy playing with various toys. Hula Hoops are a favorite, particularly with the youngsters. Check out Louie and Gypsi playing with and (mostly) sharing two hoops recently during playtime.

On Any Day at DRC . . .

. . . a dolphin like Pandora will swim up to say hello.

You might see Karen basking in the Florida Keys sun.

When did you last visit Dolphin Research Center? Isn't it time for another trip?

Modern Medicine Helps Marine Mammals

We're all excited about the movie Dolphin Tale premiering on September 23rd.  The inspiring story of Winter is a tremendous example of how modern medical techniques can be used to save marine mammals.  The Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA), of which Dolphin Research Center is an accredited member, has put together a story about some of the other ways that people have used medical technologies to help dolphins, sea lions and other marine mammal friends.  We thought you'd enjoy reading it!

Like New ‘Dolphin Tale’ Movie

More Inspiring, Life-Saving Stories

From AMMPA Marine Parks’ Dedicated Doctors

 This week the movie Dolphin Tale brings to the big screen the true story of Winter, a severely injured dolphin who stranded off the Florida coast and received breakthrough medical care that allows her to swim with a prosthetic tail.

Other inspiring medical miracles, driven by extraordinary compassion for dolphins, whales, seals, sea lions, manatees and other marine animals, are happening at parks and aquariums around the world, noted Marilee Menard, executive director of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums.

“Dolphin Tale is a poignant story because it is true and it illustrates the lengths to which marine mammal specialists go to care for these wonderful animals,” Menard said. “We hope the movie helps make people aware of the state-of-the art medical technologies used in modern marine parks.  Marine park veterinarians have pioneered the use of human medical technologies to effectively treat marine mammals, often working collaboratively with doctors for solutions.  These technologies also save the lives of animals, like Winter, who strand because of severe injuries.”

Some examples of how Alliance members have used medical technologies, originally developed for humans, to care for marine mammals include:

• A California park adopted a sea lion that was shot in the face and left for dead by a fisherman. After a daring rescue and months of rehabilitation, a reconstructive surgeon donated his time to perform extensive surgery on the animal—the first of its kind.  Sgt. Nevis, named after the sheriff’s deputy who helped save him, is at home with his sea lion companions at the park and has demonstrated tremendous resiliency. (Six Flags Discovery Kingdom)
• A medical research professor at the University of Pittsburgh saved Liko’s dorsal fin from amputation by adapting the latest techniques in human regenerative medicine and applying an “extracellular matrix” to help regrow soft tissue cartilage cells and heal a deep tear to the base of the dolphin’s fin. Combined with pioneering LED (light-emitting diode) therapy and a custom-fitted dorsal fin sling, the extracellular matrix patch repaired and restored the dolphin’s damaged dorsal fin. (Dolphin Quest Hawaii)
•  A West Coast marine park’s senior veterinarian partnered with a university medical center’s chief of nephrology to do the first successful dialysis on a dolphin. The nephrologist later performed the first endoscopic laser lithotripsy procedure to break up Dottie’s kidney stones. (Sea World San Diego)

• Nori, an endangered manatee, is again swimming in Florida waters after a Florida park used physician Henry Heimlich’s flutter valve to heal a large tear in her lung caused by a boat strike.  Heimlich developed the valve after seeing a solder die in World War II from a gunshot wound.  The valve has saved the lives of three manatees to date.  (Miami Seaquarium)

• A stranded harp seal, Pequot, is eating without pain after gastroenterologists performed an endoscopy to remove rocks from his stomach. Ocular exams confirmed that Pequot was congenitally blind.  After four months of rehabilitation, he joined other seals at a zoo and is thriving.  (Mystic Aquarium)

At DRC, we can routinely ultrasound dolphins to assess internal organs or monitor pregnancies

• Just as with pregnant humans, ultrasounds are conducted regularly on expectant marine mammals to confirm and monitor pregnancies and to help ensure healthy births and healthy mothers. Also, marine mammal veterinarians commonly use x-rays, EKGs, radiographs, endoscopes, and bronchoscopes to obtain accurate diagnoses and save animals’ lives.  

• Because dolphins and other marine mammal cannot tell the doctor where it hurts, Menard said animals in Alliance member facilities are trained to voluntarily participate in routine physical examinations and sampling procedures. 
• This dedicated and pioneering veterinary care explains why dolphins in Alliance-accredited parks and aquariums live almost twice as long as their counterparts in the ocean and sea lions can live between two to three times longer in human care, Menard said.

The catalyst for much of today's progress in marine mammal care is Dr. Sam Ridgway, who is the preeminent marine mammal scientist and the first veterinarian for the Navy Marine Mammal Program.  Over 45 years ago, he pioneered the development of anesthesia for dolphins which today supports transformative surgeries on animals.

