Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder Blog

A day-in-the-life of a Photo ID Research Biologist

Although Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder (DPMMR) in Key Largo typically offers a locals special every year, this year’s special seems to hold a higher significance for both Monroe County Residents and the dolphins who call DPMMR their forever home.  

JULY 2020 Update: 

It’s that time of year again! The dates June 1 – November 30^th ring clearly in the minds of all Floridians as the mark of the dreaded hurricane season. The time of year when we all become best friends with the Weather Channel and experience an increase in blood pressure at the sight of Jim Cantore. Names such as Irma, Dorian, Wilma, Katrina, Andrew, and Donna strike fear in the hearts of our communities. After several years of unforgiving storms and devastating hurricanes, it’s no wonder we are all classically conditioned to be trepidatious at the formation of any disturbance off the coast of Africa. We are all now certified as novice meteorologists and have learned to celebrate Sahara dust and seek out Home Depot sales for flashlights, batteries, and generators.

August 2020

Alfonz – Alfonz has been a busy boy this August! He voluntarily gave a blood sample for a routine check-up, has been hanging out with many of our guests, and is helping his friend Bob learn a new in water behavior with the trainers. Typically, Alfonz is our go-to Splash & Wade dolphin as he seems to really enjoy meeting people from a submerged platform. This month, however, Alfonz has been more involved with the deep-water programs, which has added variability to his day and really increased his attention during sessions. Finally, Alfonz has started learning a “belly breach” behavior with Kayla which is where he jumps out of the water and lands on his belly (a natural behavior for dolphins when they’re trying to communicate).

July 28th is a special day for DPMMR. It's the day each year we celebrate another trip around the sun with our big guy Bob! 

My husband, me, and my daughter in my ultimate happy place.

Nancy, How did you end up as the President of DPMMR?

There are no dolphins in Kentucky.

Sunscreen – simple right? We use it daily all over the world. We slather our children in it to protect their precious little skin against the perils of the sun. We use it as lotion, and even use make-up with SPF to combat aging and wrinkles caused by the big ball of fire in the sky. Going out for a day on the boat? Bring the sunscreen. Going fishing? Do not forget the sunscreen. Beach day? Tubing? Waterpark? Yup! Bring the sunscreen. It’s part of our daily routine and has become a standard for skin protection in all areas of our lives. It is important. It is necessary.