Meet Our Dolphin Family |
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A.J., born at DRC in 1988, is one of the "teenage" members of our family and quite a character. The father of Tanner, this independent guy has a subtle charisma that sweeps people right off their feet. |
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Aleta was born at DRC in 1984 and is a daughter of Delphi. She is a spectacular aerialist as well as a strong-willed dolphin who likes to have her own way. Aleta is a versatile and popular lady who enjoys babysitting and loves to learn new things.
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Calusa, born to Merina and Rainbow at DRC in 2001, came into this world with the same zest for life that she has today! She loves to imitate her big sister Pandora and other dolphins.
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Cayo, born in 2006, follows in the fluke-prints of mother Merina and sisters Pandora and Calusa. This independent, free-spirited girl is quite the little athlete. She often practices dives, speed runs, breaches and other behaviors on her own between sessions!
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Gypsi, Tursi’s third offspring and first daughter, definitely inherited the determination and athleticism that come with the “Flipper” gene. Born in 2007, she’s the youngest dolphin, but was the first among the three little ones to bring back presents and do the ‘scuba diver’ imitation.
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Jax was rescued, alone and injured, from the Jacksonville area in March 2007 when he was believed to be about eight months old. A survivor of a possible shark attack, he’s missing part of his dorsal fin, tail fluke and right pectoral flipper. We were thrilled to welcome this young charmer into the DRC family in January 2008.
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Kibby is an adult male who came to us for medical attention in 1981. He is a real Keys character who likes to spend his days people-watching from the beach. His goofy smile and laid-back personality ensure he is loved by people and dolphins alike.
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Merina, another of Delphi’s daughters, is a lovely lady born at DRC in 1984. Extremely people-oriented and creative, Merina is a delightful show-off, as well as a gentle helper in our special needs programs.
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Molly came to live at DRC in June of 1996 after a rather perilous life, including traveling the country performing in "road shows" and once taking a "walk on the wild side." Another of our mature ladies, Molly is overflowing with dolphinality and loves to dress up her flippers with scarves.
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Pandora was born at DRC on a stormy November evening in 1997 and is the daughter of Merina and Kibby. As her name implies, she is curious and free-spirited.
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Pax born at DRC on Easter Sunday in 1997 to Tursi and Rainbow. This independent little guy continues our Flipper lineage as the 2nd grandson of two Flipper dolphins. He amazes his trainers at how quickly he catches on to anything new, and absolutely loves to people watch.
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Rainbow is a male who became a permanent member of the DRC family as of October, 1992. Rambunctious and flirtatious, "Bo" can barely take his attention away from the ladies long enough to display his athletic tail walks or learn husbandry behaviors.
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Ras, born the day after Thanksgiving in 2006, is the second of Santini’s “kids”. Like her mom and brother Tanner, she’s a straight A student who loves to learn. Her eager “dolphinality” and excitement for life amaze everyone that meets her. |
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Sandy arrived with Rainbow and is also a male. Born in 1979 at an inland marine park, his arrival at DRC marked the first time he had experienced a natural environment. Although once considered shy, this strong, silent type dolphin has revealed to us an energetic side not to be suppressed.
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Santini is a hot-shot female born at DRC in 1986. The daughter of Theresa and Delphi, she is extremely enthusiastic and adaptable to new training, as well as being a gentle and friendly special
needs dolphin. |
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Talon ,
born at DRC in 1990 and the son of Tursi and Delphi,
is the first grandson born at DRC. Talon likes to
be involved in a variety of activities and has a
special affinity for helping with research
projects. |
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Tanner -
born at DRC in March 2002, is the son of Santini
and A.J. He is the youngest baby dolphin to start
target pole training at just three weeks old. Tanner
is a regular participant in research projects as
well as Dolphin
Encounter and other programs. |
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Theresa is
an unforgettable, mature lady who just loves a crowd. "T" is
a totally goofy show-off, and has an unbelievable
repertoire of sounds. Theresa is the matriarch of
our family and has lived at DRC longer than anyone,
dolphin or human. |
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Tursi was
the colony’s first successful dolphin
calf, born at DRC in 1973. Tursi is
the daughter of two of the original five "Flipper" dolphins.
She is a fabulous athlete, a first-rate tease, and
the very proud mother of Talon, Pax, and Gypsi. |
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| Our Sea Lion Family |
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Karen is
a beautiful and experienced female sea lion. Born
in 1987, she has lived several places, including
Universal Studios, and has a vast repertoire of
behaviors. She is a well known love bug and greatly
enjoys being kissed, hugged and touched. |
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Kilo was born at Sea World in Orlando, Florida, in 2001, and arrived at DRC one year later. He is a bright, inquisitive youngster who quickly won the hearts of staff, members and visitors alike. Kilo is an eager student who enjoys eating ice cubes as a treat.
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Renee is
a gorgeous mature female sea lion who arrived at
DRC in 2009. Renee was born in 1987, but didn’t
begin her education in trained behaviors until 2006,
proving that you are never too old to learn! |
