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

Dolphin Trek, What is it like

Dolphin Cove Jamaica has the pleasure of offering you the Dolphin Trek experience and I must admit upon first glance it is quite intimidating.   I recently took part in Dolphin Trek at Dolphin Cove Jamaica and I must admit I was a bit scared at first however now that I have done it I can honestly say that it is an experience to remember.   To partake in this experience you don a helmet that looks like something out of a science fiction movie.   It does weigh quite a bit on land however once you are in the water you don't notice it at all.   I was able to wear my eyeglasses during this experience and since I always wear them it made for a much more comfortable and vision filled adventure.   I went down the steps and was able to see, breath and function much the same as I would on land but then I got to interact with the dolphins.   They seemed  much happier to see me in their element than on land.  Their natural curiosity kept them near us at all times.   We saw just how powerful they are underwater and were able to touch and see just what they are like in the water not just at the surface.    There is a constant flow of air being pumped into the helmet at all times and I did not feel at all uncomfortable like I do when snorkeling .    I have to say to everyone,   When you get the chance check it out.  If you have the opportunity do it.    Check out our link here.

What does it take to be a dolphin trainer

Recently we were doing some interviews in our Dolphin Cove Negril location.   I had the pleasure of sitting in on these meetings.  Here is what I learned.

To be a great dolphin trainer you need to love animals.  This may seem obvious to most however many people like animals however you must love them.

Being a parent helps.  This is because you need patients and must not be prone to over reacting.

You must want to learn and grow.   This is because you and the dolphin will learn together and grow in both your knowledge and trust for each other.

Much like any animal you need to be able to work with them no matter what you are feeling.   Even though the dolphin will know if your not well or not they still want to be with you and will know when your gone.  

You need to know how to swim.   I guess I don't need to explain this one.

You need to understand that positive reinforcement is the only method that is allowed.    A good petting, kind word or tasty fish is much more effective than yelling.

Dolphins are a lot like very smart children.  You need to be able to work with them for a long time.   Anyone that appears as though they want a job not a career,   will not make it.

Above all.  You need to love Dolphins.   Even if you say you do. We can tell in a very short period what your true intentions are and believe it or not.  You will be gone quickly.  

So here is my advice.  If your interested in a career at Dolphin Cove Jamaica ensure you want just that.  We don't offer jobs we offer careers with the ultimate benefit.

spring break ideas?

I was thinking about what to do for spring break.  Yes I know I am well past that age.  It did however cause me to think about my one and only spring break where I went on a a trip (while in school that is)   I partied and drank and above all I learned about a different culture.  I went to Mexico.   No this post is not about mexico.  It is to promote people to get off the resorts when go go to places.   I did not have the budget for big tours however I did manage to go horse back riding and snorkelling, as well as a little tour of some ruins and into an old village.    I remember seeing people pushing carts and riding donkeys.  No Jamaica is not all about that any longer however there is still plenty of that to see.   Yes spring break is a great time and a huge party however maybe you guys should think about visiting us at dolphin cove or maybe visit prospect plantation .  I am sure you will be very glad you did.   You will be pleased to know we offer group rates for both.    Contact us today.

Dolphin Cove to the rescue

Dolphin Cove to the rescue,--
Having received calls that  a "porpoise" was by the Holiday Inn Hotel 
Beach -
  a team lead by our in house Veterinary  Dr. Miska Sennett and Manager 
Mr. Delloy Peharie  of the Half Moon Lagoon responded to the call  to 
find a  Pygmy Sperm Whale in distress, it seem to have been injured as 
it showed facial scratches and had been stranded from the night 
before... medication  was administer and the Whale was fed, after which 
the Whale was guided out to sea with the assistance from the Staff of 
the Holiday Inn, as well as the Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory.

At sea, his  Pod was seen  hovering as if waiting for his return.

This is not the first time Dolphin Cove has been called to help our marine life in distress in the past we have lent our assistance to Dolphins, whales, turtles, manatees.   Dolphin Cove is there to help.   

why do dolphins form pods?

A group of dolphins is called a pod.

A dolphin pod consists a group of dolphins that have bonded together either because of biological reasons (ie: a mother baring offspring and raising her child) or through friendships developed between two or more dolphins.

Most pods can contain anywhere from 2 – 30 dolphins depending on the species and the situation, however there are occasions where several hundred dolphins may gather together for an activity or event.

During times of mating or when hunting in abundant feeding grounds hundreds or even thousands of dolphins may be seen together mating and/or hunting for food.

Once the dolphins finish participating in an activity they return to back to their smaller pods.

Most small pods or pairs usually consist of a mother and her child or two male dolphins that have bonded together.

Other small  pods may consists of several female dolphins that have bonded together in order to better protect their young

In larger pods as many as four generations of family members can be seen travel together.

How pods form and how many dolphins coordinate in a pod is also largely dependent on the species and their social structure.

Dolphins are social mammals that love to interact with one another, swimming together and hunt for food as a team, however pods also play a very important role in protecting dolphins, especially smaller species of dolphin that are at a greater risk of being attacked.

Some dolphins will form large pods in order to better protect themselves from predators such as sharks and whales..

By forming large pods they can either deter predators or better defend themselves by fighting together.

Aside from forming pods or groups some dolphin species may also migrate to or maintain a fixed location in and around coastal waters or rivers where there are less potential threats from predators.

Common reasons dolphins form a pod

• Social interaction (Dolphins are extremely social and family oriented)
• To hunt and capture pray together (Dolphins often work as a team to capture large pools of fish)
• Mating (While dolphins prefer to mate during the warmer summer months they can be found mating throughout the year)
• Protection (Larger pods allow dolphins to deter predators and create a better defense when attacked)

Dolphin Cove is just for kids (NOT)

Recently I was talking to a guest who informed me that they were not going to come visit us due to the fact that we were for children.   He informed me that he was glad he relented.  He and his wife had a blast.   The came here for just the day and did not chose a dolphin program.  Once they were there he and his wife talked it over and upgraded to the the Ultimate experience.  They further went on to participate in the swim with the shark program.   They had the time of their lives.   As we get a little older I think we close our mind to trying new things and brand them.  That is why we do not do all we want to do.  Here is this couple thinking they were too old and yet once the opportunity presented itself they were very glad they did.  

Try something new.  Come to Dolphin Cove Jamaica.  You will be glad you did.