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Vol. 26, No. 2 The Newsletter of Dolphin Research Center March/April 2010

Baby Buzz! With two new additions to our his own in front family, the buzz around DRC is all about of his mother. babies! Aleta, knowing It’s a Boy! In our last newsletter that her was we announced the of Aleta’s calf. perfectly safe, let Since then we’ve seen the underside him explore a little of the baby and determined that while she rested it is indeed a boy! The little fellow by the causeway recently received his -- Delta! and chatted with We waited awhile for his dolphinality the guests. Aleta to shine through to make sure the was so relaxed name adequately represents him as an that she stopped doing the “drive by individual. Named for grandfather and mom Aleta, Delta already shows feedings” (Typically strength and an independent streak This little guy is full of energy. He new mothers take is a super fast swimmer and spends his a fish and keep still only nursing from mom, we have days speeding around his lagoon. Since swimming.) after just a few days and started our baby training sessions. this calf was born a little late he seems instead sat up to do sessions at her During Aleta’s sessions, a second trainer to be more physically and cognitively dock! comes down to interact with the baby. developed than other his own We different games to spark his As of this writing, Aleta’s little age. He showed an independent streak interest such as blowing bubbles into quite early on. Just a few days after boy is just over three months of age. birth we saw him try to swim out on Although he is not eating fish yet and See New Additions, page 4

When the weather turns colder, we humans pull on more Brrring on the ! made of warm materials. During this year’s harsh January cold spell, staff bundled up in sweatpants and jackets and protected our heads with knit bands and hats. Trainers on the docks traded swimsuits for water-resistant overalls dive to protect them from cold water. Given the huge amounts of snow with which so many people in other parts of the country had to cope, we have a lot of nerve complaining, but for the Florida Keys, January was wayyy colder than we’re used to and nobody was happy. Water temperatures plummeted to the low-to-mid-50s for an extended period of time. Record numbers of , turtles, fish and corals died as a result. Every day concerned visitors asked, “How do the and sea lions cope with cold weather?” Very efficiently, actually. While they can’t pick up a polar fleece jacket or a pair of thermal gloves, dolphins and sea lions employ useful weapons in their physiological arsenals to battle the cold. Unlike his human friends Courtney and Dan, Tanner didn’t need to pull on a parka during January’s cold weather. See Cold Weather, page 9

Twenty-Five Years of Teaching...Learning...Caring...for Marine and Our Environment Become Part of The Lasting Impact of DolphinLab the Adventure For over 20 years, Dolphin DolphinLab alumni and countless other Research Center’s DolphinLab courses former students have gone on to marine Dolphin Research Center is a not-for- have educated people about dolphins careers in other places! Here profit organization that conducts in- and the marine environment and are just a few of their stories. novative research and education proj- ects. We invite you to join our unique made a positive impact in their lives. Celie Florence, the Secretary of family by becoming a member of the We would love to share this unique DRC’s Board of Directors, first attended Dolphin Society. As a member, your educational experience with even more DolphinLab several years ago. From tax-deductible donation will help us of you. As a special thank you, we are that time, she became involved in DRC provide the best environment and now offering a 20% discount off 2010 care humanly possible for the dol- as a member. She joined the Board in Adult DolphinLab tuition to members phins and sea lions who call DRC 2006 and is active in strategic planning home. Your membership will also sup- who give at the $240.00 annual level or for our organization’s future. port our rescue program and greater! After Jennifer Powell took the provide the educational programs that We know how much you love the encourage our guests to become am- Adult Basic DolphinLab in 1989, she bassadors for all marine and DRC dolphins. This year, you can get became a DRC member and regular the environment we share. Annual to know your gray-faced friends on a visitor. Jennifer created a plan for memberships are available in several deeper, more personal level through herself with a goal of eventually working levels: DolphinLab! for DRC. With that plan in mind, she Individual ($40 for adults, $25 for full- time students with proof of enrollment) We aren’t merely spouting moved to the Florida Keys in May 2005 – receive a subscription to the Dolphin marketing rhetoric when we say that and began volunteering that August. In Society newsletter, our e-newsletter, a attending DolphinLab has changed January 2006, she joined the staff in the 10% discount on most gift shop items, people’s lives. We see it every day Education Department. free admission for one to DRC for one in the number of staff members, year, and one free guest pass. DRC’s Director of Research Dr. volunteers, and members whose first Trio ($70) – receive all the benefits of Kelly Jaakkola attended DolphinLab an individual membership plus free introduction to DRC came through our in 1988. After earning her PhD and admission to DRC for up three people week-long classes. Currently, more beginning for one year. than 10% of our staff members are Gray Cross ($90) – receive all the bene- See DolphinLab, page 11 fits of the Trio membership plus a sub- scription to our quarterly Gray Cross newsletter and free admission to DRC for up to four people for one year. Sponsor ($150) – receive all the ben- efits of the Gray Cross membership plus the opportunity to sponsor a nar- rated session at DRC and admission for up to five people for one year. Research Team ($500) – receive all the benefits of the Sponsor membership plus receive a personal tour of the Re- search Tower (by appointment) and admission for up to six people for one year.

