Dolphin Society

Vol. 32 No. 3 The Newsletter of Dolphin Research Center May/June 2016 Atocha & Cacica: Growing Together in Their First Year Dolphin Research their moms, quickly Center is always thrilled to discovered that the key welcome a new member to a happy maternity into our growing family. pod actually took place Whether we joyfully open through quite a bit of our doors to a rescued babysitting. Mere hours animal who needs a forever after birth, Atocha was home, or celebrate the already attempting birth of one of our family to swim away from member’s babies, it is a Pandora, sending a blessing to watch our group message loud and clear grow. Last year, consider us that she, like her mother, triply blessed! In addition possessed a strong to the arrival of Summer in desire for independence January of 2015, we were and exploration. It was lucky enough to welcome Photo by Kaitlin Prince evident that a watchful two gorgeous baby girls Our youngest dolphins are learning more every day. eye and tireless will the very next month. The would be necessary first arrived on February to soon introduce the two mother to keep up with and 21st, when Pandora gave birth to and calf pairs and let the cousins care for the energetic little calf. her second calf, Atocha. Three days enjoy the delightful company of Upon seeing her niece swimming later, on February 24th, Calusa’s one another and, of course, their around the lagoon all by herself, first baby girl, Cacica, came into the aunts. the ever-diligent Aunt Calusa was world. Although they were born in Our two bright little determined to answer the call of separate lagoons, we were excited youngsters, together with See Atocha & Cacica, Page 5 Once Upon a Day at Dolphin Research Center Smiling faces. Laughter. Tears around her newest of joy. These are a few examples friend Summer, shows of how guests react to seeing our the younger dolphins animal family. Every day, we are the way of the lagoon tickled to give people from all and shares stories from over the world the opportunity to her past. Aleta and form a connection with another Merina enjoy grown-up species. From the narrated behavior time with their sister, sessions to a walk down the back Santini. The threesome causeway, a day in the hidden gem whistle about all things that is Dolphin Research Center is dolphin-related, while a glimpse into the lives of a pod of being sure to detour incredible animals. to the front lagoon Start at the front lagoon and wall to give their work your way down the back adoring audience the Photo by Kaitlin Prince causeway to see all sorts of fun opportunity to snap a Summer and Molly have a great friendship. taking place. Molly, with her flipper photo or two. See Once Upon A Day, Page 7 More Than Thirty Years of Teaching...Learning...Caring...for Marine Mammals and Our Environment Become Part of Members Only Event Every year DRC holds a the guests, the more the dolphins the Adventure Members Only Event, which is one interact and enjoy the attention. of the ways we say ‘thank you’ to Thanks again to you all and to our Dolphin Research Center is a not-for- those who help make it possible for excellent volunteers who make all profit organization that conducts in- us to continue our novative research and education proj- ects. We invite you to join our unique mission to Teach, family by becoming a member of the Learn and Care for Dolphin Society. As a member, your our marine mammal tax-deductible donation will help us family and the provide the best environment and environment we all care humanly possible for the dol- phins and sea lions who call DRC share. Each year home. Your membership will also sup- this event grows port our manatee rescue program and in the enthusiasm provide the educational programs that and enjoyment our encourage our guests to become am- members bring to bassadors for all marine animals and the day. the environment we share. Annual memberships are available in several It was a levels: beautiful, sunny, and Individual ($40 for adults, $25 for full- warm afternoon Photo by Kaitlin Prince time students with proof of enrollment) when many strolled The members were charmed by Cayo jumping over a hoop. – receive a subscription to the Dolphin on the boardwalks, Society newsletter, our e-newsletter, a causeway and grounds to watch of our goals and dreams possible to 10% discount on most gift shop items, free admission for one to DRC for one and enjoy the presentations and attain. year, and one free guest pass. tours given by our talented staff. We look forward to seeing you Trio ($75) – receive all the benefits of Some sat at the tables near good throughout the year as well as at an individual membership plus free snacks to talk and catch up with our Members Only Event next year! admission to DRC for up three people old and new friends. Our guests Until then, let us know if there is for one year. told us that by far one of the most anything that we can do for you Gray Cross ($90) – receive all the bene- fits of the Trio membership plus a sub- exciting moments was the sunset to make your experience here scription to our quarterly Gray Cross celebration where all the dolphins at the DRC more enjoyable and newsletter and free admission to DRC memorable! for up to four people for one year. Many of Sponsor ($150) – receive all the ben- you bring efits of the Gray Cross membership plus the opportunity to sponsor a nar- friends to rated session at DRC and admission the event. for up to five people for one year. If any Research Team ($500) – receive all the of them benefits of the Sponsor membership would like plus receive a personal tour of the Re- to consider