Dolphin Encounter

We set out to experience the Dolphin Research Center near Marathon, FL which is considered the middle of the keys. Florida loves to promote dolphin encounters and swimming with dolphins. From what we read this was a non-profit establishment which supports dolphin research and rescues, and really offered a comprehensive experience. It did not disappoint. This was better than any zoo or Sea World I have ever been to. We got to be up close and personal with the dolphins and trainers ,d every half hour there was a different presentation going on. We just wished we had arrived earlier in the day so we didn't miss the other lectures.

Sequoia even enjoyed his first dolphin meet-and-greet. They allow people to bring in their dogs to this facility, but we were the only ones that day. They actually tried to get our attention as we walked past their habitats by slapping the water and squeaking at him. They say the dolphins love dogs and they sure wanted his attention. He didn't quite know what to make of them. It was a riot. We think they were really saying,"Do you have fish? Look at me! I can clap and talk for a fish. Do you have fish?"

During the day the dolphins did jumps and other various tricks that the center said they would do naturally and to which they just put hand signals and rewarded them after every behavior. It was not dissimilar to training a dog. The center rescued one of their dolphins when he was a baby because he was attacked by a shark. He has half a tail and a mangled dorsal fin. But, he sure doesn't act or swim like he's disabled. Two of their other dolphins and largest of the bunch are the grandchildren of the infamous duo from the movie Flipper.

All in all it was an amazing day full of beautiful creatures. I highly recommend this stop if you ever come to the Keys.