Why can't I play with the sharks mom?

Today its raining.  I took a stroll through Port Royal and just happened to overhear a young child ask their mother why they could not pet the sharks.   At first my thoughts were you will be eaten.   Then I realized where I was.   The mother replied that they could not as the shark area was closed.   Being fairly new here I knew that during this weather we did not do the shark program nor do we do the stingray encounters.  I have recently learned that much like myself they are affected by the weather.  They get moody just like myself.  I guess now I know that I am a shark.  So to answer your question. you can't play with the sharks because they may bite you.

What do the Dolphins at Dolphin Cove eat?

I seem to get this question a lot.   I will answer it here and of course I will answer it again.  Dolphins are marine mammals and as a result they eat fish.  They also eat other things such as shrimp, crab and squid.   They are also given vitamins on a daily basis.  Since Dolphin Cove Jamaica is a natural lagoon they have the opportunity to fish / hunt for food on their own.   I have witnessed these beautiful creatures work together to catch fish.  They do it in many ways.  The most exciting I have seen is when the Dolphins stun their prey with their tails.   This just goes to show how smart and creative these beautiful animals are.  

Dolphin Trek available only at Dolphin Cove Jamaica.

Dolphin Cove Jamaica

Ouch, I stepped on a sea urchin. What do I do.

Read about these pretty things and how they hurt.   My best advice,  Pee on it.

General Description

A sea urchin found in Sangenjo, Galicia, Spain. Note the tube feet sticking out between the spines. © 2005 Janek Pfeifer

Sea urchins are sea creatures that live in oceans all over the world.  Similar to sea stars, sea urchins have a water vascular system. Their spherical shape is typically small, ranging from about 3 cm to 10 cm in diameter, and their bodies are covered with a spiny shell. The skeleton of a sea urchin is also known as the test. The shells within the test of these creatures are made up of packed, fitted plates which protect them from being damaged.  As for the spines outlining their shell, these are movable and help the sea urchin to camouflage or protect itself from predators. Sea urchins can vary greatly in colour.  Some of the most frequently seen colours are black, red, brown, purple and light pink.  On the bottom side of a sea urchin there are five teeth that these organisms use to ingest algae and break down other foods they consume to survive. These five teeth continually grow throughout the sea urchin’s life.  On the outside of their body, they also have hundreds of transparent tubes that emerge which allow them to stick to the bottom of the ocean or to move at a very slow pace.  These unusual tubes are called “tube feet.”  Their tube feet are much longer than the spines outlining their shells and they are also used by the sea urchin to trap food and in respiration.   

Reproductive Characteristics

Sea urchins are sexually reproducing organisms.  First millions of eggs are released by the females and they unite and fuse with the sperms released by the males.  The unification of the jelly-coated egg and the tiny sperm usually occurs outside the female’s body; however in some rare cases the fertilization will take place within the female’s body.  Once the fertilization of the gametes occurs, a larva is formed.  This larva is also known as a pluteus.  The sex of the larva is impossible to distinguish until it itself begins to release either eggs or sperms during its adulthood.  The average size of the eggs that female sea urchins produce is about 100-150 microns, and the average size of the sperms is about 1×5 microns plus the tail.  The time that adult sea urchins start reproducing is during the ages of 2-5 years. 

Habitat

Sea urchins can be found all over the world in all oceans, warm or cold water.  They live in a variety of environments in many different parts of the world.  Some common places they live are in rock pools and mud, on wave-exposed rocks, on coral reefs in kelp forests and in sea grass beds.  Sea urchins also commonly lodge themselves half way into the surface of sand, mud or holes.  This way they can be protected from large waves or currents.  Sea urchins also live in areas where they can find sources of algae, sea grass, seaweed and other foods they can consume.  One other very important characteristic of the sea urchin is that it is nocturnal.  Sea urchins will usually hide in holes or crevasses during the day and only feed at night.  A common place to find a sea urchin as well is in coral reefs.  Examples of where sea urchins are very commonly found are on the reefs of Hawaii, of the Caribbean and of Australia.