search Tower (by appointment) and admission for up to six people for one becoming year. a member, too, please let them Memberships can be purchased via our know that website at www.dolphins.org, by phone (305) 289-1121 X229, or by they can mailing your check or credit card num- join on line ber to DRC, 58901 Overseas High- Photo by Kaylee Turner at www. way, Grassy Key, FL 33050. Please Luna, Reese, Gambit, Flagler, Louie, Delta, & Gypsi impressed the crowd with a group dive. dolphins. note that memberships are not trans- org or call ferable and the member must present were able to show off their best! us at 305-289-1121 ext. 229. We photo identification for admission. There is nothing quite like will be happy to welcome them to having so many of our biggest fans the family. on site at once and the dolphins - Sandy Dennison definitely loved it! As you know, the more excited and participatory

2 Dolphin Society Newsletter Dolphins from a Distance Dolphin Research Center is Spill and Louie’s stranding. Adopt-A-Dolphin continuing to develop new and Distance learning is still a You can sponsor your favorite dolphin or innovative ways for teachers and relatively new program for DRC sea lion at DRC through our Adopt-A- groups from all over the world to and also for other members of Dolphin or Sea Lion program. Experi- come “visit” us here in the Florida the Alliance of Marine Mammal ence the warm feeling that comes with knowing that you are helping to pro- Keys. One of those ways is through Parks and Aquariums. In the spirit vide for the care and feeding of your distance learning. Our current focus of cooperation, DRC educators friend. Your tax-deductible donation for has been on developing studio- are hoping to be able to present a membership will help us to fulfill our based programs that adhere to the their findings on establishing a promise to provide the finest home hu- Florida educational standards. Most distance learning program at this manly possible for our marine mammal of the topics are durable science year’s Alliance Educator’s Meeting family. Memberships are available is several levels: concepts that are also addressed by so that the facilities can grow other state educational E-Dolfriend ($25) – receive an electronic standards, making them membership that includes a subscrip- a great creative way to tion to our monthly e-newsletter and an introduce and review e-mailed full-color certificate with your life science concepts favorite dolphin or sea lion’s picture and a biography about your friend you with students. can print out at home. Studio-based Dolfriend ($50) – receive a subscription programs take place to the Dolphin Society newsletter, our at DRC in the Sanger e-newsletter, a 10% discount on most Family Hall distance gift shop items, a color certificate with your dolphin or sea lion’s picture, a bi- learning studio, also ography about your friend, free admis- called the green room. sion for two to DRC for one year, and These programs one free guest pass. Photo by Samantha North include colorful Trainer Christina and Tanner team up for a segment used Pod Pal ($100) – receive all the benefits slides, prerecorded in Distance Learning programs. of a Dolfriend membership plus a sub- dolphin and sea lion scription to our Gray Cross newsletter and free admission to DRC for up to videos from around property, together with this wonderful new four people for one year. and interpretation, interaction technology. Parent ($240) – Provide the ultimate sup- and activities with an educator. In 2015 DRC hosted 24 port for your friend by pledging $20 per Elementary topics include: dolphin distance learning sessions. To month to sponsor one of their meals calves, conservation and ecology, help promote distance learning each month. You will receive all the anatomy and physiology, energy, opportunities, also in 2015 DRC benefits of a Pod Pal membership plus free admission for up to five people for adaptations, nutrition, and acoustics started to collaborate with the one year and silver bucket stickers for and communication. Center for Interactive Learning your certificate to represent the meals Kitty Hawk Elementary School and Collaboration (CILC). CILC you provided for your dolphin or sea (KHES) fourth grade teachers provides a database of distance lion friend. in North Carolina continue to learning programs that individuals Adopt-A-Dolphin or Sea Lion member- collaborate with DRC to develop can search through to find topics ships make a great gift and can be new and innovative programming for their students. purchased via our website at www. as part of a grant. This is the It is not just used by schools, dolphins.org, by phone (305) 289- third year of the program: year but also by assisted living/nursing 1121 X229, or by mailing your check one focused on science concepts, homes, after school programs, or credit card number to DRC, 58901 year two on communication and and other organizations. It is Overseas Highway, Grassy Key, FL 33050. Please note that memberships language arts, and this year, the through CILC that DRC was first are not transferable and the member focus is on math! So far KHES introduced to the assisted living/ must present photo identification for and DRC have collaborated in nursing home audience. Two admission. the creation of two custom math distance learning sessions were programs, with another on the way. provided to audiences at Menorah “Diving Into Dolphin Diets” allowed Park facilities. Their presentations www.dolphins.org students to see how caretakers use were on Conservation and Ecology, Innerspace or cyberspace, the mathematics to care for dolphins, but they were