Leslie (#80): Leslie was first seen by researchers in 2004 with only one small scar and one small spot. On the first day of the 2005 field season, Leslie made sure that researchers noticed her! She has been seen regularly during each season since. A young adult, Leslie is now a mom and we can’t wait to see her calves grow! Leslie was named by Melissa Miller in the summer of 2005.
Adoption kits cost $30 for the electronic version, and $35 for the hardcopy version.
Romeo (#10): Romeo can be identified primarily by the missing tip from her dorsal fin. There are also three spaced-out spots that form a diagonal line to the left of the dorsal fin. Romeo is very interactive and playful, both at the surface and under water. Often seen in the company of Swoosh (ID#36) and Finn (ID #09)), Romeo has of course also been seen with Juliette (#12) during our research. Romeo was named by Donna DiMassa in July 2004.
Adoption kits cost $30 for the electronic version, and $35 for the hardcopy version.
Speedy (#78) is just that and enjoys chasing his dolphin friends. When he rolls over, it’s easiest to see his unique, large, black belly spot. Jenni MacArthur named Speedy for Mark Tse in February 2010.
Adoption kits cost $30 for the electronic version, and $35 for the hardcopy version. See the “What’s in your Adoption Kit?” below to learn more about what you’ll receive in each version of the dolphin adoption kit.
Milo (#96) first visited DCP’s camera in 2011. He made sure we noticed him and the vertical scar on his left side. He’s a social dolphin who spends time with a variety of other dolphins – young, old, male and female! Milo was named in 2011 by Steve McNicholas and Loretta Sacco , for their son, Milo.
Adoption kits cost $30 for the electronic version, and $35 for the hardcopy version. See the “What’s in your Adoption Kit?” below to learn more about what you’ll receive in each version of the dolphin adoption kit.
Inka (#93): is the female offspring of Juliette (#12). Inka was first seen with her mother in 2009 and was added to the DCP photo-ID catalog right away. Normally, calves are not in our catalog because they all look alike, not yet having developed their first spots. But, Inka’s distinctive right pectoral fin meant we would always tell her apart from the other youngsters! Unfortunately, Inka suffered an injury to her fin, possibly even before her first birthday. Thankfully, she recovered well and we have enjoyed watching her grow over the years.
Adopting a wild dolphin with DCP helps to fund:
The purchase of new research equipment (e.g., cameras, underwater microphones)
Conservation and education programs on Bimini, the US and around the world
Publication and dissemination of DCP’s research results to the scientific community and the general public
Maintenance of the DCP website, field reports, and our podcast The Dolphin Pod
Classroom education programs for school-aged children including DCP Youth Program, Dolphin Research Trainee, Classroom Connections
Volunteer, ecotour and internship opportunities for the public
What’s in your Adoption Kit?
An official adoption certificate
Photograph of your adopted dolphin
Details on how to download dolphin vocalizations from the Bimini adopt-a-dolphins as a ringtone or audio file
DVD containing video of the Bimini dolphins
Biography of your adopted dolphin
Welcome letter and registration info
Information Booklet with Atlantic spotted dolphin fact sheet and info about the Dolphin Communication Project
Random DCP trading card sample
Financial donations are always welcome. Through your generous support, DCP is able to continue existing research and education programs and develop new opportunities.
You can donate directly to DCP via PayPal by clicking the Donate button below. If you would like to make a donation in honor of a loved one, please click on the Donate button – you will be provided space to fill in the name of your loved one during the donation process. DCP can also accept “in-kind” donations.
Education Modules
Several programs have been developed to teach both school groups and the general audience about dolphins, dolphin research, ocean conservation, and related topics. These programs can be arranged for auditorium-style lectures (100 or more viewers) or for more “up-close and personal” discussions with groups of smaller size. Presentations include slides, video, or “prop” demonstrations.
Our programs focus on dolphin communication and communication in general, on photo-identification as a tool for studying animals, on behavior and studying behavior, on acoustics and sound travel in water versus in air, on research methodologies, and on conservation issues.
Field Course for Marine Mammal Trainers Overview
What is it?
A week-long course that combines lectures on marine mammal behavior and cognition, cetacean ecology, observational research methods, and boat-based and in-water encounters with wild Atlantic spotted dolphins near Bimini and common bottlenose dolphins in human care at Dolphin Encounters in Nassau.
Who’s it for?
This course is specially designed for marine mammal trainers at any stage in their career, and hailing from any country or facility around the world. The course offers opportunities to participate in field research and exchange ideas and information with peers.