Memberships can be purchased via our website at www.dolphins.org, by phone (305) 289-1121 X229, or by mailing your check or credit card num- ber to DRC, 58901 Overseas High- way, Grassy Key, FL 33050. Please note that memberships are not trans- ferable and the member must present photo identification for admission. Over the years, many DolphinLab students have established careers at DRC and other facilities. Currently, we have several alumni on staff in various departments. (Pictured back row l-r: Kirsten Donald, Director of Education; Samantha Eberlein, ACT; Mishell Wenger, Environmental Services; Bette Zirkelbach, Facilities Director. Front row l-r: Margaret Tucker Thomas, ACT, Jennifer Powell, Education, Sarah Brignac, ACT, Loriel Caprio, Assistant Director of Training; Kelly Jaakkola, Research Director.)

2 Dolphin Society Newsletter What Students Say about DolphinLab! Adopt-A-Dolphin You can sponsor your favorite dolphin or Adult DolphinLabs sea at DRC through our Adopt-A- Dolphin or Sea Lion program. Experi- DolphinLab completely exceeded my very high hopes and expectations. I ence the warm feeling that comes with couldn’t ask for any better experience. knowing that you are helping to pro- vide for the care and feeding of your friend. Your tax-deductible donation for It is so awesome to be with a group of people that understand my passion. a membership will help us to fulfill our promise to provide the finest home hu- manly possible for our This experience was extremely valuable to me as far as considering careers, family. Memberships are available is having an unforgettable and fun time and learning a lot. several levels: E-Dolfriend ($15) – receive an electronic DolphinLab gave a realistic picture of the dedication and commitment membership that includes a subscrip- tion to our monthly e-newsletter and an necessary to succeed as a dolphin trainer. e-mailed full-color certificate with your favorite dolphin or sea lion’s picture and a biography about your friend you The most memorable part of DolphinLab was how the dolphins made me can print out at home. feel, and the program gave me confidence that I could accomplish my dream Dolfriend ($50) – receive a subscription of working with marine mammals. to the Dolphin Society newsletter, our e-newsletter, a 10% discount on most gift shop items, a color certificate with Teen and Camp Programs your dolphin or sea lion’s picture, a bi- ography about your friend, free admis- I never want to forget anything that happened this week. Overall, it was sion for two to DRC for one year, and awesome! one free guest pass. Pod Pal ($100) – receive all the benefits of a Dolfriend membership plus a sub- I’ve been to DolphinLab four times prior to this, and I still learned a lot. I scription to our Gray Cross newsletter really liked the group and staff and, of course, the dolphins. and free admission to DRC for up to four people for one year. Parent ($240) – Provide the ultimate sup- It exceeded my expectations because it was just so different from any other port for your friend by pledging $20 per thing I have experienced. All the seminars/education inspired me to spread month to sponsor one of their meals each month. You will receive all the what I learned and share information with my friends and family. benefits of a Pod Pal membership plus free admission for up to five people for one year and silver bucket stickers for It definitely gave me lots of practical experience and information that I will your certificate to represent the meals have with me forever. you provided for your dolphin or sea lion friend.

The whole experience was so much fun, I made great friends and I learned a Adopt-A-Dolphin or Sea Lion member- lot too. ships make a great gift and can be purchased via our website at www. dolphins.org, by phone (305) 289- 1121 X229, or by mailing your check Adult DolphinLab Classes Discounted or credit card number to DRC, 58901 Overseas Highway, Grassy Key, FL For Members 33050. Please note that memberships Dolphin Research Center is very proud to announce another benefit for our are not transferable and the member members! We are offering a 20% discount on all 2010 Adult DolphinLab classes must present photo identification for to all members who are at the $240 level or greater. For more details, check out admission. the DolphinLab page (http://www.dolphins.org/dolphin_lab.php) or contact our Education Department at [email protected] or (305) 289-1121 ext. 225. www.dolphins.org Don’t forget that all of Dolphin Research Center’s Adult DolphinLab classes Innerspace or cyberspace, the as well as the Teen Basic and Teen Marine Mammal Care and Basic Training dolphins of Dolphin Research Center DolphinLab courses are fully college accredited through the Florida Keys look forward to your visit. Community College.