fascinated by our dolphins of Dolphin Research while “Lucky Louie” used math to family members that are also in Center look forward to your visit. investigate the effects of the BP Oil See Distance Dolphins, Page 6 May/June 2016 Conservation Corner Ever wonder whether your In the 1940s, harbor porpoises Luckily, the Clean Water Act effort to reduce pollution in our disappeared from the San of 1972 required San Francisco water is really making a difference? Francisco Bay. Wartime bustle and sewage plants, businesses, and Could each individual’s positive Navy activity may have accounted citizens to clean up their act and actions, such as reducing the use for the loss of some of these reduce water pollution. The water of pesticides animals, but quality slowly began to improve. and fertilizers Golden Gate It took quite some time, but the in lawn care, Cetacean porpoises are finally returning. It choosing Research is likely that they had to rediscover biodegradable scientists this area as suitable habitat, since it cleaning believe had been uninhabitable for several options, and that water generations. Today, scientists have voting for pollution was identified 250 individual porpoises representatives the greater utilizing the bay! who will culprit. As This goes to show that legislate for the region’s working to improve water quality, clean water, Photo by William Keener population even in a region which had already truly affect With cleaner water, harbor porpoises are grew, runoff been highly polluted, truly makes marine returning to the bay. into the bay a difference for marine mammals mammals? The answer is a increased unchecked. There were such as harbor porpoises. This resounding YES, and a recent no laws protecting the animals’ is something we can all work to finding in San Francisco habitat, and even raw sewage achieve within our communities. demonstrates this beautifully. was flowing directly into the area. - Hannah Salomons Research Corner One of the many great things observations, in which we simply such as surfing, where mom gives about working at a facility like take notes on what we see. Around baby a ride around the lagoon on Dolphin Research Center is having this time we also start the formal her tummy or head. We continue the unique opportunity to observe calf independence observations, in these observations for up to two young dolphins up years, which allows us to close as they grow and see how their social lives learn. The behavioral change over time. observations we conduct The calf on the calves (aka Baby independence data we Obs) not only give us the collect is part of a long chance to watch these term study here at DRC. adorable babies, but also We’ve been doing formal provide a systematic baby obs for nearly 20 way of learning about years, with Pax and calf development and Pandora being among mother-calf interactions. the first dolphins we When a baby is born have information on. By at DRC, right away we having systematic data start monitoring their that spans over many health by watching their years, we are able to look respiration rates and how Photo by Rachael Kimbrough for meaningful patterns, Observing mother-calf interactions, like with Calusa and Cacica, is much they’re nursing. part of a long term study. such as how do male and During this time we get female calves compare, to see what their unique dorsal fin which we systematically look at does birth order have any effect on looks like, which is important for specific social behaviors, such as mothering style, or how similar the research observations, and confirm how much time the baby spends mothering style of someone like whether the new bundle of joy is a swimming with mom, with other Pandora is to her own mother’s. boy or a girl. dolphins, or on their own. It’s also - Katy Donegan These are often informal fun to see mother-calf interactions

4 Dolphin Society Newsletter From Atocha & Cacica, Page 1 courage to play slip-and-slide on her curiosity and zest for learning duty. the docks. Staff and guests alike blossomed, and the sheer speed Pandora, a slightly more laid cannot help but be mesmerized with which she masters new back mother, seemed more than as she glides along, marveling at behaviors has left us speechless happy to let her sister look after anything and everything with her ever since. Whether learning the young one. In return for the beautiful, wide, dark eyes. Atocha is to follow her mother and aunt help, Pandora gladly took Cacica always ecstatic to repeatedly show on dives and speed runs or under her flipper. A calf who us every new behavior she learns, spontaneously rolling onto her initially seemed to be a bit shyer and she typically will not stop until back to perfectly present her than Atocha, Cacica’s tendency she receives the recognition and tummy when her aunt does the to stick close to her aunt proved celebration she deserves! We are same, Cacica is a bright and avid a perfect match to Pandora’s so thankful for this spirit in such a student, regardless of who is her easygoing parenting, and the babies young calf. In addition to bringing teacher. Like so many of our family were found almost exclusively with joy to our staff and guests’ days, her members, she quickly figured out their aunts every day. eagerness to approach every new that making noise, and lots of it, is The adventurous spirit that we opportunity with gusto has helped a fantastic way to get the attention saw in Atocha from the day she set an example and pave the way she craves. She can now be found was born following has yet to guests fade even and staff slightly. With around the her cousin boardwalks, watching proudly intently