Adaptations to the Environment

Sea urchins have several adaptations to help them survive.  To protect themselves from predators, sea urchins will react immediately if something sharp touches their shell and they will point all of their spines towards the area being poked.  They are also light-sensitive.  This is why they are nocturnal.  This light sensitivity also allows sea urchins to move their spines in reaction to shadows.  In order to protect themselves from being swept away from the powerful ocean currents and waves, sea urchins lodge themselves into holes or crevasses.  Finally sea urchins, somewhat like starfish, have a certain regenerative ability.  If a spine is damaged or lost, a sea urchin can re-build it.  However if there is too much extensive damage to the test, the sea urchin won’t be able to heal it.

Importance in the Environment

Like most creatures, sea urchins are vital for the survival of other living creatures surrounding them.  They have many predators and due to this, if the sea urchin population decreased, the sea creatures that feed on them might begin to die out as well. A few predators that feed on sea urchins are sea otters, star fish and humans.  However for there to be a healthy balance in their environment, it’s very important that the population of sea urchins do not decrease or increase all that much.  This problem occurred in the 1980’s in the Caribbean when the sea urchin population began to increase at an extremely rapid rate.  At one point there was almost a density of eighty sea urchins per square meter. This immense number of sea urchins began to eliminate the sea weed which lived in the same area.  They were also eroding the coral reef.  Luckily before any huge damage had occurred, there was a mass die-off of sea urchins in the area believed to be caused by a water-carried disease.  Sea urchins have also been reported to cause erosion of reefs in places such as the eastern Pacific, Kenya and the Red sea.  So although sea urchins are important to the survival of an ecosystem, they can also become dangerous in great numbers.

Endangered?

At the moment sea urchins are very populous and located all over the world in many different oceans.  Therefore they seem to be in no immediate danger of disappearing or becoming endangered in general. However in the past sea urchins have shown mass mortality due to an increased amount of pollution in the oceans and also due to an increased amount of fishing by humans. Hurricanes and a rise in the temperature of water have also wiped out a great amount of sea urchins.  Evidently sea urchins are very susceptible to change, and with global warming, which is changing the temperature of the oceans and increasing the amount of tropical storms, they may become endangered in the future.  

Dolphin Experience at Half Moon Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica

Interesting write up about dolphins I found online.

Humans cherish and admire beings who possess noble traits. The resourcefulness, confidence and grace of dolphins endear them to our hearts and minds. It is because we search for the same characteristics in ourselves that we cherish these magnificent animals.
We like to think that dolphins enjoy being around us as much as we do them. Is it possible that dolphins share our company simply for diversity? Some species can become bored with their own kind. Who gets more out of the relationship: the human or dolphin? They provide us with insight into the realms of anatomy, behavior and communication. Still, our curiosity pushes us to learn more. Although we admire other animals, dolphins remain high on our list of species that fascinate us.
Scientists believe that marine mammals are descendants of animals that once lived on land. The skeleton of a dolphin supports this theory. There is a modified form of hands in the front flippers of a dolphin. Two small, unattached bones located behind the rib cage are believed to be remains of the pelvic girdle, to which hind limbs once attached. Most people wouldn’t know it, but dolphins have a common ancestor with hoofed animals, specifically cows. With so many cow lovers out there as well, it wouldn’t be a surprise. 

True or false, Stingrays

If you have been to one of our Dolphin Cove locations you know we have stingrays as a added attraction.  You are able to snorkel, swim, and touch these beautiful creatures.   Here are some interesting facts for you to decide if they are true or false.   (Hint, they are all true)  Never fear because at Dolphin Cove we do NOT remove the barbs that can kill you,  We clip them (for your safety and because it is cruel to remove them) Stingray Facts Stingrays are diverse group of fish characterized by flattened bodies. They can be found in oceans in tropical and subtropical areas around the world. Stingrays like warm and shallow water. Most of their time, they will be hidden on the ocean floor. There are 60 different species of stingrays. Some of them are threatened.

