On Thursday January 8, we held an Awesome Ocean Live Q&A with the Dolphin Research Center’s Director of Research Dr. Kelly Jaakkola.
Due to the overwhelming response and a few technical glitches, we were not able to get to all of the questions on air. Luckily, Dr. Jaakkola was gracious enough to field some more questions and offer additional insight.
Don’t you just love it when people engage in thoughtful debate?
Question 1: How Invasive Is the Research that the Dolphin Research Center Does with its Dolphins?
In the video above, Dr. Jaakola details the Dolphin Research Center’s veterinarian care and research practices with dolphins. The Center’s non-invasive research benefits dolphins in the wild and dolphins in human care.
Question 2: Do You Advocate for Swim With Dolphin Programs?
In the video above, Dr. Jaakola tells us one of the primary missions for marine mammal facilities, like the Dolphin Research Center, is to offer a connection with animals and offer inspiration for protecting the species in the wild. The video also explains dolphins at the DRS have a choice in participating in interactions like Swim With Dolphin programs.
Question 3: Why Do People Argue That Some Animals Are Too Big For Human Care?
Dr. Jaakkola talks about how to provide for an animals needs in a zoological setting. She says that size of the animal is what people use as a proxy for the amount of space an animal needs to thrive. Dr. Jaakkola says the real issue is whether a zoo or aquarium can provide an adequate environment for that animal to thrive.
Question 4: Does the Dolphin Research Center Work Directly With the Mirage Resort in Las Vegas
Dr. Kelly Jaakkola explains that the Dolphin Research Center does not work with the trainers at the Secret Garden at The Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas, but the Dolphin Research Center does collaborate with facilities and trainers all around the world on research.
Question 5: How Do Wild Dolphins Benefit From Cognitive Studies Done At The Dolphin Research Center?
Dr. Jaakkola also explains how research is done on dolphin communication, behavior, stranding, and other research that is done on dolphins in human care.
We want to thank Dr. Kelly Jaakkola for taking time out of her busy schedule to answer these additional question. To watch the full Awesome Ocean LIVE Q&A please click here.