displaying from her all the shadow, vocalizations Atocha was she can quick to possibly decide that think to some of the make. In happiest addition hours could to her be spent intelligence, playing Cacica’s with her affection for Photo by Kaitlin Prince trainers and While Calusa and Pandora show off a back dive, Atocha and Cacica follow along with front dives! her human admirers. family has From back rubs to tongue tickles, for her cousin to develop a special rapidly grown as the months have she was ready to try any and every relationship with her caretakers. passed. She is just as quick as new thing we could possibly offer. Although Cacica initially took Atocha to pop up for rubs and play Though many calves tend to stick her time to introduce herself to her time when her human friends come close to mom when new lagoons trainers, this little girl’s intelligence down on the docks to visit. are opened to them, Atocha was and affection left us no choice but Many of our members have ready to lead the charge! At only to become instantly enamored of already been delighted to fall under a few months of age, she took it her. For the first few months of her the spell of our two newest young upon herself to explore empty life, Cacica could be found either in ladies. The next time you visit DRC, lagoons all alone, and her curiosity the shadow of her aunt or curiously be sure to spend some time helping has not stopped there. watching the adventures of her us to entertain the inquisitive Atocha is always the first to bold cousin. While she took great calves. They are always ready and investigate anything new in the interest in Atocha’s interactions waiting, and you can bet that they world around her, whether it is a with her trainers, Cacica made will quickly incorporate you into toy, animal, raindrop, or person. sure that she herself was 100% their rapidly expanding circle of We laugh as she spends entire ready before approaching us for admirers. sessions trying to master the art some face time, gentle play, and, of - Alex Rickert of keeping inflatable balls between course, delicious fish! her pectoral flippers and under From the moment we began her body, or as she works up the interacting with her, however,

May/June 2016 Ocean Notions Marine debris is one of the can reduce the amount of biggest problems facing all marine waste produced by plastic animals. Marine debris is the word bags by instead using that scientists use to describe reusable canvas bags when pieces of trash that are found in the you go shopping! Two Rs ocean. This is harmful to animals with one simple change! in many ways. The animals can Just the other day get tangled up in debris like rope, Stanley Switlik Elementary nets and fishing line. Other types of School first grade students debris can be swallowed by animals in the Florida Keys who think it is food. suggested that we add Marine debris is a problem two new Rs to the three largely caused by us humans and Rs and we couldn’t agree Photo by Kaitlin Prince there is a lot that we can do to more with their suggestions! Aleta, Santini, Merina. help save marine animals from They suggested adding it. First we can practice the 3Rs: respect. It is important that we by putting trash where it belongs reduce, reuse and recycle. Most respect animals by giving them in the trash can or recycling bin people know about recycling, but their space and not disturbing instead of in their homes! They also reduce and reuse are a bit harder them. It is also important that we suggested responsibility. We are all to remember. Think about this: you respect the areas where they live responsible for the Earth. It is our home and we have a responsibility Activity to care for it and protect it! Down - Kim Browne 1. We all have this when it comes to protecting and caring for the Earth. 2. Doing this can look different depending on what is going on but in the case of marine mammals this means observing from a distance, not disturbing them and taking care of their environment. 3. The name given to trash and other items that end up in the ocean. 4. When you do this you are using less of something which means that you create less waste! 5. These are another common form of marine debris and sea turtles often mistake them for jellyfish. Recycle them at the grocery store or, better yet, get reusable grocery bags! 6. When you do this you are using something again and not creating as much waste. Across 7. These items are a common form of marine debris and are made out of a metal that is easily recycled instead. 8. This is something that you can do with many items made of plastic, paper, and some types of metal. 9. These items are another common form of marine debris, instead of tossing them away we can recycle them, or better yet, invest in reusable ones. *Answers on Page 12. From Distance Dolphins, Page 3 new STEM/STEAM programs expand the marketing of all the their golden years. One of the (STEAM stands for Science, opportunities through the use of audience members was 101 years Technology, Engineering, Arts and CILC. old and was delighted to learn Mathematics). We will also continue If you, or someone you know, about the wonderful Miss Molly! to collaborate with assisted living/ are interested in learning more Great new things are on nursing homes by creating a about this innovative program and the horizon with this program program that focuses on the stories how it can be used to meet your as Education works to: develop of our “senior” family members, educational needs, please check out middle school programs, revamp fine tune the live-on-the-dock the DRC website! high school programs, and create distance learning experience, and - Kim Browne