Interesting Stingray Facts:
Largest stingrays can reach 6.5 feet in length and weigh up to 790 pounds.
Stingrays are close relatives of shark. Like sharks, they don't have bony skeleton. Their skeleton is made of cartilage, same material that builds our nose and ears.
Their flattened body ends with long tail that usually contains spine and venom. Spine can be serrated in some species.
They use spine and venom to protect against predators. Stingrays can kill a lot of different animals, including humans.
Ancient Greek dentists used stingray's venom as anesthetic.
People that live in the areas where stingrays can be found use their spines to make a weapon (daggers). Venom remains deadly even if it is extracted from a dead stingray.
Their eyes are located on the top of the head, but they don't use eyes to find prey. Stingrays have electro-sensors which help them detect electrical charges that prey emits.
Mouths are located on the bottom side of their body. When they catch clams, shrimps, and mussels, they will crash and eat them using their powerful jaws.
Besides mouth, they have gill slides and nostrils on the bottom side of their body.
They swim by moving flippers up and down. These movements are similar with movements of the wings in birds and it is sometimes said that stingrays "fly" through the water.
They are usually solitary, but they sometimes swim in the groups. Group of stingrays is called "school".
Most of their time, they will be hidden on the ocean floor. Shape and color of their body allow them to slip under the sand and become invisible for enemies.
Stingrays give birth to 2-6 young stingrays each year.
Baby stingrays are born fully developed; they look like miniature versions of adult animals. Babies take care of themselves from the moment of birth.
They live 15-25 years in the wild.

Prospect Outback Adventures

Our sister site www.prospectoutbackadventures.com is running a special.   This and every Thursday till further notice.   

This an every Thursday we are offering a special for you. It includes an Open Air Jitney ride to tour the estate, a Camel ride and includes Dunns River falls for only $69.00. Free transport from Ocho Rios and a special rate of transport from Montego Bay and Negril for only $25.00

Please check them out on facebook or their webpage www.prospectoutbackadventures.com

Customer comments / reviews

A large part of my job is to try to ensure our guests are happy and have a good visit with us.  This sounds like a fairly easy job for a wonderful place like dolphin cove Jamaica.   Unfortunately it is not always.  There are times when things just don't go as expected.  From a missed bus to people not liking the food to staff just not being their best that day we get it all.   For the most part people are very pleased with their experience however those that are not we must deal with.   For example the other day a young lady lost her cell phone.   She was from the USA and as a result had the phone off for making / receiving calls.  This meant we were unable to call it.   Thank goodness it was an iPhone and had the Find my iPhone app installed.   We were able to track the phone down and find it on the park in the safe hands of one of our staff.   We were on the way out of my office when the staff member was walking it up to the office.   The guests were very pleased to get their phone back and we were very pleased to be able to help.    The guest was so happy that they offered a "tip" however we refused.  They did ask to take a photo with us on their phone and that we were happy to do.   It seems like a fairly small thing but I can assure you that losing your very expensive phone while on vacation was a big thing to them.    We rely on customer feedback both online and in person.   I would love to be able to say if you have a good time tell the world if you have an issue please tell us. This is not always practical but one can always hope.   When you are next at the park please take a moment to tell us how we did.  If this is not practical you can contact us at info@dolphincoveja.com or leave a review on trip advisor.

Dolphin Parenting

I have been reading up on Dolphin Parenting,  not the type you read about where it is the polar opposite to tiger mom.   It seems that a dolphin is by all standards a great parent.  They assist their offspring for unto six years.  They teach them all they need to know to survive from feeding to how to protect themselves.   When a baby (calf) is born the pod assists and helps the young take their first breaths by pushing them up out of the water to breath.  They provide a great child hood for a wonderful "childhood"   We at Dolphin cove have had the opportunity to be party to our dolphins giving birth and watching the love that comes from not only the parents but the entire pod.   It is a magical experience.  

Dolphin Cove Jamaica - Swim with Dolphins | Amstar dmc

http://www.youtube.com/v/lbsUTYgNIlQ?autohide=1&version=3&autohide=1&showinfo=1&autoplay=1&attribution_tag=qxGjtORqQ9WbUVRxnlmBTg&feature=share

Dolphin Cove Jamaica - Swim with Dolphins | Amstar dmc

http://www.youtube.com/v/lbsUTYgNIlQ?autohide=1&version=3&autohide=1&showinfo=1&autoplay=1&attribution_tag=qxGjtORqQ9WbUVRxnlmBTg&feature=share

Dolphins and pregnancy

I have been doing a lot of thinking about pregnancy recently.  (NO I do not have a little one on the way).   It struck me about how at Dolphincoveja.com we do not want pregnant women to swim with the dolphins and I wanted to know more.   Here is what I have found.

