I came across this interesting video the other day about a study being conducted about the physiological dynamics of the average dolphin. Simply said the study was on what exactly makes dolphins so fast in water, even more so than most other aquatic based lifeforms.

A study conducted by Terry Williams,  an animal physiologist at California and Santa Cruz, states that dolphins are effectively five times faster than even our best human swimmer. So Michael Phelps, gold medal Olympic champion, would be five times slower than any average dolphin.

The Study conducted by Terry William, involves testing on a dolphin named Primo. Basically what they do is place a load cell on top of the dolphin. A load cell is essentially a sensitive disk that measures the dolphins pressure from his blow hole and in turn translates how much force is being exerted when he swims forward.

What they are trying to measure  is called cost of transport. Which in simple terms means, how much energy is taxed as the dolphin swims. What they found was not surprising.  Dolphins when compared to other marine mammals, is the worlds most effortless swimmer, the amount of energy taxed as they swim is the least, compared to any other marine mammal.

Check this out.

Did you see Primo the dolphin swimming in the water with that weird contraption on his head, that was the load cell described earlier.

I personally believe its a bit of a no brainier that dolphins swim faster than humans, after all they live in water and they are designed for water. But in all fairness this was more to understand scientifically what characteristics and attributes specifically allow them to be faster than any other marine species. So it does have its uses.

I think studies like this are always important to broaden our minds and understandings of these amazing creatures.

I’m eager to hear what you guys think about the video.

Hope to hear from you soon,

God Bless,

Tarek

I saw this very interesting video the other day about a rather simple yet ground breaking study being done at the Baltimore aquarium. A study of self awareness.

Self awareness is an indication of superior intelligence. Dolphins from as young as 6 months old can begin to recognize that they are seeing themselves in a mirror.

Only a handful of creatures are known to have this capability, humans, elephants and now dolphins top the list. Creatures like dogs and cats are not even aware that a mirror is placed in front of them, and those that are show little to no interest. Animals like parrots and other birds believe they are seeing another kind of their same species but do not understand it is themselves they are seeing.

Take a look at this video, as it shows clearly how the dolphins act after recognizing themselves in the mirror. It is quite unique and simply remarkable.

The true point made in this study is not so much that the dolphins can recognize themselves in the mirror, which is extraordinarily rare on its own, but is the fact that dolphins show high levels of interest in seeing themselves in mirrors. This would prove they have  a higher level of brain function and would put them on a far higher scale than previously assigned by the scientific community.

Ultimately the study concludes that understanding more and more about dolphins self recognition, creativity and interest in ones self, would categorize it on a near human scale of intelligence.  This would change the entire relationship we have with dolphins, and one hopes, our at least as the study says, would have good implications for treating dolphins better; especially with more respect to their habitats, way of life and to the species in general.

I’d love to hear what you guys think about the video and the study. Do you believe dolphins are as smart as human beings? Do they match our intelligence? Is it just a coincidence seeing the dolphins stare and make fun at themselves in the mirror time and time again?

Would this change how you view dolphins, how would you act around them the nest time you went swimming with the dolphins.

Hope to hear from you soon,

God Bless,

Tarek

Hey Gang,

I guess its time for Dolphin World to get into the shopping sales craze on the Friday after Thanksgiving.  They even give it a special name, Black Friday. I wonder where they got that name? Does anyone know? Anyway, it’s hard to believe people get up so early and go shopping at many stores around the country. I have some family members that were out shopping from 12am – 6am.

Well from the comfort of your computer, you save some money either on a  vacation from Expedia or Swimming with the Dolphins Tour with us. Here are the specials.