Like Winter’s home, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, many Alliance parks and aquariums worldwide are members of government stranding programs and spend millions of dollars annually responding, rescuing and recovering, rehabilitating, releasing, and providing permanent care for nonreleasable stranded marine mammals.  Rehabilitating stranded marine mammals is a time-intensive commitment that often requires 24-hours-a-day care.  Over a recent five-year period, members responded to more than 2,900 stranded marine mammals.  Of these, almost 1,500 animals were treated for injuries and disease at member facilities. 

“Marine mammal experts at the Alliance’s 48 accredited marine parks, aquariums, and zoos care deeply about the wellbeing of all marine mammals. They are doing groundbreaking work to ensure that injured, stranded animals, like Winter, can live long lives even with physical challenges,’’ said Menard.

 People who visit accredited marine parks, aquariums, and zoos are supporting these groundbreaking efforts to help marine mammals while learning about the need to protect marine animals and their ocean environments.

###

The Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums is an international association of marine life parks, aquariums, zoos, research facilities, and professional organizations dedicated to the highest standards of care for marine mammals and to their conservation in the wild through public education, scientific study, and wildlife presentations. Collectively, the Alliance and its membership represent the greatest body of experience and knowledge about marine mammal husbandry.  ammpa@aol.com

Inspiring Dolphin Tale!

On September 23rd, the movie Dolphin Tale will debut in theaters.  The movie was inspired by the story of Winter, a bottlenose dolphin who at the age of three months was entangled in a crab trap rope.  The entanglement was so severe, that she eventually lost her tail flukes!  Thanks to the dedicated care of Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter survived.  Through the determination of her caregivers and the generosity and ingenuity of experts, Winter was eventually fitted with a prosthetic tail!

The story of Winter and the movie Dolphin Tale shine a light on the amazing things that can be accomplished for dolphins and other marine mammals when we all work together, while also showing the dangers and problems that can be caused by marine debris in the ocean environment.

As you know, two rescued dolphins, Jax and Louie, live at Dolphin Research Center and we are also the licensed manatee rescue team for the Florida Keys.  We know how much hard work goes into the rescue and rehabilitation of marine mammals.  We applaud the many people who devoted themselves to helping Winter!  Click here to visit Clearwater Marine Aquarium's website and learn more about Winter. Thank you for sharing her story with the world.

Can't wait to see Dolphin Tale!

Family Fun Day - A Success

Over 550 people visited Dolphin Research Center on Saturday, September 10th for Family Fun Day.  Florida Keys residents were admitted free.  Everyone else received 2-for-1 admission.  In addition to watching dolphins and sea lions in action and splashing in the Sprayground, guests took part in special activities like an information scavenger hunt, presentations on Who Polluted the Bay and Eat the Reef.  Kids enjoyed craft projects to make colorful reef fish or sea turtles from old DVD or CD disks.  Home Depot donated clay pots and other supplies that kids could paint and then use to plant their own mangroves.
Everyone had a fantastic time!
Thank you all for coming and enjoying DRC.  We and the dolphins sure enjoyed seeing you.



Using fun food items like marshmallows and graham crackers, kids learn how coral reefs form.  (They then ate their reefs.)



Young guests are fascinated by manatee and dolphin skulls, bones and other artifacts.  In this photo, volunteers Viv Gilbertson  (left) and Carol Miller (center) talk to the children about the display.

All of the dolphins enjoyed the attention they received that day.  In this picture Rainbow, along with trainer Wade Davey, talk to guests about dolphins different abilities.

Join us September 10th for Family Fun Day!

A day around dolphins is always special. Right, Santini?

Dolphin Fun is Ageless and Timeless!

Recently, a 95 year old woman visited Dolphin Research Center to try something she'd longed dreamed of experiencing.

Louise Spencer and members of her family enjoyed a Dolphin Encounter with Santini.  Although DRC staff was on hand to provide assistance to Louise, clearly she didn't need it.  She and Santini shared a spectacular dorsal tow through the lagoon!

Her visit inspired us all to remember that you're never too old to have fun and you should experience your dreams whenever possible.

Go Louise!

Happy Birthday to Sandy!

Thirty two years ago today, Sandy was born.  He must have been an adorable calf and he grew into a handsome guy almost nine and a half feet long!  Some consider him shy and then they get to know his energetic "dolphinality" and his ability to create some of the most entertaining ad-libbed behaviors of any dolphin in the pod.

Born at Sea World in Florida, he later moved to New England Aquarium where he met Rainbow.  These two then joined the DRC family in October, 1991.