Using echolocation, dolphins might be able to detect a pregnant woman's developing fetus, some experts say. Dolphins emit sounds in their environment and listen to the echoes that return — a process that helps them identify the shapes and locations of objects. Doctors use a similar technique to image a developing human baby. Both involve ultrasound — high-pitched pulses of sound above the range of human hearing. "I think it's extremely plausible [dolphins] would be able to detect a fetus," said Lori Marino, a neuroscientist at Emory University in Atlanta who studies cetacean intelligence. However, "you'd have to really do a well-controlled study to make a definitive statement," she cautioned.

So this goes to show you that maybe you could be pregnant and a Dolphin will tell you.   My suggestion is this.  When you come to Dolphin Cove Jamaica and the Dolphins are very excited to see you then you may just need to do a test.  Till then   Happy days.

Dolphin Therapy fact or fiction

I read a lot of articles about Dolphin therapy and I wonder to myself is it fact or fiction.   The answer is I don't know.  I do believe that animals of all types benefit humans to a far greater extent than we can ever know.   I think about how many times I just reach out and pet the dog for no other reason than I want to.  How I look forward to my dog greeting me when I get home from work.  I think about how I feel when she is not well or has hurt herself.   I know that I feel better with her around.  I also know that when I work with and interact with the dolphins I also feel a sense of pleasure and relief.  I feel some of my stresses going away and a sense of calmness.  I guess it is considered a sense of therapy however I am unsure if it has a lasting effect.   I also take into account why little children and pregnant women should not interact with the Dolphins.  I know that the dolphin senses when they are near and their instincts take over and want to interact with them.   I can assure you that this is not in a bad way but the risks are too great.    So is Dolphin therapy real?  I am not sure.   But I do know that anything that makes you feel this great can't be bad for you.   Here is a link to a very good article that I have found.  You can decide for yourself.  Comments?  

You the guest

We at Dolphin Cove attract a lot of visitors.  We depend on you so that we can look after our animals and facilities.  From time to time we get some complaints and we also get some very good compliments.  We depend on this to learn and grow.   Some of the comments we get range from the ground should be paved to there are too many fish in the water.   Some are great like I would love to do a Shark Trek can you offer it?   What I am saying is that we depend on you to make us better.   From pointing out things like a stained life Jacket to suggesting ways we can improve.   I implore everyone to go to tripadvisor and tell us your honest opinion.   Some things we can't change but those that we can we will do our best.   Love from all of us at Dolphin Cove.

Dolphin Cove, more than Dolphins

Dolphin Cove is more than just Dolphins,  yes they are the stars however there is much more to do / see than the Dolphins.  We have Nurse sharks,  these sharks are from jamaican waters and with each encounter you will learn about them / their habits, and what they like.  We have stingrays where you get to snorkel / and pet / cuddle with these beautiful yet deadly creatures. (We clip their barbs so there is no need to fear)  We have tons of other wild life from parrots, love birds, finches, to Iguanas, and snakes.  We take the time to educate you about the various bugs we have around here such as the bat moth to the banana spider.   We have ducks, wild chickens, a beautiful beach and of course our glass bottom kayaks. Do not forget the mini power boat rides to explore the area.   Dolphin Cove is a place to spend the entire day.   All of our locations are slightly different.  Did you know that Negril has Camels?   Come for the day and check us out.

Sea Keeper for a day.

Have you ever dreamed of working with dolphins, sharks, stingrays and other creatures of the sea?

This rare opportunity is here at “Dolphin Cove at Treasure Reef”, where professionally experienced animal trainers will start your day by taking you behind the scenes of the secret lives of dolphins. Assist in food preparation, intimate feeding and behavior interaction with dolphins, sharks and stingrays whilst being educated with hands on training techniques used by the professionals.

In the dolphin training session, you will experience the power and grace of one of the world most intellectual creatures. “Keeper of the Seas” gives you the dual satisfaction of fun learning, while enjoying an adventure as you experience dolphins in a totally new way.

