Dolphins, Stingrays, Sharks, Parrots, Rabbits, lovebirds, Iguanas oh my

Dolphin Cove Jamaica calls home to many different animals.   We have Dolphins, Stingrays, Sharks, Parrots, Rabbits, lovebirds, Iguanas and more.   So many animals in-fact that we have had to get our own in house vet to ensure the proper health and safety of them all.   We have separate teams that look after their every need.   You see at Dolphin Cove Jamaica we love all forms of life.  So much so that we do not even allow our trees to be cut.  Yes we do trim them however never cut them.   If you want to see for yourself why not come and visit us soon.   We are open 7 days a week all year long.   Come make your vacation a memory to last a lifetime.

Not by the hair of my chinny chin chin.

Did you know that Dolphins have hair?    Stop scratching your head and think about it for a second.   When a dolphin is born it is blind.   It requires help getting to the surface of the water for its first breath.  It needs assistance for everything.   This is where hair comes in.   The baby dolphin uses its hair to find where it should nurse from its mother.    Did you know that a dolphin nurses for nearly two years?... Interesting don't you think.

baby dolphin with hair. 

why do dolphins have teeth

I was asked the other day at Dolphin Cove  Jamaica's number one attraction. Why do dolphins have teeth.   The answer is quite simple.   They use their teeth to help catch food.   They do not use them like you or me.  They swallow their food whole.    I guess what I am saying is that their teeth are used like a tool or maybe like we use our hands.   To get their food and to eat but not chew.   Interesting don't you think?

Dolphin Cove Jamaica

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

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.

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?  

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.  

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