Movie Star Inspired by Dolphin Rescue
Fun fact!
Did you know that Austin Highsmith’s acting in Dolphin Tales was inspired by a dolphin rescue she personally helped with?
The actress was in a dolphin sanctuary in Florida studying for her role as a dolphin trainer when experts asked for her assistance.
Austin was having dinner when Abby, the real-life trainer she plays in the movie, came to her for help. Austin says she remembers the dolphin being taken out of an ambulance and being placed in a tank.
To say the least, it was an extremely emotional experience. Austin recalls watching a dolphin who had never interacted with people before, distinctly remembers the trainers’ outpouring of care and love toward the animal.
In making the latest Dolphin Tale movie, Austin said that in that process, she went back to her experience.
One remark in a recent interview included her saying that she wanted to stay true to the real compassionate trainers, like Abby has, in saving dolphin lives.
A big part of the job for almost all dolphin trainers is taking care of the dolphins in their facility. For many of the trainers in dolphin sanctuaries around the world, this also means rescuing dolphins who are in danger.
It’s encouraging to see people celebrating dedicated trainers through the promotion and production of the Dolphin Tale films. We strongly encourage everyone to go see this feel-good family film.