6 Dolphin Society Newsletter From Once Upon A Day, Page 1 waiting for guests right at the edge give signals and earns a training Splash! There’s Windley of the lagoon. They love to people whistle. In addition, she learns how beaching on the docks. Dolphins watch and are always trying to to positively reinforce the dolphins are naturally playful and very lure someone into their world. with high fives, kisses, and praise. tactile. They seem to enjoy different Blow them a kiss or wave at them Once the session is over, your sensations, including what it feels and see if they reciprocate. If you eye catches an interesting member like to slide across various surfaces. dare to look past the sweet gray of our family in an adjacent lagoon. Windley’s favorite game is to faces that seem to be captivated by He is missing a portion of his beach herself on docks, and then your presence, you may spot other dorsal fin, pectoral flipper and tail plunge herself back into the lagoon. dorsal fins. Luna, Louie, and Gambit fluke. Jax, who was the victim of a From a distance, her cousin, Diva, are close by. shark attack within the first year of watches and takes note. It won’t be Turn around quickly! Another his life, has a story of survival that long until she’s as enamored with session is about to start and it’s a resonates with a variety of guests. the behavior as Windley. glimpse into our dolphin cognition Although he had a rough start in Around the bend, Cayo steals studies. Directly in front of you life, you’d never know it once you kisses from guests while Tursi is Talon. Three buckets line the get past his outward appearance. excitedly shows off her alligator edge of the blue floating dock and He is one of the most trusting, impression. As part of the Dolphin Talon stations in front of them ambitious and inspiring dolphins in Encounter, the pair welcomes while a trainer places an object the world. guests into their world and gives into one of the buckets. A guest Now mature, Jax lives with them a tour of the lagoon. The who is participating in the Dolphin adult males including his very best guests laugh, and sometimes Explorer program is also on the friend, Rainbow. This happy dude is scream in delight when they realize dock, but wasn’t watching, so that our designated “causeway greeter” they’re fulfilling a lifelong dream she could not cue Talon on which because he loves to say hello to and holding on to a dorsal fin for a bucket guests trip of a lifetime. holds the and A five-minute announcement object. encourage is made about the next narrated She them to behavior session – Dolphin turns spend Maternity. As the dolphins see and asks time their trainers arrive at the lagoon, Talon, giving they squeal in recognition. In “Where him their between the loud screeches from is it?”, undivided Pandora and Calusa, you can hear signaling attention. a few faint raspberries. Atocha to him to You may and Cacica, who at one-year-old choose not think are beginning to learn a repertoire one of Rainbow of vocalizations, sound as though the three is paying they’re bound to be as opinionated buckets. attention and boisterous as their beautiful As he Photo by Donald McMullen to you, as mommas. A staff member collects studies A guest plays Object Permanence with Talon and Jane from he often stickers and opens the rope to the three the research team. looks allow guests onto the boardwalk. and then chooses the correct one, like he’s sleeping, but the moment On the dock, they offer the lady everyone claps and shares in his you turn around you’ll hear a high dolphins some backrubs as part of excitement. This demonstrates pitch scream resonating from the Meet the Dolphin program and DRC’s published study on Object his blowhole, despite deceptively Pandora and Calusa enthusiastically Permanence, which investigated making you think it’s coming from accept. what dolphins understand about his mouth. You may feel like there’s a pair hidden objects. The other big boys are living of eyes on you, watching every On a nearby dock, Talon’s next door for the time being. A.J. movement, and you are correct. brother Pax sits with his Trainer and Tanner take turns working You’ve reached what we’ve dubbed Experience participant and shows with their medical team on “dolphin college”, where juvenile off a variety of high energy voluntary husbandry behaviors. As boys and girls learn to socialize behaviors. The lucky guest, who the wellbeing of the DRC’s animal with one another and explore their spends half of a day learning family takes precedence above all environment. It’s not uncommon to about what’s involved in being a else, the care for them is prevalent find Gypsi, Reese, Delta, and Flagler dolphin trainer, is taught how to See Once Upon A Day, Page 12 May/June 2016 What Marine Mammals Teach Us Marine mammals have fur seals use their foreflippers shape of a dolphin, or the surface incredible adaptations which help for propulsion rather than their of a dolphin’s skin. them succeed in their underwater hindflippers or tail, unlike most It’s not just humans that world. Modern technologies marine animals. The high levels benefit more from researching sometimes find inspiration from of thrust, agility and control marine mammals. The more nature, and naturally marine exhibited by sea lion swimming is people learn about marine mammals have loaned us a impressive enough alone, but sea mammals, the better we are at helping flipper for many different lions also leave behind minimum understanding the best and most innovations. Just in the past wake in the water, which is a effective ways to protect these wild couple of