Happy Birthday, San-Man!  We love you.

Spaces remain in DRC's summer Adult DolphinLab courses. Interact with, and learn from, dolphins! www.dolphins.org/dolphin_lab.php.

DRC on Florida Keys Adventures!

If you live in Florida and your local provider carries the public television station WLRN, please tune in to watch this week's episode of Florida Keys Adventures.  Dolphin Research Center is featured in the episode!

The program airs on Tuesday night (July 19th) at 9:00 p.m. and then repeats on Saturday (July 23rd) at 7:30 p.m.  Please check with your local provider for the actual channel number.

The footage was filmed over two years ago and some changes have occurred since that time, but the essence and spirit of DRC remain the same.

We'll be watching!

We have twice the reasons to celebrate with Kilo. The 9th anniversary of his DRC arrival was June 25th. He turns 10 on the 28th! Go, Kilo!

Theresa Tribute

In memory of our beautiful Theresa, we've posted a loving tribute story and video about her on the DRC website.  You can access it via the home page http://www.dolphins.org/.

Happy Anniversary, Molly!

Fifteen years ago today, Miss Molly joined the Dolphin Research Center family.  A robust, "mature" lady believed to be close to 50 years old, she's led quite a life.  Over the years, Molly lived in a lot of different places.  She once spent time as a traveling "road show" dolphin and someone else thought about training her to go to Scotland and look for the Loch Ness Monster!

Her love of scarves is well known and she has quite a selection stashed in various lagoons.  She's a great pal to adult dolphins and youngsters alike.  We're so glad that here at DRC she's found her forever home!

Love you, Molly-Moo.

Happy Birthday, Talon!

He's a research star, an amazing athlete, the grandson of two Flipper dolphins, and Tursi's eldest son.  Today, Talon is also the birthday boy.

Happy 21st birthday, Talon!

The DRC family hopes you all enjoy a great first weekend in June!

DRC wishes all our American friends and friends traveling here a happy and safe Memorial Day Weekend!

Dolphins on the move! A.J. and Jax are spending time with Kibby and Tanner. Louie's up in the front lagoon!

On this day in 1988, a little dude was born. Now he's all grown up with kids of his own. Happy Birthday to A.J.!

Vacation? Staycation? Have you planned a trip with the family this summer? What about a visit to the Keys and DRC?

Dolphins aren't shy about demanding attention. Pandora screams so loudly, we can hear her throughout DRC!

School's winding down for many students. In the meantime, what information would you share about dolphins that other people might not know?

To start off a new week, Louie is getting to know more dolphin family members. Pandora & Luna have moved in with Louie, Aleta & Delta!

Farewell to a Dear Family Member

Theresa always made us laugh with the unique "motor boat" sound she made during speed runs.

Dear DRC Friends and Family Members,

With heavy hearts we share the news that earlier today we lost our dear Theresa due to complications of old age. As you know, Theresa was in her mid-to-upper-50s and one of the oldest dolphins in human care. In recent months, we saw signs that her normally robust health was beginning to fade. We monitored her carefully, determined that she was not suffering or in pain, and resolved to continue to support her comfortably and with love. Her death today was peaceful and she was surrounded by loving family members.

We honor her spirit each day by living life to its fullest, as she did every day.

Theresa lived here since 1968, longer than any other dolphin or person, and touched thousands of lives for the better. She will be missed.

We know that you join us in our sorrow.

Editor note: Theresa passed away just as we were going to print with the May/June issue of The Dolphin Society newsletter. There was not time to write a full story about this incomparable dolphin and do her justice. We will pay tribute to Theresa in the July/August issue.



Mother's Day is coming up on Sunday. Perhaps Mom would love a dolphin swim or you could adopt a dolphin for her!

It's Ocean Celebration Day at DRC. Lots of students, 19 activities and exhibits. It's going to be a great day!

Overheard at DRC, a child excitedly exclaiming, "Mommy! The dolphin's talking to me!"

It's Earth Day - Practice random acts of greenness!

It's the beginning of Easter weekend - happy holiday to all who celebrate.

No Easter Bunny at DRC this week - but beautiful dolphins and sea lions to visit.

Wishing a good Passover to all of our friends who mark this special day.

Got a great photo from a recent trip to DRC? Share it at visitflorida.com. Click on Fan Photos & Videos to show the world dolphins you love.

It's a "taxing" week. Wouldn't a visit to the dolphins at DRC feel good?

Theresa & DRC Featured on Navy TV

Ahoy! Back in January, a television crew from the U.S. Navy visited DRC.  They captured footage and interviews with service personnel who were at DRC participating in Dolphin Encounter swims as part of the Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride visit.  They also wanted to feature our own Navy veteran - Theresa!