March/April 2010 New Additions, from page 1 Pandora didn’t make us wait long a great first time mom as she has had a target poles with the ends submerged for the arrival of her first calf. She lot of baby-sitting experience. Dolphins in the lagoon, splashing our fingers in gave birth on January 29, at 12:57 usually have other females with them the water, blowing whistles, and making a.m. Unlike Aleta, Pandora didn’t want that help steer the calves and can even different sounds. Delta seems really to make a big scene so she quietly spontaneously lactate to help nurse interested and swims around trying to delivered in the middle of the night with the little ones. Pandora helped Merina figure out what these crazy humans just a few staff members here doing the when she gave birth to Pandora’s are doing! But all of these playtime overnight watch. The next morning the younger sisters, Calusa and Cayo. behaviors are training as they get the rest of us came in to admire the cute Pandora’s calf familiar with calf was smaller people and the than Aleta’s at target poles that birth, but Aleta’s are essential delivery was past for training. her original due Eventually we date. Pandora can put small is also smaller fish in the end than her aunt. of the target With Pandora’s pole to spark rich mother’s his interest even milk the calf is more. We can growing very tell already that quickly already, this little one is filling out in all super bright and the right places. curious! The baby of Mother course inherited Aleta is also Pandora’s bright training the calf pink tummy and in her own way. its father A.J.’s Babies learn a small black eyes lot by imitating with wrinkles their mothers. Pandora’s calf carries a great legacy as a fourth-generation DRC dolphin! around them. In between We have not been able to see the sessions we saw Aleta breaching around little calf swimming around by Pandora’s side. underside of the little one yet so we still her lagoon. When we went out to make have no clue as to whether it is male sure everything was okay we realized Pandora has taken to motherhood or female. Keep checking our website, that she was trying to teach the calf quite well. She immediately knew how Facebook page and blog for updates how to jump out of the water. Aleta to steer the calf around the lagoon, because we will be sure to announce it gained speed, then leapt into the air and amazing all of us with her calm and as soon as we know. the calf would do a small breach right controlled swimming patterns. In the beside her. During sessions we have first few days it is often common for It is such a blessing to enjoy this also seen the calf follow his mom and mother and calf to swim very close to part of the “circle of life”. Many of our try to go along for speed runs and dives! the surface, but Pandora’s calf learned members fondly remember the GREAT grandparents of Pandora’s baby, Delphi Theresa, the adoptive grandmother early how to dive down deep. When Pandora was a calf, she was such an and . Kibby and Merina might have of choice, has recently moved in with some difficulty seeing themselves as Aleta and calf. Delta just adores “Nana” independent little girl that she kept trying to swim out in front of her grandparents. I know we are! If you Theresa and sometimes chooses to hang haven’t been to DRC lately you should out with her in between sessions. mother, Merina. Not being able to control her flippers at that very early definitely stop by to catch up with old Pandora had been living in a age, she bumped into a few things, thus friends and to say hi to our two newest lagoon with her boyfriend A.J. last earning the nick name “Bumper Baby”. family members! year. We were delighted when a routine Pandora’s calf has had a few short -Sarah Brignac confirmed that she was spurts of this independence but mom pregnant. The other dolphins probably just retrieves him/her and goes right also knew since they can detect back to steering. pregnancy using their echolocation! It’s no surprise that Pandora is such

4 Dolphin Society Newsletter What Marine Mammals Teach Us... What comes to mind when dolphins. Suddenly, what was once ability to know that an object still exists someone says the word “dolphin”? Do considered a mystical sea creature even when it is hidden. After some you first focus on their grace and beauty? became a household name! Milton training, we tested Tanner’s ability to How about their playfulness? Do you Santini, the founder of Santini’s direct us to an object out of view. First, think about reports of dolphins rescuing Training School (which is now DRC) we let him see a toy alligator, and then humans in distress? Do you combine trained Mitzi and the other dolphins who we hid it in one of three black buckets all of these qualities and marvel at their starred in the original film. By lined up at the edge of a dock. Next, apparent intelligence? If you consider becoming a pioneer of dolphin care and we covered the buckets, and finally, these animals to be we asked him to touch very clever, you are not the bucket where the alone. For centuries, alligator was hidden. people all over the world More often than not, have been fascinated by Tanner selected the correct these aquatic brain-iacs! bucket! While these Countless stories have findings are incredible, been told of dolphins we still have so much to watching, saving and even learn from our flippered playing with people in friends. Interestingly, it is the sea. Whether or not often outside of research all of these accounts are sessions when we are truly true, part of the reason we astounded by the power of might feel such a strong the dolphin’s brain. connection to dolphins For example, Daniel, is because we see a little (one of our trainers) was bit of ourselves in them. absolutely wowed by Curiosity of others and Calusa’s sheer genius playfulness are usually during a playtime session. signs of some form of Daniel brought Calusa a “intelligence”. brand new toy -- a plastic While people have treat dispenser designed always been curious about Was it luck, coincidence, a cue that we didn’t spot or something else that let for . The purpose of dolphins, these creatures Pax know to do his magnificent flip without actually having been asked? this toy for canines is to have not always been held We don’t know, but he always packs in the ‘wow” factor! knock it around so that in high regard. During the first half of treats will pop out. This floating item was last century, dolphins were considered training, and also by inviting the public to meant to simply be an interesting new mere novelties as “big, friendly fish”. his facility to actually see and even touch plaything for Calusa. It had a unique Around the world, dolphins have been these animals, Milton Santini proved that shape, one with which she was not hunted by many cultures, and still are in not only could we learn from dolphins, familiar. So Daniel tossed the toy into some countries. Currently, dolphins are but dolphins could also learn from us! her lagoon and then used a hand signal threatened, both directly and indirectly, Since 1984, the observations to ask her to bring it back. Interestingly, by human activities. , noise we have made and the studies we Calusa looked at that item and then at pollution and even humans intentionally have conducted at Dolphin Research Daniel as if to say, “No way! I’m not interacting with dolphins in the wild affect Center illuminate the cognitive abilities touching that!” While she would swim their ability to survive in our . of dolphins. For example, Talon and by to look at it, she would not touch it. In the U.S., our perceptions of Rainbow taught us that dolphins can When Daniel asked her to return the item dolphins have changed and are still understand the numerical concept of a second time, Calusa swam down to the evolving. By observing, caring for, “less”. These bright boys learned to bottom of her lagoon, covered her face and training these animals, we learn a select the board with the fewer number with seaweed and pushed the “icky” toy great deal about what exactly is going of dots when presented with two boards, back to Daniel using the very tip of her on behind those beautiful eyes and each containing different numbers of mouth. The seaweed acted almost like a smiles. In the 1960s, the Flipper movie these dots. Young Tanner was one of glove, protecting her adorable smile from and eventual television show greatly our gray-faced family members who a questionable object! demonstrated that dolphins have some influenced people’s attitudes toward See Intelligence, page 8