years, we’ve learned highly desirable trait for manmade creatures. For example, the more how to upgrade sonar on ships by structures moving through the we learn about the acoustic needs considering dolphin of dolphins, the better echolocation, and we can understand use different imaging which areas would techniques to mimic benefit the most from sea lion flippers for quiet zones, with no propulsion. In addition, boating or shipping new discoveries about traffic. Whenever a dolphins teach us sick or injured marine better ways to protect mammal strands in the dolphins and their wild, rescue teams not environment. only help and assist the Sonar is a animal in need, but also useful technique continue to grow and Photo by Kaylee Turner for navigating and Delta, Reese & Gambit are excellent teachers. learn the best ways to exploring underwater, but as far water. Engineers at the George continue to assist injured marine as sonar goes, humans have been Washington University have mammals. Dolphins alone are playing catch up with dolphins. researched different noninvasive important to protect, but dolphins Dolphins have echolocation, their techniques to attempt to create a are also part of the larger oceanic own biologic sonar that helps robotic flipper that is identical to ecosystem. When we gain more them tell the size, shape, density, the flipper of a California sea lion. knowledge about marine mammals, speed, and direction of an object. Marine mammals have so we develop better ways to help Man-made active sonar can get an many unique abilities which not only them, but their entire image underwater, but becomes benefit human knowledge that environment and ourselves as well. very inaccurate if there are listing them could never fit in - Abby Haddock bubbles in the water. However, a newsletter article, and some Sources scientists noticed that dolphins of these abilities we are only 1. Friedman, C., Joel, B.W., Schult, would sometimes blow bubble nets just starting to understand. For A.R., Leftwich, M.C. 2015. Noninvasive 3D to trap fish when hunting prey. example, marine mammals are geometry extraction of a sea lion foreflipper. Journal of Aero Aqua Bio-Mechanisms. 4-1. These bubble nets would scatter the only mammals that show https://www.researchgate.net/profile/ man-made sonar, making the fish unihemispheric slow wave sleep, Chen_Friedman/publication/281413522_ difficult to detect, so dolphins where one cerebral hemisphere Noninvasive_3D_geometry_ either were not using their sonar, sleeps while the other remains extraction_of_a_Sea_lion_foreflipper/ links/55faaa8408aeba1d9f36e691.pdf or have the ability to use sonar awake. This sleep method is wide- 2. Leighton, T.G., Chua, G.H., White, through bubbles. When scientists spread in birds, so understanding P.R. 2012. Do dolphins benefit from used dolphin-like sonar pulses by why only marine mammals nonlinear mathematics when processing varying the amplitude of the clicks, benefit from unihemispheric their sonar returns? Proceedings of the Royal Society A. 468: 2147. http:// they found that man-made sonar sleep among mammals could also rspa.royalsocietypublishing.org/ could be used through bubbles. help us understand more about content/468/2147/3517 Sea lions were once sleep, and why we sleep with 3. Rattenborg, N.C., Amlaner, nicknamed ‘the angels of the sea’ both hemispheres simultaneously. C.J., Lima, S.L. 2000. Behavioral, neurophysiological and evolutionary because their outspread foreflippers Or, in order to make ships and perspectives on unihemispheric sleep. looked like angels’ wings to submersibles more hydrodynamic Neuroscience and Biobehavioral sailors, and for their agility and and create less drag in the water, Reviews. 24: 817-842. http:// grace in the water. Sea lions and scientists consider the fusiform www.maths.tcd.ie/~mnl/store/ RattenborgAmlanerLima2000a.pdf

8 Dolphin Society Newsletter Spotlight on Sandy Throughout life people of his favorite dolphin friends, A.J., are shown three objects in a row, acquire different types of Tanner, Rainbow, and Jax, and two of which are the same. The relationships; relationships with his quirky dolphinality shines. He dolphins are asked to touch the different types of people and, if interacts with guests in multiple middle object and then the object you’re lucky, different types of programs, actively trains for the that matches it. Sandy was quick animals. Each person that walks research game Match-to-Sample, to catch on to this game and would through the doors at Dolphin and has worked with the last make honking noises when he got Research Center encounters students of the College of Marine the right answer. Remember how friendly faces and has the Mammal Professions on a behavior I said he loves to splash? He does opportunity to form a this when he is excited special relationship with too. Not only does he all of them, whether they make a silly honking are human, gray-faced, noise but he usually gets or fuzzy-brown faced. As his trainers soaking wet. It a trainer, I am fortunate is all well worth it and he enough to develop is always enthusiastic to strong bonds with the play the game. 27 dolphins and four In the last class for California Sea Lions that the College of Marine call DRC home. Mammal Professions, the A common students chose to train question that trainers the behavior “ball dribble”. get asked is, “Do you With this behavior, the have a favorite?” More dolphins are expected often than not you will to hold a basketball in hear us respond with their mouths, toss it in “The one that is right the air, and then catch it. in front of us.” This is a Being that Sandy loves true