Expedia…
Black Friday Coupon Code: Save $100 on a vacation in Hawaii, the Caribbean or Mexico! Use code BlackFriday2010 at checkout! – Starts 11/26/10 – Expires 11/29/10

Black Friday Deal: Get a $50 pre-paid debit card with a 3+ night stay at select Expedia hotels! – Valid 11/26/10 – 11/29/10

Choice Hotel Deals: Book 2+ Night Stay & Receive a $25 or $50 Target Gift Card! – Expires 12/15/2010

Payless Car Rental: Midsize cars from $30 per day! – Expires 12/15/2010

Norwegian Cruises: Great deals + get up to $100 to spend onboard! – Expires 12/20/2010

Dolphin World…
Black Friday Sale: $10 off per person for any Dolphin program participant or observer in the Following locations, Miami, Florida Keys, Hawaii, Bahamas, or Dominican Republic.  Use Code: BlackFriday10Off on check out. Valid from 11/26/10 – 11/29/10 < Click Now to SAVE >

When using our Dolphin World promotion, you need to copy and paste that code into the comment box of the reservation form. Remember this promotion ends Monday, November 29 at Midnight.

What about you, were you out there shopping? Well I hope everyone had a joyous Thanksgiving!
God Bless,
John

Hey Guys, I read this article today and I thought I would share it with you, its actually quite interesting. This guy named Astro Bob who works for the Duluth News Tribune in Duluth Minn as a photographer and photo editor, considers himself an amateur photographer.  He has documented a finding that is most likely unknown to the general public. That of a star constellation that strikingly resembles a dolphin suspended in mid air.

It can be viewed during the Summer months at around 8:30 at night. You just have to know where to look. In this case the summer triangle which involves three very bright stars, those include Deneb, Vega and Altair. To the left of this you should be able to spot the 5 lesser stars of Delphinus, which are quite remarkable in their own right.

The Names of the stars also have an extremely unique story, which Bob enlightens us on.

” In what must be one of the few cases of stars being named after an individual and recognized by the professional astronomy community, Sualocin and Rotanev are Nicolaus and Venator spelled backwards. They were named after Nicolaus Venator, the Latinized name of the assistant director of the Palermo Observatory back in the early 1800s. Venator worked with Giuseppe Piazzi, who discovered the very first asteroid Ceres in 1801. No one’s sure whether it was Piazzi or Venator that inserted the name in a star catalog at the time, but somehow they survived to the present day. You’ll see those names on star charts and sky-charting software used round the world”

For more on this interesting article Click here.

Astro Bob also makes the point in saying that it is possible as of today for anyone to name a star after themselves, granted they find it first. You could potentially find another constellation like Delphinus and name it yourselves like Nicolaus Venator did.

So what do you guys think about Delphinus the dolphin constellation?

Doesn’t it look like a dolphin swimming in the Milky Way.

Sometimes looking up at the night sky you can only imagine what you might see, and its comforting to know that somewhere up there a dolphin is smiling back at you.

Hey guys i have some really exciting news, have you ever reminisced about those old movies like Free Willy where a heart felt story unfolds displaying and propagating the love and struggle between a small boy and his dolphin. Well no need to fear, the secrets out, a new movie a dolphin’s tale is due to release next year 2011. And it is predicted to be a big hit.

Emmy winners like Clay Hasket, Ashley Judd and Morgan freeman will be giving this movie the added publicity to make it into a hit.

The story unfolds around this little boy named Sawyer who convinces his dad Clay to save the dolphin “Winter”They embark upon an epic struggle of perseverance, fortitude and sheer will power to see that Winter makes a full recovery. Against all odds we will see the meaning of love between a boy and his dolphin.

On the set, executive producer Bob Engelman spoke glowingly about his Tampa Bay filming experience, so far.

“It has gone terrifically,” he said. “We’ve had zero production issues on this. Florida has been fabulous.”

Productions typically figure potential problems with weather and malfunctions into shooting schedules. Although Dolphin Tale hasn’t needed those precautions, Engelman said he expects filming to continue until mid December as planned.

“We’ll finish on time because what we’re doing is getting a better movie,” he said. “It’s giving us more time to get better performances. The director is taking that time to make this a better movie.”