Theresa's story is now available to view online and it's a lovely profile of our wonderful T-bear.  Please check out this link to watch.  Click here and when you arrive at the page, scroll down to the story.

Enjoy!

We're happy to report that our Louisiana youngster, Louie, successfully transitioned into the lagoons. He's getting to know Aleta and Delta!

DRC Appeals for Community Support to Fund Trip for Students!



DRC's Co-Founder Mandy Rodriguez (center) engages students at the Manatee Rescue exhibit

For the last 13 years, Dolphin Research Center has provided Florida Keys school students with a free day of dolphins, fun activities and environmental education for Ocean Celebration Day. Now, school budget cuts and lack of buses and drivers have jeopardized this opportunity for more than 400 3rd grade and 5th grade students. Dolphin Research Center was informed yesterday by Lower Keys school systems that no transportation is available for students from Gerald Adams Elementary School, Sigsbee Charter School, Poinciana Elementary School and Sugarloaf School. The nonprofit marine mammal facility is now going all out to find funding to charter commercial buses so that the children can still attend the event on April 28th.

The cost will run upwards of $8400.00 and private companies need a commitment as soon as possible to secure the buses. In addition to reaching out to their own area supporters, DRC is asking residents, businesses and civic groups of the Florida Keys to help. To find out more and make a donation, please call Kevin Rapp at DRC at 289-1121, ext. 215, or donate online at https://www.dollarsatwork.org/DRC/Donation.aspx. For online donations, please include the words Ocean Celebration Day in the comments.



DRC was filled with students eagerly learning and enjoying the day



Ocean Celebration Day has welcomed hundreds of students each year for an action packed field trip. In addition to seeing dolphins and sea lions, the classes take part in activities connected to the ocean, Florida Keys ecology, animal welfare, and other concerns. All of this raises their awareness of their local resources and promotes good stewardship of the environment. Several other area organizations join DRC’s staff to stage these presentations. Already confirmed for this year are: The Turtle Hospital, Save-a-Turtle, Reef Relief, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Bahia Honda State Park, Sea Science from Crane Point Hammock, Everglades National Park, and National Key Dear Refuge.

“Education is a huge part of Dolphin Research Center’s mission. Every year we are excited to offer Ocean Celebration Day free of charge to these students in the Florida Keys. It’s a terrible shame that so many eager young minds could miss out on the event for lack of funds. We hope that the community will rally around and help us raise the money so these kids can attend,” says Rita Irwin, DRC’s President and CEO.

Founded in 1984, Dolphin Research Center is home to a family of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions. Located at 58901 (mile marker 59) Overseas Highway, Grassy Key, Florida, the nonprofit organization is funded by admission and program fees as well as by private donors and members. In addition to being one of the most highly respected education and research facilities in the world, DRC is the Licensed Manatee Rescue Team for the Florida Keys and is an accredited member of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums.



Students at a previous Ocean Celebration Day were capitvated by marine mammal artifacts



April - Showers of Fun!

Here we are in the first week of April.  Can you believe it?  It's been a busy few months at DRC.  The Sprayground is officially open and, wow, is it ever a hit with visitors!  Lina and Louie are acclimating well to their Florida Keys home and we're enjoying getting to know our newest family members.



The Shawn Rodriguez Family Sprayground on the day of its dedication.

The babies are growing and all the members of the dolphin family are having a blast with the many guests that come through the doors each day and provide entertainment.

Have you taken your Spring Break yet?  This could be you!

The joy of a dorsal tow in Dolphin Encounter

Fourteen years ago, Pax-man was born. This son of Tursi and Rainbow is always amazing. Happy birthday, Pax!

A man visited DRC today. As he was leaving he thanked staff for one of the best days of his life. Sir, we thank You!

Take Part in DRC's New Research Program!

Get involved in the excitement of research and have fun with dolphins in DRC's new interactive program Dolphin Explorer!  Click here for more information!

The Babies Have Names!



Gambit, a little strategist, keeps Mom Tursi on her flukes!



Dolphin Research Center is delighted to reveal the names recently given to our youngest family members!

Tursi and Kibby's son is now named Gambit.  His grandparents Mr. Gipper and Little Bit inspired us to take bits of each of their names for their young descendent.  One of the definitions of a gambit is that it's a maneuver used to gain an advantage.  That fits this clever boy as we frequently see him zipping around, trying to join up with Merina's baby or investigate something away from Tursi's watchful eye.





Flagler's name honors his Florida Keys roots!