statement. However, Photo by Kaitlin Prince to play with all kinds of each relationship that That face, that smile, that spirit - That’s Sandy! toys and is very talented is formed with the animals is called “ball dribble”. using props during behaviors, he completely unique between trainer Being able to introduce Sandy was the perfect dolphin to train and dolphin or sea lion. In the to guests visiting DRC is one of this behavior to. He caught on very past eight years that I have spent my favorite things about my job, quickly to what was being asked of as a trainer at DRC, I have been whether they are participating in him and he can now add another forming these connections with the a Paint with a Dolphin program or fun behavior to his repertoire. animals and one of the ones that I the in water Dolphin Dip program. While each relationship that have been most grateful for is the Sandy always get super excited is formed at DRC is unique and bond that I share with Sandy. Do when guests come down on the special, there are some that stand you have that one friend that you dock to visit him and aside from out. So yes, my favorite dolphin or can go to and they can put a smile showing off with his self-created sea lion is the one that I am with at on your face no matter your mood? giggling belly flop or retrieving the moment but there will always That describes my experience baseball sized rocks as gifts, he be a special place in my heart for with him. Sandy has an infectious absolutely loves to cool them down Sandy. He makes me laugh and he dolphinality that seems to radiate with a refreshing splash fight. amazes me the more I get to work not only to the humans he is More often than not guests can be with him and learn more about interacting with, but to his dolphin guaranteed to leave salty and wet him. Don’t just take my word for buddies too. with smiles on their faces. It goes it, come to DRC and meet him for He is a fun-loving, goofy, without saying that he always wins! yourself. Be prepared to leave a out-of-the box 36 year old that By doing research games with little piece of your heart behind has called DRC home since 1991. any of the dolphins, we are able though because no matter who you He came from the New England to show their cognitive abilities meet, you will fall in love! Aquarium with his buddy, Rainbow, to guests and see the wheels in - Jamie Stevens and has flourished ever since. their minds turning. When training Currently, Sandy lives with some Match-to-Sample, the dolphins

May/June 2016 A.J. & Jax: During a Paint With Pod Updates Gypsi and Luna’s lagoon and, at A Dolphin program, A.J. and Jax Cayo: Cayo is making great some point, completely inflated. worked together to create art for a strides as she learns her watering The kids passed the fish around as little boy. They were so enthusiastic behavior. She has if it were a soccer ball, even tossing during their painting that somehow such a strong bond they managed to paint not only the with her medical shirt, but also a good part of the trainer that the two boy’s hair. have been able to work well together Aleta, Merina & Santini: Aleta, to make steady Merina and Santini enjoy sessions progress. together as sisters. The girls have a blast competing against each other Delta & Gambit: and outdoing each other on high During dock time, energy behaviors. The crowd loves an unstructured watching their friendly rivalry and session where staff the girls enjoy receiving attention members come in return. down on the dock without fish or toys, Atocha & Cacica: DRC is Delta and Gambit Photo by Kaitlin Prince Delta and Gambit team up for great dock time fun. frequently visited by local wildlife, competed for all including pelicans as they pass by. of the attention from one of their it up onto the boardwalk. Once a One of the large birds decided to trainers. Delta left and brought member of the staff saw their “toy”, take a swim in the same lagoon as back sea grass, and Gambit copied. they asked for it and put the fish Atocha and Cacica, and the girls Next, Delta spat back into the water away from the grass at his trainer. dolphins. Not to be outdone, Gambit followed by Karen, Kilo & Lina: Karen, Kilo tossing the grass up and Lina enjoyed working with to her. the CMMP students before the end of their academic year. The Diamond: college students learned to feed Diamond has the sea lions with the help of their started working instructors, which gave these furry on getting touches family members the opportunity to from people other meet and build relationships with than her trainers. new people. She enjoys meeting the new people Louie: Louie enjoyed an out of Photo by Kaitlin Prince and is taking to the the box session where his trainer Whether a pelican or cormorant, seen here, Atocha and Cacica interaction very fed him from the perch in the are fascinated by birds. well. mangrove trees that overlooks his were very curious about it. They lagoon. At the start of the session, both swam under and around the Diva: During a Paint with A Louie was a little confused as to bird, investigating what foreign Dolphin program, Diva intently why his trainer was up in the tree creature was disrupting their watched as her mom painted a and not at the dock, but once he playtime. shirt for the guest. While the trainer got used to the idea, he had a blast was getting another color ready to trying something new. Calusa: One of the newest paint, Diva went over to the shirt members of the training team and starting spinning underneath it, Molly: The Animal Care and decided to get in the water and trying to paint herself. The little girl Training interns are learning to work on building her relationship is eager to learn how to show off interact with the dolphins and with Calusa. Goose loved all of her artistic side. Molly is having a lot of fun teasing the solo attention, and had a blast them. While on the dock, one of snuggling with her trainer on the Flagler, Gypsi, & Luna: A the interns leaned in to try and get tray. pufferfish made its way into Flagler, a kiss. Molly took the opportunity