March /April 2010 TIDBITS Theresa: Theresa recently moved shoreline, in with Aleta and her calf, so she gets to making eye adopt a new grandchild and seems to be contact with having a great time babysitting. Aleta guests and trusts Nana with her youngster and takes almost pointing breaks to talk to visitors more frequently! at her baby as if to say, “See Aleta and Delta: Aleta continues what I have!” to be a super mom to her young son. Lately she has been encouraging him Tanner: to follow her as she does behaviors Tanner played …he actually did two dives in a row the role of beside Mom! Another big step was his superhero in first human backrub. The trainers and a recent swim handlers have been spending time on program. the dock encouraging him to play and A jellyfish Jane was the lucky one. Delta came was floating towards a Kibby seemed to grin extra wide after living with Merina, Tursi and close, closer, and then swam right under Santini for a few days. her hand, allowing her to stroke his guest, and A.J.’s. Is Dad proudly “looking through back. He seemed surprised by his feat Tanner the nursery window”? We’d like to think and raced to swim beside Nana Theresa swooped in and picked it up in his so. afterwards, maybe to tell her all about it. mouth. He then did a handshake with the visitor, after which he returned to his Kibby: Our ladies’ man, Kibby, Molly: Molly is enjoying having trainer to hand over the jellyfish. recently visited the front lagoon where a room with two great views! She has a trio of dolphin beauties lives. While infants on both sides and can be seen A.J.: We don’t know whether the girls mostly put him in his place, he following either Pandora and baby OR “Daddy” dolphins realize they are the seemed to enjoy the visit. He’s already Aleta and Delta down the fence , fathers, but A.J. has certainly been moved back to his bachelor pad and is checking them out. spending lots of time on the “telephone” checking out Pandora and the new enjoying games of basketball with his Calusa: There has been a lot baby. The telephone is a large pipe “bros” and, of course, being the official of traffic on the causeway to visit the that runs under our causeway, allowing causeway greeter at the bridge. maternity ward. Calusa lives between water to flow from Pandora’s lagoon to Talon: Talon has been the two nurseries and is working on his flying dolphin convinced that all of the where he wiggles his flippers people are coming to see and dives at the same time. her (of course)! As everyone Being such an overachiever, knows with little babies he isn’t satisfied with just around you have to be very combining those moves. He careful about what floats in also shakes his head up and the water. Calusa did her down and does “alligator”. part recently by flagging A real in the air! down a trainer to give them a piece of trash, a sticker Pax: Pax has from a bottle. Thanks, discovered a new game. At Calusa! the end of his sessions with the public, Pax heads to the Pandora and baby: “beach” to hang out like Pandora is following in her a lot of the guys. Trainers mother and grandmother’s have noticed that he blows flukeprints by being an a bubble from his , outstanding mother. She and then grabs it gently expertly directs her baby in his mouth as it floats to around the lagoon, but the surface. He then goes she is still our Pandorable. underwater and lets the She frequently swims with Thanks to lots of patient encouragement, Karen has learned to enjoy bubble escape from his the baby right along the visiting more of the sea lion habitat with her trainer Kelly Jayne.

