FL Keys question - Dolphin Research Center

[large_diver]

My 15 year old daughter is intent (for the moment) on pursuing a career as a vet or marine science of some type. She does well in math and science and has been volunteering at a local vet office for 2 years now.

She is looking at summer camps for 2012 related to the sea and marine mammals (research, rescue, etc.). One place that has caught her eye is the Dolphin Research Center on Grassy Key (near Marathon). Hard to tell from their web site whether this place is just a tourist attraction that presents itself as doing real research or an org. focused on research that has some dolphin interaction programs just to pay the bills.

Swim with the dolphins at Dolphin Research Center Marathon FL, Dolphin and Sea Lion Research

Does anyone out there have any knowledge of this place?

Thanks.

Chris

 

[The Chairman]

I have been and they do research (private), mammal rehabilitation and also operate as a tourist stop. I visited them awhile a few years ago, and was not that impressed. I got the impression that they had too much to do with the allotted time or that they didn't like people all that much. Since then, I have seen them interact with some of the mammal rehabilitations here in the Keys and that has changed my mind considerably. I would e-mail or call them and ask them what your daughter should expect. While you're down here, please stop by and say hi or even possibly we can get a dive or two in.

 

[large_diver]

Thanks a lot Pete for the info and the offer. My wife has spoken to them and they seem like good people, but just looking for some 3rd party validation. I would love an excuse to go drop her off in the keys...

Chris

 

[The Chairman]

I can be good at twisting peep's arms to come dive in the Keys! Heck, I haven't worn a wetsuit here in over a year. Here's me a few days ago working on the coral nursery:

 

[vmsgeek]

I can be good at twisting peep's arms to come dive in the Keys! Heck, I haven't worn a wetsuit here in over a year. Here's me a few days ago working on the coral nursery:

That looks interesting. Is this something one volunteers for? Where do I find out more about this?

 

[The Chairman]

Interesting is putting it mildly. The fish bother the heck out of you as you clean which makes it so much fun. I was even adopted by a file fish! I tried to chase him off after he bit my finger, but he just stuck around. The Key Largo Dive Center has a training trip coming up: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/tr...oral-restoration-training-dives-jan-21st.html

 

[vmsgeek]

Interesting is putting it mildly. The fish bother the heck out of you as you clean which makes it so much fun. I was even adopted by a file fish! I tried to chase him off after he bit my finger, but he just stuck around. The Key Largo Dive Center has a training trip coming up: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/tr...oral-restoration-training-dives-jan-21st.html

All right, I will definitely keep this in mind. We will be in Florida again in Feb or Mar, hopefully there will be another event around that time.

 

[DolphinResearchCenter]

Hi, Chris,

We saw your post and welcome the opportunity to answer your question. DRC is a nonprofit marine mammal education and research center. We are funded by the daily visitors who come in to see the dolphins and sea lions and do the interactive programs, as well as by members and donors. So you're correct in that those programs pay the bills.

We are also one of the leading places doing cognitive and behavioral research on dolphins in the world. (On our website www.dolphins.org, we have a Research section with more information about our studies.)

Education is also a major aspect of our mission. Rather than present a scripted show, we offer narrated behavior sessions with the dolphins and sea lions that focus on a variety of different topics such as dolphin physiology, moms and babies, how they learn, research, etc., all demonstrated by the dolphins, of course. Education about marine mammals and the environment is a vital component in every session or presentation.

Your daughter is old enough for the Teen DolphinLab classes. These one week programs are terrific in the amount of information and activities they provide, and the number of quality hands-on experiences the students enjoy. We have many teens who start with the basic Lab and go on to do Intermediate and the Marine Mammal Care and Basic Training lab, too.

Most of our dolphin family was born here. The others have come to us for a variety of reasons. Jax and Louie, for example, were rescued as stranded, injured orphans. Kibby needed special medical care, and so on.

I know you've already spoken to our Education Department and they are happy to answer any questions or concerns. Having seen your post, we just wanted to make sure that someone also responded directly.

Many thanks for considering DRC for your daughter's experience.

 

[moneysavr]

FYI,
DRC?
They forgot to tell you your going to pay $$$$$$$$ for the lab,

This is my 2 cents and IMO only so take it for what it's worth,

1. I personally hate any = aquarium,sea lab,tourist trap that traps and basically tortures these beautiful and smart marine mammal's in the name of science or rehabilitation! you may ask why?it dates back to my youthful years on Grand Bahamas,frequenting the island often in her glory days and when boats could be rented I took pals to Unexso lagoon and first hand witnessed the atrocities on these creatures,seeing them chain link fenced in diving over piers to escape and hearing guides mention at night they were released back into the wild BULL-S###!

2. Why don't they rehabilitate and release?????????????????????????????????

3. I will respond to No#2 because its show me the money!!!<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< OK= a animal cant be released due to its inability to survive ok then and only then I would be ok with it as long as a state & or both federal agency's makes sure that the dolphins are cared for in humane conditions. and if a time comes that they can be released that they are!

4. That said I am done ranting,, but girls,, I have one= do the horse thing or marine deal OHHH there so cute! start saving for vet school!! I think work in marine bio field is going to be like taking business management classes in a country that is only skill set is going to be service related fields,
for my buck send her to sea camp,
sfdj.com
you go diving the week with PETE and its a win -win for less $$
My 2 cents only

 

[sheeper]

something to look at is Harbor Branch here in FL. they are associated with florida atlantic university which has several marine programs. I don't know the status of their summer programs but check out FAU - Harbor Branch