To read more on this article click here

Overall I’m very excited for the release of this movie, and I have no doubt that this will be a blockbuster hit. Its good to see that classic movies of this genre still have a place in Hollywood.

So I’m curious to see what you guys think,  are you excited to see this movie?

Perhaps seeing Winter swim out in her healed form because of  the love and compassion of Sawyer will melt your hearts and calm your souls.  I know mine certainly well.

Hope to hear from you soon,

God Bless,

Tarek

This is a really interesting and important study that was recently done in the University of South Florida in St. Petersburg and Mote Marine Laboratory. What they found was that a high number of dolphins and whales that had beached themselves, which means had stranded themselves inland were actually deaf. They speculate that because dolphins main compass for direction is actually their hearing, through the means of echolocation, they systematically and inevitably strand themselves on beaches and islands because they ultimately cannot navigate without their hearing.

The implications of this are important. Many Marine biologists who have saved dolphins and whales from their stranded positions are now confirming that their dolphins are indeed for the most part deaf. This would indicate the reason for their being stranded in the first place.

Therefore, as a result they are reconsidering whether or not to release them back promptly, as this would only lead to their loss of direction again or possibly their deaths. This Study consequently could be the beginning of saving the lives of hundreds of dolphins and whales that exhibit some level of this phenomenon.

The Study supports this.
“Given that these species rely on echolocation for orientation and feeding, the researchers believe that hearing loss could play a role in some strandings.”
“They also believe the findings might cause veterinary experts and scientists to rethink their strategies for rehabilitation and release of stranded animals.”

This Study is ground breaking if revealed to be accurate. The validity of their work has not yet been thoroughly tested as it is in the experimental phase, but so far they do possess strong evidence for their claim.  This is important as it will undoubtedly change the way scientists and marine biologists deal with dolphins that possess hearing loss, and would require some alternate means to provide the dolphin with the basic skills to recalibrate themselves back into the wild before releasing them, which would save countless thousands of these amazing creatures.

Read here for more on this study.

I’m curious to know what you guys think, are these guys right?

do you believe that hearing loss could be a reason for dolphins being stranded?

do you believe that when these dolphins are swimming without hearing, it could potentially cause their injury or even possible death?

Or are some dolphins simply unlucky and get detached from their niche and simply get lost?

Hope to hear from you soon,

God Bless,

Tarek

Hey All, here are great deals from Expedia.com for travel in the upcoming winter season. If you are ready to Save Money, Take a Tropical Vacation, and possibly swim with the dolphins too!. Check out these deals.

Bahamas Coupon is Back! Save $300 Instantly on Air & 4+ Hotel nights! Use Code BAHFALL at checkout! – Expires 12/1/10

Big Beach Sale: Save up to 30% on Hotels in the Caribbean, Mexico & Hawaii – Expires 11/24/10

Last-Minute Orlando Deals: Hotels from $45, Vacations from $266 – Expires 11/17/2010

Mexico Beach Sale: Hotels from $59+! – Expires 11/24/2010

Find Travel Deals on Top 10 Family-Friendly Vacations! – Expires 12/31/2010

Save $50 on weekly airport rentals with Hertz! – Expires 12/17/10

Save up to 77% off standard fare on Mexico cruises! – Expires 12/31/2010

Any of these deals make you want to do it?
Happy Traveling!
God Bless,
John

The International Marine Animal Association also known as IMATA is one of the most dedicated organizations involved in advancing the humane care and handling of marine animals by fostering communication between professionals that serve marine animal science through training, public display, research, husbandry, conservation, and education.”

This organization has a critical role in multiple facets of dolphin swim organizations, including researching their treatment and overall quality of life of the animals.  These people in a nut shell make sure the dolphins are treated well in all conditions and facilities.

“IMATA is dedicated to providing and advancing the most professional, effective, and humane care of marine animals in all habitats.”