6 Dolphin Society Newsletter mouth. As it travels upward, he again rub their melons, coming close to their Near the end of the session, the trainer grabs it and takes it back down. This eyes, but staying calm. One guest was asked Merina to dive again. Merina game can go on for several minutes! nervous in the deep water, preferring to took off and did some skyscraper dives, We love it so much we are hoping to put remain on the underwater tray. On her the highest we’ve ever seen her go! it on a signal so that we can ask him to own, Gypsi approached the woman’s The trainers’ mouths hung open as we do it for us. outstretched hand and put her dorsal questioned, “Was that Santini?” But right in it. Cayo was watching and went Rainbow and Sandy: The boys no, it was Merina. She just got fed up recently enjoyed a visit from with the crowd roar for former DRC trainer Kim and her her sister and decided to “ramp two year old son Eli. Eli was it up” to show everybody she fascinated by the big dolphins could do it, too! The celebration and the way they painted tee- that erupted when she returned shirts. As a birthday present, to the dock was heard around the trainers decided to have the facility! Mom and Eli paint with Bo and Kilo: Kilo continues to Sandy. Paint flew everywhere. work on husbandry behaviors Eli participated and “helped” that help us care for him. One with the art. Bo and Sandy just of the most important is the kept up their loud screams. It voluntary blood draw. Kilo is was hard to tell who was having learning to “turn his back” on the most fun. his trainer so that she can hold Tursi and Jax: These two his rear flippers, which is where have lately become the “odd the needle will be inserted for couple” in a lot of sessions. the blood. He needs to turn Some remember that Tursi sort around and lie down on his of adopted Jax when he got here , looking away from his and allowed him to hang out trainer. It takes a lot of trust to with her and Gypsi. Now, Tursi turn around and let someone seems to prefer having Jax share mess with your feet, if you are a a session with her more than sea lion. Kilo is moving forward Gypsi. Guess she’s teaching quickly. It’s so nice to see the her daughter independence. trust he has in his trainer! In a recent session the trainer Karen and Renee: Every asked Jax to lie out flat on the day is a new adventure for surface and asked Tursi to jump these girls as we continue to over him as if he were a hurdle. expand their living area. They Tursi did not hesitate and both regularly come downstairs jumped over Jax, coming back Judging from her behavior, Molly’s enjoying having babies to the “patio area” of the sea with screams of delight. Jax living on either side of her lagoon. lion habitat now. Karen, who is appeared to think it was great blind, follows her trainer’s voice fun as well. When he returned to the to the other side and the youngsters or hand target and is quite calm in this dock he re-set his position, almost like essentially pulled the woman right off of new area. Renee can see and tends to saying, “Do it again!” the tray into a perfect dorsal pull! The be more nervous. Recently she was in Gypsi and Cayo: Our youngsters trainer was amazed and so proud of our the patio and noticed the gate was open really have grown up to be so much little girls. “They reminded me of Tursi to the big, natural lagoon in the habitat. like their moms! We had a recent swim and Merina!” she reported. She ran to the gate opening, looked out at the huge area, and then turned program where two of the guests had Merina and Santini: The sisters her back and raced as far from it as she cerebral palsy. The young dolphins shared a session recently and it was could go! Remember, these girls have were nervous at first when the guests fun to see the “sister act” in action never lived in a natural lagoon with entered the water by using the Aqualift again. Santini began the session with trees, rocks, fish, etc. Their curiosity chair. Once the people were on the her super high dives, up in the clouds. is getting the better of them and Karen tray, they warmed up to them. The On Merina’s turn she did her dives at continues to take a dip in the big lagoon guests were unable to open their hands a more standard height. The session every day. We hope Renee won’t be far completely, but Gypsi and Cayo didn’t continued and every time the trainer behind! let that faze them as they floated in asked Tina to dive she went “over the front of each participant and let them top”. The crowd and trainer went wild. -Daniel Hutchinson and Linda Erb