You will have the opportunity to learn about other sea creatures and the training techniques of shark and stingrays. Have pictures taken to prove your bravery.

You wil feed, play, and learn to train our Dolphins in a one on one setting.  There is NO experience like it.

Customer feedback

We at Dolphin Cove feel that Customer feedback and appreciation is very important.   Each time we see a good review we are reminded that we are on the right track but each time we see a bad review it also reminds us that there is always room for improvement.  Some people feel that the customer is number one.  I am sorry to tell you that in our business they are number two.  Our animals are number one.  We have on staff two doctors at all times.  We have many trainers on staff at any time and many care givers.  These people spend all day with the respective animals from the lizards to the dolphins.  They feed them, look after them and above all enjoy them.  Part of there job is to teach you the client about them and let you interact with them in a very special way.  This way we all benefit.  Hats off to the staff at Dolphin Cove.  

Customer satisfaction.

Part of what I do here is review the comments people have about our experience and I also deal with some guests that are on site that might need some extra attention.  Today I met a group of people whose guide dropped them off a bit early.  I took this opportunity to show them around as well as to talk with them.  They were very nice and were genuinely interested in Jamaica and Dolphin Cove.   It was funny some of the questions they asked were not the ones I thought they would be.   They wanted to know about life in Jamaica and what it is like to work at Dolphin Cove.   I said its not like Disney where staff are forced to be a way that they may not be.  I said that people are people and we are a big family and act that way.   We talk laugh and sometimes argue.   Overall we treat our guests the way we would expect to be treated.  NO not the way you get treated when you go home to your parents where you help yourself.  More like a cousin or aunt.  Where they offer to assist and show you things.   They were happy and so was I.  When I was done showing them around.  They thanked me for the service.   I in turn had to say no thank you... You showed me that I am truly blessed to work at a place that feels like home and to have people like you to share it with.  

Why Dolphin Cove?

Why do people come to visit us at Dolphin Cove,    There are many answers to that but the simplest is because we have something to offer everyone.   From the second you get through the doors there is something to do.   Pet a bunny, pet a bird, hold a snake, a lizard, kiss a dolphin, swim with the stingrays, hold a shark.  The list goes on.   To be honest though.  Once of my favourite things to do is to sit by the bar with a cold water / soda / beer you name it and watch the people interacting.   This is like a child at their birthday party.  The sheer joy people have its worth all the effort.

Dolphin Cove Jamaica

People ask why did you do it?  What gave us the idea?  What is the key to success? What makes us special?  Simple answer to all these is family and friends.   It was a dream and a wish that came to be due to hard work of family and friends.   Dolphin Cove is a great example of what a family can do.  This is still very much a family business.  The members of our family has grown but we are still just that.  Everyone here is important,  from the person that looks after the pet rabbits, our bearer, our trainers, and staff to the people in the offices that keep behind the scenes.  Everyone has their role from Mr Burrowes and Mrs Burrowes to me who tries to keep you informed.   Dolphin Cove Jamaica may be the number one attraction in Jamaica but we are also a family.   If your looking for time to spend with your family in a wholesome way why not give us a try.   www.dolphincoveja.com

Eating dolphins (not eating a dolphin)

One of the most frequent questions we are asked is how much does a dolphin eat.  There are many answers to this but most of them are silly.  I will stick to facts.   Dolphins eat a lot.  The amount of food they eat is in direct correlation as to what they are eating.  

Bottlenose dolphins eat several kinds of fish (including mullet, mackerel, herring, cod) and squid. The composition of the diet depends very much on what is available in the area they live in and also on the season. The amount of fish they eat depends on the fish species they are feeding on: mackerel and herring have a very high fat content and consequently have a high caloric value, whereas squid has a very low caloric value, so to get the same energy intake (calories) they will need to eat much more if they feed on squid than if they feed on mackerel or herring. On average an adult dolphin will eat 4-9% of its body weight in fish, so a 250 kg (550 lb) dolphin will eat 10-22.5 kg (22-50 lb) fish per day.