IMATA provides opportunities for marine animal trainers to exchange and disseminate current knowledge, research and training information in both professional and social settings. In addition, IMATA maintains a positive public image by preparing its members to act as ambassadors of the marine animal community.

Every year these people meet annually to discuss important reform and changes and the general advancement of the organization. This video shows the 37th Annual IMATA conference in Atlanta Georgia.

In essence if you are looking to become a professional dolphin trainer, this is an excellent place to start.

Within marine science related courses lie many exciting and challenging jobs ranging from a marine animal trainer to a zoo keeper or from an oceanographer to an environmental scientist.

Categories to choose from, range from Marine Biology, Oceanography, Zoology, Ecology, to Animal Behavior, Veterinary Medicine, Regulatory careers, Marine animal training. The list is extensive, and the career opportunities vast. But the competition is steep, you have to get involved relatively early and relatively quickly to get the proverbial foot in the door.

Internship and volunteer work are all good ways of getting that much need3ed early experience, and will make you stand out on your initial application.

Overall this Organization embodies the core values necessary and the reputation required to truly make a difference in the Marine life community on all fronts. This is where your first steps into the world of training swimming Dolphins will happen, and empower a promising future of you as a trainer and a contributor to the Marine life community.

Check out their official website for more details on how you can make a difference in your future today.

How many out there are interested in becoming a Dolphin Trainer or joining an organization like this?
God Bless,
John

Sea Life Park recently added a very special member to their family, a new baby dolphin. As customary at Sea Life Park, it has a contest called the “Name the baby dolphin”.  The name of this new baby dolphin would be determined by one of the thousands of dolphin lovers around the globe.  This contest allows one winner from anywhere around the globe to send in their personal request of what the new baby dolphin should be named. Also the winner gets a 3 night holiday to the absolutely fabulous and luxurious Sheraton Waikiki hotel and an shallow water encounter with the baby dolphin and the mother.

For Lindsey Caldwell, a 16 year old animal lover from Kuristown, HI, this was a dream come true. That’s right, a local has been chosen as the winner. By the way, in case you were wondering “Nalu” in Hawaiian has the meaning, “Wave, Surf, or Full of Waves”

This video shows the new born “Nalu” playing and swimming in the water.

Wow, absolutely amazing. “Nalu” looks stronger than ever and is very healthy and active. “Nalu” without a doubt, will make a fine  addition to the dolphins at Sea Life Park.  The trainers say that “Nalu” will become even stronger in the coming months.

So what do you guys think about Nalu? Do you like the name?

I know I would want to swim with dolphins in Oahu Hawaii experience  and especially if Nalu is in the water with me.

Hope to hear from you all soon
God Bless,
Tarek

You may be looking for Dolphin Discounts and if you book online for the following locations you can save. Here are the discounts you can get if you make your reservations online.

• If you book from 7 to 15 days before your activity date, you get a 5% discount.
• If you book from 16 to 30 days before your activity date, you get a  10% discount.
• If you book from 31 to 60 days before your activity date, you get a 15% discount.
• If you book from 61 days or more before your activity date, you get a 20% discount for Mexico and Grand Cayman only.

You may ask ” How long will these discounts last?” It will last until the business picks up in these locations.  So I recommend that you book now if you want to save.  To see if you are getting the discounts or not, follow these instructions.

1. Go to the location you wish to book a dolphin program
< Mexico > < Tortola > < Grand Cayman > << Click Here
2. Either Click the Reserve Now Button or go to the Page where you see this booking widget.

Put in the Book Now box, amount of People, Date of Program, and the Time you wish to do the program. Then click the Book Now Button.
3. On this next page, you will see the discount in RED. If you don’t see the discount, then that means the discount has been discontinued. So look TODAY to see if you can SAVE!

What do you think of these discounts? Will this discount help you book your dolphin swim sooner than later?
God Bless,
John