March/April 2010 Intelligence, from page 5 Notions A few months ago I witnessed what I thought was very clever dolphin behavior in action. While I was down on the dock with Pax, I was surprised by his seeming complete understanding of my conversation with a trainer The trainer had asked me if I wanted to give Welcome to the Family Pax a hand signal for a behavior. So I wondered if maybe I could give him the Two babies in two months! It healthy. Even before they arrive we signal for his famous flip. (Keep in mind has been such a fun and busy time for ensure that the lagoons are safe for the I did not say “circle”, the verbal cue for us here at Dolphin Research Center little ones to play. this behavior, and I also did not make with the arrival of Aleta and Pandora’s If you have brothers and sisters the hand gesture.) The trainer instructed calves. On November 22nd Aleta gave you might know that sometimes it me to ask for something a little bit more birth to her first son in front of a very is hard to share with them. It isn’t low-key, because Rainbow and Sandy excited crowd. Just a few months later always fun when you have to stop what were practicing new behaviors nearby on Friday, January 29th Pandora gave you’re doing to help or play with them and a flip might be too distracting. So I birth to her first little one in the very instead. But if you really think about made my hand into a little fin, placed it early hours of the morning. Like with it, your brothers and sisters need your on top of my head and yelled “!” any new arrival to our DRC family help to teach them things. Learning so I could see Pax’s wonderful shark these two were welcomed with loving how to share and work together is a impression. Remarkably, he dove arms. great way to grow closer. You might be underwater and did a perfect flip! Was Sometimes it can take a little bit of surprised to find out that you like the this a mere coincidence? Maybe… but time to get used to having a new family same things and love spending time it certainly seemed to me that Pax had member around. With new additions together. Who knows? Someday they somehow associated the word “flip” with come new responsibilities. Here at might even be your best friend. the correct signal without any formal DRC we spend a lot of time watching -Jessica Lilly training! over the calves to make sure they are Not only are we gaining valuable insight into dolphin intelligence every day, our relatively new understanding of In this big their behavior is helping this and other picture, help species of marine mammal. People the DRC staff across the country are coming together to protect these animals, in part, because find all of the of the research and observations that objects that facilities like Dolphin Research Center don’t belong in have conducted over the years. Laws the new babies’ have been enacted to protect dolphins lagoon. in both human-care and in the wild because we now question the ethics of mishandling and hunting an animal that can learn the same concepts we learn. There is a People are becoming more aware of the spoon, heart, effects of pollution, from both debris and apple, car, noise. Concerned citizens are speaking up and cleaning up by supporting house, recycling programs and clearing garbage teacup, from local parks/beaches. Although this pencil, shoe, is a great start we still have much more bell, mouse’s work to do. But as they continue to head, banana, teach us, we continue to learn how to ensure that humans remain fascinated by sailboat, and dolphins for many more generations to flower. come! -Noelle Belden

8 Dolphin Society Newsletter Cold Weather, from page 1 When it comes to marine position looks sort of like a jug and good example of this is Rainbow, one mammals, fat is where it’s at. Dolphins handle. of DRC’s largest dolphins. In January and sea lions have blubber which is Sea lions also maintain a thick 2009, Rainbow weighed 545 pounds. a thick layer of fat that is reinforced blubber layer for insulation. Unlike After a few colder months, by March he by fibrous connective tissue. It stores dolphins, they also have a fur coat. weighed 585 pounds. calories, contributes to their streamlined While that might add something to body In addition to our charts and data, shapes and reduces heat loss which is heat conservation, the fur’s primary we look to the dolphins’ themselves important for thermoregulation of body purpose is to protect the when a sea for cues. The trainers notice when the temperature. (More on that later.) lion “hauls out” of the water to lie on dolphins act hungrier and appear to Studies have shown that the rocks or other surfaces. want more food and, at other times, thickness of a dolphin’s blubber layer The physiology of these marine when they show less interest in eating. increases or decreases depending on mammal species truly helps them When the weather begins to the season of the year. Thicker blubber adapt to the seasonal changes in water warm up in the spring, we readjust provides excellent insulation to help temperature. Out in the open oceans, the diets. The differences in weight hold in body heat, even in colder water. the animals can adjust their own diets, from one season to the next can really The process of maintaining body hunting and consuming more or less vary. September is traditionally the temperature within boundaries is known prey as needed. At Dolphin Research hottest month in the Florida Keys. For as thermoregulation. All mammals do Center, it’s up to us to manage the diets that month in 2009, Rainbow’s weight this to some degree, no pun intended. of the family pod. We have at least dropped to 508 pounds. Think of a panting on a hot summer 30 years of historical data to help us “Rising water temperature day. That panting helps release heat determine the proper weight ranges for definitely makes the dolphins not from the dog’s body. We humans sweat different body types and ages of the want to eat as much,” confirms Pat. to rid ourselves of excess body heat dolphins. However, dolphins normally get their through evaporation. In cold weather, In winter time, the dolphins gain daily fluid by metabolizing the fat in our muscles shiver which actually weight to compensate for decreased the fish that they eat. “This is another produces more warm energy. water temperatures. DRC has charted important reason why we supplement Marine mammals have their the weight and caloric intake for each their hydration to make sure that they own methods of thermoregulation. animal for many years. According are getting enough fluids even when Dolphin , flippers and flukes do to Medical Director Pat Clough, we they eat less fish each day.” not contain blubber and serve as what break each year out into four three- With our all-natural environment, some scientists call thermal windows to month quarters. A maintenance diet is there’s no doubt that we deal with a conserve or dissipate heat. Inside these based on the actual weight, historical variety of challenges. We can’t heat appendages are arteries surrounded by intake, activity level, and body type the lagoons or adjust the thermostat a network of veins. Arteries transport of the individual dolphin. “We enter like we do in our houses. However, warm blood outward from the body’s everything into a computer and establish we can draw from our knowledge, core. The top layer of skin in the a target range of weight for each dolphin experience, historical information and outlying areas contains more veins and for each season,” Pat explains. “We a solid understanding of what our smaller capillaries, all of which hold then weigh each of them every two dolphins need. All these things allow cooler blood. The blood in the arteries weeks and make adjustments to their us to help them make the most of their radiates heat, so when it travels outward daily diets as needed.” own physiological abilities to cope with and passes by the incoming venous Dolphin Research Center analyzes whatever Mother Nature sends our way. blood, it warms it up. This efficient all of our fish to obtain the nutritional For more information, check out the circulatory arrangement is called values. “Caloric value is based on Marine Education section of the DRC counter-current heat exchange. the amount of fat in the fish,” says website at www.dolphins.org. For their method of Pat. “Herring has more fat. Capelin -Mary Stella thermoregulation, sea lions stick their is more water-based.” By studying the flippers up out the water where they numbers, we can determine how much absorb heat from the sun. The blood in of each kind of fish each dolphin needs the flipper warms and then moves back every day in to maintain the target toward the inner body. It’s not unusual weight. for us to see Kilo float on his back in his So, in preparation for the weather habitat with his front and hind flippers cooling down, we can begin to bring sticking up out of the water. We call up the daily calorie counts to help the this behavior “jugging” since his body dolphins add necessary pounds. A

