Lina's Anniversary

Two years ago, a little torpedo entered our hearts. Her name was Lina and we are thrilled to be celebrating her anniversary today.

Happy Anniversary Lina! We love you munchkin.

Dolphin Research Center to Welcome Wounded Warriors for Dolphin Swim

DRC Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer Armando “Mandy” Rodriguez spent time with the wounded warriors and Jax.

 

 

Dolphin Research Center to Welcome Wounded Warriors for Dolphin Swim

Grassy Key…On Friday, January 11^th, Dolphin Research Center (DRC) will welcome the Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride when the adaptive cycling event comes through the Florida Keys. For the fourth year in a row, the cyclists and their support group will stop at DRC where upwards of 50 soldiers will enjoy a Dolphin Encounter dolphin swim free of charge, thanks to the generosity of the Charles Evans Foundation. This event honors our military men and women as they courageously battle the physical and psychological damages of war. DRC members, local residents and visitors will be able to join the line welcoming these heroes. The group is expected to arrive between 2:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Admission to DRC is free for current members. Other visitors can become members with their donations when they get to DRC that day.

These soldiers are coping with life-altering injuries to body, mind and spirit, including single or double amputations, traumatic brain injury, and post-traumatic stress disorder. To watch them leave their troubles behind on land for a joyful time swimming with dolphins inspires all who see the experience take place. For many of the participants, the dolphin swim further empowers them on their journey to restore their physical and emotional well-being.

The Charles Evans Day for the Wounded Warrior Project at Dolphin Research Center has become a true community event. The soldiers arrive to a heroes’ welcome from DRC staff, volunteers and visitors. Each is supplied with a wetsuit, loaned by Captain Hook’s Dive Shop, Marathon. Before the Dolphin Encounter, they will enjoy a delicious lunch catered by La Trattoria of Key West. Signs by Renee, of Marathon, has designed a welcome banner. After the swim, the soldiers also receive a complimentary disk of photos.

For many years, Dolphin Research Center has committed itself to supporting veterans and active duty personnel from all branches of the United States military.

DRC Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer Armando “Mandy” Rodriguez is himself a veteran who served in Vietnam in the U.S. Marine Corps. Throughout the year, DRC seeks to provide programs not only for the wounded warriors, but also caregivers of injured soldiers, family of active duty personnel, and families who have lost a loved one serving in the war.

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 center is open daily for the public to see narrated behavior sessions and educational presentations, and to participate in interactive programs with the dolphins. 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. For more information, visit the center’s website at www.dolphins.org.

Jax's Anniversary

Five years ago, we welcomed a special guy into the Dolphin Research Center family. His name was Jax, and the moment he swam into our lives, he stole our hearts.

Happy Anniversary Jax. Every moment with you is a treasure. We love you little man.

Happy Birthday Gypsi!

Please join us as we wish a Happy Birthday to the one and only, Gypsi! This beautiful little girl turns six years old today.

Happy Birthday Gypsi-Doodle! We love you.

A Dolphin Serenade

Charles Imes and Rick Schettino play for the dolphins.

Earlier in the fall, the dolphins enjoyed a serenade by Charlie Imes & Rick Schettino. The two musicians put on an impromptu concert for the front lagoon. Armed solely with their guitars and Keys-y voices, Charlie and Rick put on a great show for the group.

Each of the dolphins took the opportunity to check out the concert. They listened to soulful sounds and swayed their bodies to the beat of the songs.  One by one, the dolphins peeked out of the water to get a closer view of the vocalists.

Flagler seemed to enjoy the music the most. He spent a great deal of time hanging out by the dock as he listened to the sweet sounds of the duo. Much of his time was spent stationed where he could enjoy a front row experience.

As the music continued, the dolphins weren’t the only audience. Guests came to watch the performers. They had a great crowd full of both guests and staff. Everyone had a wonderful time listening to the music.

A Brand New Year!

From the Dolphin Research Center family to yours, we'd like to wish everyone a Happy New Year!

Louie Feeds Mandy




Louie exploring his lagoon.

All of the DRC dolphins live in natural seawater lagoons in Florida Bay (the Gulf of Mexico).  They share their habitat with many types of fish including small mangrove snappers, pin fish, parrot fish, sergeant majors and other species.  The dolphins frequently chase around the other fish and, occasionally, catch one that they then play with as sort of a live toy.  Not too long ago, Louie appeared at the dock holding a sizeable redfish.  (Redfish are a type of snapper.)  This is the first time that we’ve seen an example of this species in the lagoon, although they’re commonly fished for up in the Everglades.

They’re also a popular fish to catch and dine on in Louisiana.  Perhaps that’s why Louie spotted and captured it, being a Louisiana boy himself.  The little guy was quite proud of his catch and showed it off around the lagoon.  He then willingly passing it on to DRC’s Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer Mandy Rodriguez.  After serving as a dolphin prize for a bit, the fish did not survive.  Mandy made sure that it didn’t go to waste, however.  An accomplished cook, he took it home and prepared it for a nice dinner that he shared with his wife.

The redfish was delicious!

Having worked with marine mammals for more than 43 years, Mandy has fed a lot of dolphins.  This was the first time in his long and stellar career that Mandy was fed by a dolphin in return!