Little Flagler, Merina's son, takes his name from a famous Florida resident, Henry Flagler, who made a major impact on the Florida Keys.  In the early 1900s, Flagler began to build a railroad from the mainland through the Keys.  In 1912, he road his dream down 128 miles, island by island, over miles of constructed bridges, viaducts, and causeways.  The railway helped Key West and the Florida Keys flourish and Flagler's company was responsible for many other hotels and businesses that greatly benefited the island chain. 

Our little boy has lots of growing to do and as we watch him develop, we'll see if he's a "mover and a shaker" like the famous man for him who is named!

We don't know the identity of Flagler's daddy yet.  He was conceived via artificial insemination and there are two candidates.  It will be several months before we can obtain a sample for DNA testing but once we know for sure, we will share the news!

Many thanks to all of our members, visitors, Facebook fans, and staff who submitted countless name suggestions!  We hope you can visit the babies soon.

If someone asked, "Why should I visit DRC?", what's the first reason
you'd give?

Sent from my iPhone

DRC is proud to be named Best Tourist Attraction in the Best of Marathon competition. Thank you Jaycees, the Weekly, and all who voted!

FL Keys residents-free admission Sun., 3/6, 1 pm-4:30 pm for Sprayground dedication. Bring swimsuits & towels and help DRC make a splash!

Sun, 2/27, DRC's live webcam will remain on til 7 pm for Members Event. You can share some of the fun even if you can't attend!

Today Show is expected to broadcast their story on DRC's research on Blindfolded Imitation tomorrow a.m. Bet 7-8! Hope we don't get bumped again!

Happy Anniversary, Theresa!

All of us in the Dolphin Research Center family wish a very happy anniversary to the incomparable Theresa! She arrived at DRC in 1968 after doing service in the United States Navy. This means that she has been here longer than any other dolphin or human! We don't know her exact age -- and a lady is not required to tell! -- but she's somewhere in her mid-to-upper 50s.

Mother of Santini and grandmother to Tanner, she also plays the part of Nana to all of DRC's babies.

With a gentle spirit, sweet "dolphinality", and great capacity for joie de vivre, Theresa teaches all of us that you're never too old to enjoy life.

We love you, Theresa!

Louie Update

V.P. of Animal Care & Training Linda Erb Shares some "getting to know you" time with Louie!

Louie is really doing great and all of us at DRC have totally fallen for the little guy. Thank you for all of the good wishes you're sending his way. To learn more about his story, click here!

Louie Has Landed!

Hello everyone! Wanted you to know that young Louie, the dolphin that stranded and was rehabbed in Louisiana, is now at DRC! He's settling in nicely. We'll share more details and a photo soon!

Dolphins in your class DRC offers distance learning options Teachers & students, for details visit www.dolphins.org/distance_learning.php!

How fast a year goes by! Today is the first birthday of little Luna! Happy birthday, baby girl.

Late-Breaking, Exciting News!

Today we received some wonderful news. We are soon to receive another new addition to our family! There is a two year old male dolphin in Louisiana in desperate need of a home. He was found stranded on the Louisiana shore -- coated with oil and injured -- back in September. We have been asked to provide a forever home for this beautiful boy who, because of his young age and lack of family, would not be able to survive on his own.

Also today we found out that Merina’s baby is boy! We will have more information here as it becomes available and will include more details in our next e-newsletter to members.

Because you are a very important part of DRC we would appreciate your input in helping us name these two young dolphins. If you have any name suggestions that you have not already submitted, please put them in the comments of this blog and we'll add them to the list.

Thank you for being part of Dolphin Research Center and we’ll continue to update the blog and our website to keep you informed!

Associated Press video about Blindfolded Imitation

The media has really jumped on the story of DRC's latest published research study into Blindfolded Imitation. We thought you might like to see the piece that the Associated Press did after visiting DRC.

Blindfolded Imitation in the News

Reuters News wrote a terrific article about DRC's Blindfolded Imitation study. Check it out here!

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE70D32D20110114

Wounded Warrior Project stopped by DRC with over 30 soldiers swimming with dolphins. What a wonderful afternoon.

Tomorrow, Friday, CNN expected to air Blindfolded Imitation story sometime bet. 6-9am! Will probably be online later

How fast time goes. In 2008, Jax arrived at DRC. It feels like he's always been part of the family. Happy anniversary, Jax!

Four years ago today, Tursi gave birth to an adorable baby girl. Happy Birthday, Gypsi! We love you

From the way that guests cheered and clapped, they were excited about swimming with dolphins today.

2011 begins with beautiful, sunny weather in the Florida Keys. Come on down!

We wish you all a happy, healthy, joyous new year!