March/April 2010 Lessons Learned In the marine mammal care are curious about these grey faces relationships, juveniles, etc). This community, trainers are seen as is due to their gentle and often information can be shared with rescue/ those who work and teach animals compassionate natures. At Dolphin rehab facilities who can apply this certain behaviors. Many people Research Center, two of our dolphins, knowledge when caring for stranded do not realize that we learn just as Tanner and A.J., have developed dolphins. This could foster a greater much from the animals. Through quite a reputation for their empathetic success rate for returning them to the studies and research we have characteristics. This father and son wild. gained insight into their biological duo truly stands out when interacting Anyone who gets the privilege makeup, communication skills, with guests with special needs. to interact with a dolphin will tell you and other abilities. Their social Whether it involves them swimming that it is an experience you will never dynamic also imparts important a little slower to accommodate forget. They certainly seem to know knowledge in different ways. someone’s physical challenges, or us better than we know them. Just Studying dolphin biology sitting still for a long time so a guest looking in their eyes, one sees wisdom has provided a lot of useful who cannot see can gently explore and intelligence. I can honestly say information. For example, a with their hands, these boys show from my personal experience and dolphin’s skin is made up of micro us what patience is all about. In having been around our DRC family dermal ridges. These tiny ridges in our special needs for the better part of a decade, they are the skin trap water molecules in the programs, dolphins unquestionably the teachers, and we are surface. This allows dolphins to be help to facilitate the students. a positive and often life changing more efficient swimmers because -Debbie liquid travels faster with less friction experience for those involved. when passing through another Watching these liquid rather than through a solid sessions opens our eyes material. A world-famous sailboat to the unbiased nature competitor named Dennis Conner of this species. used this finding to win the World People come into Cup. He had DuPont incorporate our facility looking to micro dermal ridges into the design simply interact with a of his boat’s hull to make his boat dolphin, and leave with faster and won the competition by greater appreciation half a knot. of their intelligence For many years the and individual . has utilized the natural capabilities Here at DRC we hope of dolphins and other marine that people will take mammals to help in recovery this admiration and efforts around the world. The respect of dolphins natural sensory capabilities and and use it to aid in the unique physiology allows for conservation of their accurate and timely missions. wild counterparts. The sophisticated use of by Through studying dolphins is extremely beneficial dolphins’ social to the Navy when it comes to behavior in human identifying enemy divers and care, we have also objects on the ocean floor. The gained valuable intelligence which dolphins possess insight that allows us enables them to assist these to better assist wild operations in a way that is safe for dolphins. Through both the dolphins and the humans, years of observation and with great accuracy and at DRC, we have precision. obtained a vast amount Dolphins have always been of information about considered very social animals. their social structure One of the many reasons people (i.e. mother and calf A.J. and Tanner demonstrate great patience with guests who have special needs.