The bucket list

The other day I watched the movie the bucket list.  It caused me to think about my life a bit.   Here is what I have found on the web as a bucket list.  I will also point out the ones I have done.  I will go one step further and point out how coming to Dolphin Cove in Jamaica can help you clear a few things off this list.

•   ride: in a hot air balloon 
•   see: Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) 
•   see: Grand Canyon, Arizona 
•   swim: with dolphins   (um we are here I have done this.)
•   go: on safari  (we have the jungle trail its close enough)
•   see: Great Barrier Reef 
•   go: on a helicopter ride 
•   Travel to the seven continents 
•   Sleep under the stars   (many times as a child and a few times as an adult.  Jamaica is great for this)
•   Make a difference in someone's life  (we do this every day but bring them to Jamaica and its done for ever)
•   Shower in a waterfall.   (again very easy and fun to do in Jamaica.  Dunns river is across the street)
•   do: scuba diving   (we have sea trek here so you can interact with the dolphins at the same time)
•   do: sky diving    (was fun but would never do again)
•   see: Great Wall of China 
•   Travel: Italy 
•   Get married 
•   ride: on an elephant  (was at the zoo though)
•   Travel: Australia 
•   Raise a happy and healthy child ( she is only two though so I have a long way to go)
•   go: whale-watching   (have done this in jamaica many times)
•   see: Seven New Wonders of the World 
•   see: New Years Eve at Times Square (New York) 
•   learn: a foreign language (or 2 or more!)  (patois does count)
•   see: Broadway play (New York)   (saw cats)
•   do: white water rafting   (done this in Jamaica too)
•   see: Amazon Rainforest  
•   donate: blood 
•   go: on a road trip. 
•   do: canoeing or kayaking   (dolphin cove offers this as well.)
•   Travel: France 
•   Find the love of my life 
•   go: camping 
•   see: Stonehenge 
•   see: Mona Lisa at the Louvre 
•   visit: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 
•   create: a loving and happy home 
•   ride: a camel  (can do this at dolphin cove Negril)
•   Travel: Greece 
•   visit: Machu Picchu, Peru. 
•   do: a bungee jump 
•   Experience weightlessness 
•   see: Iceberg 
•   see: Yellowstone National Park 
•   Sleep in a castle 
•   see: Olympic Games (summer) 
•   Maintain my ideal weight 
•   see: Mardi Gras, New Orleans 
•   see: Great Sphinx of Giza 
•   see: Sistine Chapel 
•   see: Louvre Museum (Grand Louvre) 

A SEGWAY INTO LIFE

History meets modern technology as you explore an 18th century estate on a clean, green, eco-friendly machine.  The Segway PT (Personal Transporter) is the next generation in clean, personal mobility.  Stepping on to your Segway will give you a glimpse into the future as you feel as though this intelligent machine is actually reading your mind, taking you in any direction your touch guides it.

After a brief orientation, helmet fitting and Segway lesson you will embark on a fascinating adventure as you begin your exploration of one Jamaica’s oldest Estates.
Your experienced Segway guide will lead you throughout this tour, stopping to allow for photo opportunities and giving you historic tails of this amazing plantation and those that once inhabited it.

Be amazed as you ride along a path surrounded by wooded forest.  Your guide will point out many plants and trees along the way, whose secret medicinal powers are still being used today.

Your adventure will take you to the beautiful great house gardens.  Here you will dismount your Segway and enjoy a refreshing bottle of water as you marvel at the beautiful flora that makes this garden so breathtaking.  Be amazed at the panoramic view of the tropical forest as it descends to meet the glistening Caribbean Sea below.

Continue your unique journey as you mount your Segway and head to “Farmer Joe” who will amaze you as he effortlessly climbs a 30 foot coconut tree.  Enjoy sampling Farmer Joe’s fresh fruits of the season, before journeying to the Estates Chapel.

This non-denominational chapel was partially built by cadets in 1969.  Its paneling, chairs and furnishing were all made from a wide range of Jamaican woods found on the Estate grounds.  

Then Segway back to the tour center where you can enjoy a stroll through the secret gardens or browse the estates gift shop for unique souvenirs.

Return to your hotel in air conditioned comfort as you savor the memories of this unique journey through time.

