A couple of little known facts about dolphins

Because we all love to learn and want to know more about our friends of the sea here are a couple of little known facts about dolphins.   I hope you appreciate them as much as I do.   Please be sure to like us on Facebook and twitter.  You may also wish to check us out on pintrest as well as instagram.   We are here to serve so please check us out.   Also be sure to leave us comments or questions.

 A dolphin’s forelimbs which are known as ‘pectoral flippers’. The forelimbs or ‘arms’ of a dolphin are the same anatomically as a terrestrial mammals legs. But the bones which make up the forelimbs in dolphins have been shortened and made more rigid by supporting connective tissue. These pectoral flippers allow the dolphins regulate their speed and turn.

Not all dolphin species possess a dorsal fin. The dorsal fin of a dolphin, which is located on the back, acts like a keel when the animal swims. This gives the dolphin directional control and stability within the water column. Northern rightwhale dolphins and the southern rightwhale dolphins however lack dorsal fins.

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. 

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) 

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.