10 Dolphin Society Newsletter DolphinLab, from page 2 As members of the Education Mammal Research DolphinLab, wrote a post-doc, she began to develop a Department, there is nothing we enjoy to say, “I just wanted to share with you close relationship with DRC staff. For more than hearing how DolphinLab has how DolphinLab has really helped me several years, while teaching at Boston- impacted the lives of those who have move forward with some big changes area colleges and universities, Kelly also participated. DRC keeps in touch with in my career. I quit my job as a child/ worked with us on studies in numbers many former students and is very proud adolescent therapist last August and concepts as an outside investigator. She to hear of the directions their lives have returned to school to strengthen my biology background as I prepare to apply for graduate programs in & behavior for the Fall ‘09.” Michelle also interned at Mote Marine Lab in the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program for one summer and shared that, “I have had the pleasure to work under Dr. Randy Wells taking pictures for photo ID, as well as a great deal more observational research. I’m sure my experience at DolphinLab was a critical factor in obtaining this internship.” These stories are just two examples that show how DolphinLab not only provides you with experiences in learning and plenty of fun, exciting hands-on interactions, but also empowers you with advanced knowledge about marine mammals and the environment we share. Remember Trainer Jodi discusses and demonstrates voluntary medical behaviors for a DolphinLab class. that all of the Adult courses, as well as Teen Basic and Teen Marine Mammal Care and Basic Training, are fully officially joined our staff in 2002. taken because of DolphinLab. Knowing college accredited through Florida Keys Loriel Caprio, the Assistant Director we were part of that experience is an Community College. of Animal Training, took both the Basic amazing feeling. We hope these stories Whether you love dolphins and and the Advanced DolphinLab courses warm your heart as much as they do would enjoy spending time getting to in 2001 and feels those two weeks ours and inspire you to experience know them and know more about them, changed her life. In 2003 she joined the what kind of impact a week at DRC or whether you’d like to gain valuable Education staff and later transferred into participating in DolphinLab might have experience with hopes of pursuing Animal Care and Training. on your life a career in the marine mammal The list of alumni now working for Holly Hoeller attended DolphinLab , DolphinLab is a tailor-made DRC goes on, but perhaps Director of in March 2008 through the Terry L. opportunity. Education Kirsten Donald says it best. Renner Memorial Scholarship. She To find out more about each of She joined the DRC family in 1997 after served as the 2009 Management the individual classes, including course first being exposed to dolphins through Development Vice President of dates, costs, and other particulars, Basic DolphinLab. After also taking the Bolingbrook Illinois Jaycees. please visit our website www.dolphins. Advanced DolphinLab and volunteering Holly explains, “During my time at org. For questions, please contact us via for several months, she decided she’d DolphinLab, I had such a wonderful email at [email protected] or by finally found her “home” among others time and learned so much that I wanted telephone at 305-289-1121, ext. 225. who shared her innate passion for to take it back to my community. animals and the environment. Although During the Jaycees annual village picnic, A life-changing experience awaits! she finds it difficult to summarize what I set up a booth explaining the effects of she most enjoys about working at DRC pollution on our oceans, even in a land- -Megan Mertsock and Dave Walton Kirsten says, “I enjoy the opportunity to locked state like Illinois.” make the world a better place through Michelle Borsz, a student in education. Knowledge is power.” the Cognitive & Behavioral Marine

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Dolphin of the Month – Calusa It is only fitting that our dolphin though she has a great affinity for her of the month is Calusa, for we just friend, she still likes her alone time celebrated her ninth birthday on (or maybe she likes to be the center February 15. Being another year older, of attention with staff and guests). At this little dolphin has definitely grown times Calusa sits at the causeway by into a beautiful, independent girl and herself vocalizing to guests who pass by. there is no question from whom she She sometimes calls out to guests from received those traits—her mother, one of our shallow lagoons that are not Merina, and her father, Rainbow. It’s right next to the causeway. Don’t be almost as if she received the best afraid to stop to say hello. When she qualities of both her parents. wants you to visit she does whatever it It pretty much goes without saying takes. She screams, probably getting that Calusa got her beautiful good louder the further away you are, slaps looks from Merina. Another similarity her tail, or might even throw a ball to we find between Merina and Calusa is get your attention. If you do hear a that they are both very strong-willed scream and you can’t see her, be sure to dolphins. Calusa lets you know what look under the boardwalk because she she wants to do and when she wants to could be on the other side of the fence! do it. Of course, all of our dolphins run Right now Calusa has two very their own show and do what they want; special neighbors on both sides of her however Calusa has a more direct way lagoon, her sister Pandora and her of showing her preferences. If she wants aunt Aleta who both recently gave birth At nine years old, Calusa has her mother to do her entire Dolphin Dip program Merina’s style and father Rainbow’s to beautiful baby dolphins. We have while carrying her hula hoop, we really boisterous charm. noticed that Calusa is very interested in have no way of stopping her. We can watching Pandora and Aleta with their ask her to give it to us but that doesn’t When I was first learning to be the babies in between sessions and she mean she will. trainer for the Dolphin Dip program not seems to be taking good notes for the only would she not give me the toy, but future. She is keeping her hula hoop It isn’t uncommon to see Calusa she also let me know which behaviors I do whole sessions with that hula hoop with her now more than ever before, should ask her to do and which ones I almost as if she is mimicking Aleta and right by her side. She carries it with should ask Molly to perform. her while doing her shark imitation Pandora with their babies. Until the and even her dives. Calusa has pretty Like Rainbow, Calusa is very day comes that Calusa has her own much mastered executing all of her independent. Similar to Rainbow’s calf, she will have the best behaved hula behaviors while holding a hula hoop. close relationship with his buddy Sandy, hoop in the world! She definitely gives new trainers a run Calusa seems to have a strong bond with her lagoon mate Molly. Even for their money, just like her mother. -Jamie Stevens

12 Dolphin Society Newsletter

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