Dolphin Research Center:: Summer courses in marine mammal science

DolphinLab surveys a wide range of information and issues concerning dolphins, their environment and related subjects. Students are introduced to DRC and its resident dolphin population, learning to respect each dolphin as an individual through observation of their unique behavioral and physical characteristics. The course includes a unique blend of seminars, observation time, and hands-on activities. Class sizes average twelve to fourteen students to ensure individualized instruction.

Seminars Include: Acoustics & Communication, Marine Mammal Conservation, Coral Reef Ecology, Dolphin Cognition, Dolphin Physiology, Dolphin Husbandry, Dolphin Training, Dolphin Maternity, Marine Mammal Law, Marine Mammal Stranding, and Cognitive & Behavioral Research.

Students will also participate in: Observation Time, Research Workshop, a Training Demonstration, Training Workshop, a Medical Demonstration and have the opportunity to interact with the dolphins directly throughout the week. Students may elect to receive college credit for attending DolphinLab

Marine Mammal Care and Basic Training is part of our focused career series DolphinLab programs. This course focuses on husbandry care practices and basic training methods associated with marine mammals in human care. This physically rigorous, hands-on program is specifically designed for those students seriously interested in pursuing a career in marine mammal care and training. Primarily focused on the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, the course also delves lightly into the care of sea lions and DRC’s rescue efforts with the Florida manatee.

Seminar Topics Include: Dolphin Physiology, Marine Mammal Husbandry, Introduction to Operant Conditioning & Marine Mammal Training Techniques, Medical Care and Pathology of Marine Mammals, Marine Mammal Rescue & Rehabilitation, Habitat Design & Maintenance, Pinniped Life History/Physiology, Manatee Life History/Physiology

Students participate in a number of interactive activities, including multiple training sessions down on the docks with the dolphins throughout the week. Students experience diet preparation; how to feed, reinforce, and maintain established behaviors.

Other Activities Include: Training Demonstration, Training & Reinforcement Techniques Workshops, Pinniped demonstration, Medical behavior demonstrations, Observation time, record keeping, assisting in husbandry care, Q&A panel discussion with senior trainers on the differences in caring for various marine mammals, as well as opportunities to interact with the dolphins directly throughout the week.

Advanced Marine Mammal Training & Enrichment
After completing Marine Mammal Care and Basic Training, students may apply for our Advanced Marine Mammal Training & Enrichment program. Advanced Marine Mammal Training & Enrichment delves more deeply into the fields of behavioral science, animal care and training. The course allows students to build on the knowledge they acquired during the Marine Mammal Care & Basic Training and begin focusing on training new behaviors, exploring animal enrichment and contemplating more complex issues surrounding marine mammal care.

Seminars Include:

Operant Conditioning & Reinforcement Techniques Review, Advanced Principles of Marine Mammal Training & Behavior Shaping, Behavior Chain Development, Marine Mammal Enrichment, Medical Behavior Training, Dolphin Maternity Care, Population Management, Pursuing a Career in Marine Mammal Training

Students will participate in daily sessions down on the docks with the dolphins and implement a training plan they have developed to teach a new behavior to a dolphin. Public speaking skills will also be developed as students learn how to present dolphins and their training experiences to the public. Students will also explore animal enrichment through directed activities implemented with our dolphins and sea lions. Under the guidance of our staff, students will create enrichment toys and activities for the animals and present these activities and toys to the animals throughout the week and observe the animals' reactions.

Other Activities Include: informal observation and interaction from the training docks, record keeping, diet preparation, assisting in husbandry care, daily dolphin & sea lion training demonstrations, daily discussions with trainers about training progress, marine mammal enrichment workshops, a panel discussion with senior members of our Animal Care and Training department on interspecies differences in training.

Cognitive & Behavioral Marine Mammal Research is part of our focused career series DolphinLab programs. The course provides an in-depth, hands-on immersion into the field of marine mammal science. This research- oriented program surveys an extensive amount of knowledge, theories and ongoing investigations concerning dolphins. By working with staff on actual research studies, students gain a greater understanding of the cognitive abilities and social behavior of these amazing animals, as well as deeper insight into research concepts and methodology.

Seminar Topics & Focused Activities Include: Dolphin Anatomy & Physiology, Marine Mammal Training Techniques, Physiological & Behavioral Research, Marine Mammal Cognition, Marine Mammal Research Law Requirements, Acoustics & Communication, Genetics, Research Project Design, DRC’s Current Research, Career Pathways & Requirements

Students will also: assist staff in current research sessions, learn to conduct independent observation sessions, participate in additional research activities, observe Medical Demonstrations, participate in Informal Discussions with Research Personnel and enjoy opportunities to interact with the dolphins directly throughout the week.

Individual course fees include program activities, meals, and lodging. College credit (undergraduate level) is available for the DolphinLab course at an additional cost.

For course schedules or more information check out our website, www.dolphins.org or (305) 289-1121 x225.

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