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Popular State Guides
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Dolphin Research CenterThe Dolphin Research Center, a non-profit organization situated in Grassy Key, Florida, is a spectacular saltwater pool carved out of the shoreline. At present, this 90,000 square foot (8000 sq. m.) dolphinarium is home to 19 dolphins, including the California sea lions as well as a family of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. It offers visitors a number of opportunities to hand-signal, swim with, and participate in interactive programs with the dolphins. The Dolphin Research Center was established as Santini’s Porpoise School in 1958 by Milton Santini, a Corsican dolphin trainer. The facility was sold to a transnational entertainment corporation in 1972 and was renamed as Flipper’s Sea School. In 1977, the center was acquired by the whale conservationist John Paul Fortom-Gouin, who renamed it as the Institute for Delphinid Research and restricted any sort public access to it. After a moratorium was imposed on whaling by the International Whaling Commission, the center reopened to the public as the Dolphin Research Center in 1984. It was owned and operated by John Paul’s general manager and head trainer, Jayne and Mandy Rodriguez. Dolphins are considered to be the most intelligent mammals in the world. Over the years, Dolphin Research Center is a popular education and research facility, which allows the visitors to learn more about these beautiful dolphins. The major attraction at the Dolphin Research Center is Flipper, famed bottlenose dolphin of '50s TV fame. The exciting ‘Dolphin Splash’ and ‘Dolphin Encounter’ programs offer the visitors an opportunity to get in the water with live dolphins or interact with them from a submerged platform. Although reservations for these programs are made well in advance, the ‘walk-in’ visitors can choose from the 12 spots kept reserved for them. However, these programs are very highly structured, short, and expensive. The various programs for children include Paint with a Dolphin, where the dolphin paints a T-shirt using colors chosen by the kid, and Meet a Dolphin, where the kids can do a back-rub or a handshake with the dolphin. The Center also offers several other interactive programs, such as Trainer for a Day, Researcher for a Day, Wade-in programs, and dolphin swims; as well as special needs programs designed especially for amputees and those suffering from mental and emotional disorders. In addition, self-guided tours and educational presentations are also offered at the Center. Dolphin Research Center has persisted on the cutting edge of the dolphin experiences in the Keys for a number of years. It offers a great holiday experience, particularly with kids, and is a ‘must-see’ for all those who visit Orlando.
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