How to avoid stress in the office

Here is a personal tale that I will tell you.  I used to work at a different company that I will NOT name. This job was fine but I found myself not smiling.   I don't know about you but I enjoy to smile.  There were a few reasons I stopped smiling at my old job and it made for a very long day.   Now I am working with Dolphin Cove Jamaica and I can't help but smile.  I smile all the time.  My commute is a very long one and I still am smiling when I get home.  Why?  Its simple.  I have a new formula.  If I am frustrated or if I need a break I take one.  I go outside of my very comfortable office and look at the Dolphins, Sharks, Stingrays or even birds at Dolphin Cove.   I just enjoy what is near me.   I have to tell you I am very lucky.   I know your Jealous but hey.  Come to Jamaica and look me up at Dolphin Cove.  I am the one that is smiling.  

Stafford Burrowes, Marilyn Burrowes, Gregory Burrowes, Kristen Burrowes ...

Views from My Desk

Here I sit.  Nearly four pm,  I look out the window of my office and see the happy faces of customers playing in the water with the sharks, Dolphins,  and stingrays.  I see a family eating Ice Cream and yet another couple having a nice cold Red Stripe.   I must say that I have a great view that only serves to tease me about the fun I could be having.   I could continue to write this post about the adventures that could be had at Dolphin Cove Jamaica however I would rather go outside and chat with a Pirate, while waiting for a kiss from a dolphin.   Why don't you Join me.

And the winner is...

Dolphin Cove Jamaica has done it again.  http://www.worldtravelawards.com/award-caribbeans-leading-adventure-tourist-attraction-2013.  I know that they have worded very hard to get this honour.  I feel that just to be nominated means that they are doing a great job.  I would like to have all my friends and family join me in Congratulating them for this great honour.   Just to prove my point I did a quick search in Youtube for how many videos were posted in the last week.  Take a look for yourself.  Dolphin Cove,  Great Job!!

Dolphin Cove, Jamaica; Promotional Video

Dolphins, Getting personal

Ok people,  A bit of a confession.  I was not born a yard.  I moved here many moons ago from a land far far away,  a land of snow and cold.  A land where you could not walk around in slippers all day.  A land where your best friend was either your significant other or a heating blanket.  A land where you wanted to have the dog on the bed as it helped keep you warm.  When I first moved here I was like nearly everyone else.  I was in awe of what I saw.  I loved the nature and loved the whole concept of island life.   Soon it started to wear on me though.  I wanted more.  I was tired of just seeing the mongoose running around.   I was tired of just hearing the parrots in the trees or the tree frogs making their noises.  I wanted more.   Then I learned to sail.  I started to have fun,  it opened a new world for me.   I learned to appreciate nature more. Then I saw it.  A sea turtle in the water.  What a site.  I learned to slow down and appreciate things more.  The turtle did that for me.   Another day we were greeted by dolphins,  seeing a dolphin at sea is a great experience.  It was like their energy feed me.   I learned to look for them.  Alas sightings at sea in Jamaica although fairly common are not a daily thing. However I am blessed.  I get to work with Dolphin Cove Jamaica and I see them every day.   Why not join me sometime.

DR, Dr, Dr, I need a Nurse!!!

Are you aware that we have nurse sharks in Jamaica?   We do, but never fear they keep to themselves most of the time.  They prefer to be in their own little world and keep to themselves.  They are not man eaters they prefer to eat crustaceans as well as molusks.   Though they do have teeth they are not prone to biting.

At Dolphin Cove Jamaica LTD we too have nurse sharks.  They are at our Ocho Rios location and are considered by many one of our most exciting attractions.   Each day you will see our well trained handlers put on a bit of a show and you can have the chance to feed and interact with them.   For the adventurous spirit you will have a tremendous opportunity well worth the trip to Jamaica just to see.   Why not come and give one a cuddle?   For those of you looking to learn a bit more please check out this page.  http://schools-wikipedia.org/wp/n/Nurse_sharks.htm  For those of you interested in seeing one for yourself please check us out www.dolphincoveja.com

Dolphin vs Human how alike are we.