10 Dolphin Society Newsletter circular pattern Summer: After watching some around the of her friends play slip and slide perimeter of on the docks between sessions, their lagoon. This Summer decided to try beaching new pattern will herself. She did not get too far, but take them right seemed to enjoy the new game. by the crowd as they show Tanner: One of the trainers went off their quick out on the boardwalks to see if swimming skills. each dock was fully supplied with the symbols for whichever dolphins Rainbow: lived in each lagoon. These different Rainbow is shapes and objects are used like learning a new place cards to let the dolphins medical behavior. know at what dock they will station Within just one Photo by Kaylee Turner in their sessions. Even though she Rainbow gets excited about new behaviors. session, he was walked back and forth all over totally trained the place for a good five minutes, to spit right in his face instead. better than any other dolphin. Tanner followed her the entire time, Realizing she got a big reaction, waving and screaming for attention. she spent the rest of the session Reese: Always eager to learn, spitting and splashing up a storm. Reese’s latest challenge is working Tursi: Two of the newest members on his of the Pandora: There was a soccer ball front flip. training floating in the lagoon with the Even in team are moms and babies, and Pandora just the learning decided it wasn’t something she beginning to run wanted around. When she noticed stages, he the a trainer walking by, she got their screams Dolphin attention and then held the ball with Dip between her pectoral flippers. She excitement program, swam on top of it all the way to any time and have the dock where she gave it to the his trainer been trainer. brings out lucky the target enough Pax & Talon: The big half- pole to to have brothers are learning a new work on Tursi variation on an old behavior. Talon this new as one and Pax are working with their Photo by Kaitlin Prince behavior. Reese is eager to work on new behaviors. of their trainers on a new style of speed teachers. In typical Tursi fashion, run. Instead of going back and Sandy: Sandy was playing with a she is making them work hard and forth as before, they will follow a dive ring with his trainer when he will often do everything opposite tossed it up onto the than what they ask, just to keep boardwalk. Instead them on their toes. of falling flat, the ring rolled down Windley: During a staff member’s the boardwalk, and last day, she went down to get Sandy watched it the some dock time. Windley came entire way. As soon over to join her, and was playing as the ring fell into fetch with a mangrove pod. All of the water, Sandy a sudden, Windley decided to beach eagerly swam over herself up on the dock with the to retrieve it and staff member to make her last dock proudly brought it time very memorable. back to the trainer. - Danielle Brown

Photo by Kaylee Turner Tanner zoomed around the lagoon following a trainer.

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From Once Upon A Day, Page 7 he’s king of the throughout the day. Tanner places castle by being his tail in his trainer’s lap, which a as loud as he can staff member shares is practice for be. The small getting a blood sample. At the same girls don’t let the time, A.J. enjoys a supplement of big lug bother water for extra hydration. The them though. dolphins are active participants They often play in their medical care and seem to on their own or enjoy practicing various techniques opt to enjoy the throughout the day. sunshine with Further proof of the mutual older gal, Karen. trust and understanding the If you’re passing trainers and dolphins share is by the sea lion evident by Sandy who plays with a habitat, make Photo by Kaitlin Prince No matter how loud Kilo barks, Diamond and Lina don’t always trainer only a few feet away. One sure you take a listen. of the largest dolphins here at DRC, moment to really his splashtacular behavior doesn’t get a good look of how they swim their way into seem to deter A.J. and Tanner from at what’s going on. You may see your heart, at DRC you’ll celebrate their husbandry session. Towards one of these charming animals pop a fantastic day full of connections the crowd, the goof of a dolphin up from below the surface of the with an amazing group of animals. honks, hula hoops, and shows off water or emerge from their house. Enjoy it! his giggling belly flop. Believe it or not, your visit to - Vanessa Collins What’s that noise? Oh yes, it’s DRC includes meeting all 31 the sea lions! Although you may members of our animal family Crossword Puzzle Answer Key not always see them, you most in some fashion. You may certainly hear them throughout share a moment with them Down Across 1. Responsibility 7. Aluminum Can the day. The most vocal marine from the causeway, greet 2. Interact 8. Recycle mammal, sea lions love to bark, them with a flippershake, 3. Marine Debris 9. Water Bottles roar, growl, and make a variety or make a splash during an 4. Reduce of other vocalizations. Kilo, the 5. Plastic Bag in-water program. Regardless 6. Resuse only male, often tries to show his girlfriends, Lina and Diamond, that

12 Dolphin Society Newsletter