Research & Husbandry After an early morning underwater session. We went over to RIMS and observed husbandry procedures on two animals. We watched (and learned) as blood was drawn and blowhole cultures were taken. These medical 'checkups' are important in assessing and maintaining the health of the animals. Very interesting! Regular checkups are important for dolphins, just as for children, because they don't often show any behavioral signs of illness until it is too late.
The PM session revealed behaviors we had not yet witnessed here.
2 underwater recording sessions in dark water For most of today the dolphins were into their own thing. In fact, Mrs. Beasley seemed irritated beyond measure with Cedena. We have no clue what led to her behavior, but Mrs. B chased, jaw clapped and jawed at Cedena. Robin saw Mrs. B chasing Cedena and Cedena leaping ~3 m into the air! They'd quieted down by our afternoon session.
Whistles abounded ... and were mostly audible and recorded on the morning 30 min session.
Our first stormy day on Roatan The breeze felt good and the storm clouds (and rainbows) were a stark contrast to previous days. Little rain fell but the clouds were full as evidenced by a few rainbows. One had its end at Bailey's Key ... the dolphins were certainly not your ordinary pot of gold.
Our morning was spent with summaries and reviews. Our afternoon a break with a couple of novels and a nap.