History

The dolphin lagoon at Hawks Cay Resort in the Florida Keys was constructed in 1985 to serve as the wintering quarters for bottlenose dolphins that preformed seasonally throughout the United States. A resident population of bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions were maintained year-round, and early breeding produced several viable offspring from both species.

In 1990, the Chicago Zoological Society assumed operation of the Florida facility (which they named The Dolphin Connection) with a goal of studying and breeding bottlenose dolphins, as well as educating people about marine environments.

Current owners Doug and Cheryl Messinger served as the facility’s senior staff at the time. In addition to making a number of invaluable scientific discoveries, they were able to successfully breed and rear nine bottlenose dolphin calves.

In 1996, the Dolphin Connection became an independent company under the direction of the Messengers, who to this day continue to carry on the facility’s outstanding tradition of education, research and breeding.

Staff

Dolphin Connection owners Doug and Cheryl Messinger are highly respected leaders in the training, care, research and breeding of marine mammals. Together, they have more than 50 years experience in the marine mammal field.

Each member of the Dolphin Connection staff is highly trained, with annual involvement in professional conferences, wildlife research projects and staff exchange programs with zoological institutions around the country. This comprehensive experience translates into the best possible care for our animals.

For those wishing to enter the field of marine mammal care, the Dolphin Connection has designed a popular internship program to educate students about the career options open to them. For more information on our internship program, e-mail us at: internships@dolphinconnection.org

Research

The Dolphin Connection staff and animals have worked with a variety of world-renowned researchers to make groundbreaking discoveries about bottlenose dolphins.

Our most important discoveries include:

• Defining the natural behavior of breeding dolphins — Through a behavioral study we documented the cooperative raising and nursing of all calves in the group by any available female. This was a first for bottlenose dolphins. We also learned through this study that two male dolphins will bond with one another to pair up for a life-long union.
• Gaining a better understanding of dolphin reproduction — We participated in a study that determined that geographic location and length of light, or photoperiods, affect a dolphin’s breeding cycles. We also assisted in developing the first reversible birth control method for male dolphins to help prevent inbreeding.
• Documenting and identifying newborn dolphin calf whistles — The creation of signature whistles, which are unique to each individual dolphin, was studied in our lagoon through the use of underwater microphones called hydrophones. It is now understood that male calves develop a whistle similar to their mother, while female calves develop a unique whistle.
• Gaining a better understanding of how pollution can affect dolphins — Through the collection of voluntary milk samples, it was discovered that environmental contaminants, such as heavy metals, are passed from the mother’s body through the milk to the newborn calf.

Research often leads us down interesting paths! Did you know that Nemo, a male dolphin on breeding loan from the Chicago Zoological Society, holds an honorary college degree from Loyola University for the role he played in determining how echolocation, or sonar, works?

A dolphin that’s a college graduate – now that’s something to be proud of!

Partnerships

The Dolphin Connection values the knowledge and resources of our numerous colleagues around the world, and understands that collective knowledge translates into the best possible care for our dolphins.

The Dolphin Connection is a founding member of the Bottlenose Dolphin Breeding Consortium, bringing together groups of like-minded institutions to collectively manage a sustainable and genetically-sound population of bottlenose dolphins. Formed in 1999, this pioneering venture has produced more than 20 successful bottlenose dolphin calves to date.

Our members include:

Chicago Zoological Society
Disney’s EPCOT Living Seas
Indianapolis Zoological Society
Minnesota Zoological Garden
National Aquarium in Baltimore
Texas State Aquarium

Accredited

The Dolphin Connection is proud to be professionally accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums since 2003. The Alliance administers a stringent accreditation process for its members, with re-accreditations taking place every five years.

Accredited members must uphold Alliance Standards and Guidelines to optimize the health and well-being of marine mammals under their care and to maximize both the educational and scientific value of their operation as a whole.

Affiliated

Collaboration, both nationally and internationally, is a fundamental tenet of Dolphin Connection operations. Our staff members are actively involved in a number of professional organizations, including:

Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums
American Zoo and Aquarium Association
International Marine Animal Trainer’s Association
Society for Marine Mammalogy
Animal Behavior Management Alliance
International Association of Aquatic Animal Medicine
European Association of Aquatic Mammals
National Marine Educators Association