Dr. Rae Stone Of Dolphin Quest Testifies At U.S. Senate Hearing

Featured Image Credit: Dolphin Quest

Opened in 1988, Dolphin Quest aims to touch the hearts and minds through fun, innovative experiences that create a connection to nature and a passion to learn more. It all started in the early 80’s with two marine mammal veterinarians who wanted to create an alternative to the traditional oceanarium environment and dolphin shows. They dreamed of beautiful and natural dolphin habitats where visitors could be the guests in a dolphins home.

The goal: inspirational and educational dolphin encounters that fund wild dolphin conservation.

Thanks to years and years of experience and expertise, both knew that dolphins thrive on attention and that strong relationships between dolphins and humans are enriching for both species. Making Dolphin Quest the ONLY dolphin public-display organization owned, managed, and operated by veterinarians. The dolphins at Dolphin Quest receive state-of-the-art veterinary care, top-notch nutrition and lots of love and attention from the marine mammal specialists on staff.

Today, Dolphin Quest is widely recognized as a leader in establishing large natural habitats for the animals, successful dolphin breeding programs, and for developing innovative interactive dolphin programs that combine fun and learning for not just the guests but for the animals as well. All in all, this aims to promote environmental stewardship.

Last week, Dr. Rae Stone, Marine Mammal Veterinarian and Co-Founder of Dolphin Quest, provided testimony to the US Senate during a hearing titled “Enhancing the Marine Mammal Protection Act”. The purpose of the hearing was to examine the Marine Mammal Protection Act and ways to improve it, in light of potential conflicts with the Endangered Species Act, the needs of tribal and indigenous communities, and the role of zoos and aquariums in marine mammal conservation.

25 years ago, Dr. Stone testified before this same committee regarding the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). She highlighted important areas of the MMPA that affect the zoological community. Most importantly, she called attention the critical work done by Dolphin Quest and Alliance members like SeaWorld regarding public education, animal rescue and scientific study to preserve and protect wild marine mammal populations.

Dr. Stone is also a past president of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums.

To check out Dr. Stone’s testimony and the entire hearing, click here.