I have to admit that I borrowed this from the wiki.  The other day I was watching TV and I saw the mermaid documentary on the Discovery Channel.  It got me thinking about how they say that humans evolved from the sea.   Then I thought about dolphins (as one does when you work here)  I wondered what we all share in common.  This is what I found.  I felt that it was important enough to share with you.     Dolphins and humans more alike than you think.  

Both are mammals, so both have mammary glands, and hair on their skin, and they have 7 cervical vertebrae as humans do. 

They are touted to be one of the only 3 animals that mate for pleasure (humans, dolphins, bonobos), and socially with many partners as many humans do. They also mate face to face unlike other animals. Dolphins do give birth to live young, and as mammals, they nurse their young with breast milk. 

They have very high communication skills amongst themselves. They are very social and prefer to live in pods rather than alone. Females will create a communal/ family creche for the young, so that others may go to hunt and feed. They show emotions of happines and sadness. They mourn the death of a member of the pod, especially an offspring. They also display working in teams to achieve a common goal. When hunting, they create tight balls of sardines by circling and herding them, and then diving straight through them to feed. Pods are very protective of each other and sometimes show compassion, and may adopt a young out of another pod if it has been left behind or lost its mother. 

Additionally, they have mirror neurons, being able to pass the mirror test and detect themselves in a mirror. Mirror neurons may also indicate empathy. 

In short, they display more "human" emotions and behaviors than any other non-primate mammal.  Here is what I have found may be what the human dolphin combo may look like.

Lets walk with the dolphins

We at Dolphin Cove (Ocho Rios location only) offer a very special opportunity for you.  We have the Dolphin Trek experience.   

Dolphin Trek, with Sea Trek helmet, is the ultimate sea trek program where participants can walk underwater while surrounded by dolphins.  Dolphin Trek offers the most innovative intimate dolphin encounter on the planet!  Dolphin Trek is all dolphins, all the time.You participate in a brief presentation after which, you descend 12 feet under water to begin your interaction with these amazing creatures

Let me describe this for you in a bit of detail.  You don this cool looking helmet and walk under water while you interact with our dolphins.  Better yet.  Take a look at this video and see for yourself.  Jamaica Gleaner video with Dolphin Trek

I know that there is a lot of interest in people trying or learning to scuba dive so maybe take two things off your bucket list and try a Dolphin Trek.  You can walk with the dolphins and have a experience quite similar to scuba diving but with a lot less gear and danger.   

Some facts about our Dolphins.

In todays post I have compiled some dolphin facts. With back to school near we need to start to get our brains back into gear. Today lets learn about the care of our dolphins




Did you Know


Did you know

• Dolphin cove has an internationally recognized animal care program?
  
• Each dolphin participates in husbandry behaviours each day?
  
• The health of every dolphin is closely monitored by a team of veterinarians?
  
• All the dolphins at Dolphin Cove were either born here or come from Oceanariums in Mexico or Cuba?
  
• All our dolphins have CITES permits?
  
• Dolphin Cove has a very successful rescue and reproduction program
  

Members of this species adapt to and do well in the captive environment. They live long and healthy lives (on average, longer than in the wild) and have a high reproduction rate. They are playful animals, exhibiting a natural curiosity. Strong bonds are formed with their human counterparts. There is much that goes on in the life of the dolphin that we will never see or that is difficult to see in the wild. A controversial topic is holding dolphins in captivity. A recent Harris poll has shown that over 95% of the people polled feel that properly maintained and run marine mammal parks provide a heightened appreciation for and understanding of these animals and add to the efforts in their conservation as a species. With 126 million visitors to dolphin habitats each year, the opportunity to teach appreciation for and conservation of the dolphin is tremendous.

A study of Atlantic Bottle nose Dolphin life span in the wild carried out by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums has shown that there is 30% mortality in their first 12 months due to maternal abandonment, pollution, predation, boat strikes, entanglement in fishing equipment, capture for human consumption, and disease. In the wild, the average life span of the Bottle-nose one year or older is an average of 25 years. In captivity, Bottle nose dolphins live an average of 30-35 years, having veterinary care, non-polluted water, no predation, no boat strikes, quality controlled food, no fishing equipment in which to become entangled, and careful observation and support of the birthing and mothering processes. In a survey taken in 1983, 32% of all dolphins being held in captivity had been born at a captive habitat.