Dolphin Encounter
As I write this I am on my second visit to Key West, sure to become an annual trek. I have made many new friends on this trip, not the least my new buddy Pax, a dolphin that lives at the Dolphin Research Center in Marathon, Florida. Prior to arriving in Key West, it had been my goal to experience a dolphin encounter at the DRC; one of the many programs the center offers to raise funds for care of the animals, provide human interaction for them, training and research opportunities and not least, permit dolphins to be of service to the disabled and children living with autism. In fact, the center has an impressive dolphin service program.
The moment you walk onto the premises, you can feel the harmony between the animals and their environment. This includes the cats, fowl, pheasants and peacocks that live there too, all blending beautifully into the land and waterscape that binds us humans to their special world. If anyone thinks that the dolphins and sea lions who call the DRC home are being treated unfairly in any way, this is simply not the case. They are loved and indulged in the most caring and professional of ways. It is we humans in fact that must abide to the dolphins’ rules in the water. If they want to encounter you, they will. Otherwise, the trainer can only hope the assigned dolphin shows up at the dock for its 25 minutes of interaction with those of us who have paid our fees to get in the water and have an encounter that is out of this world.
Pax is 15 years old and weighs 540 pounds. He is very athletic and active. There was no shortage of him completing triple twists in the air and aerial dives. At first glance as he swims by the dock and prior to me scaling down the steps into the water for a dorsal fin ride, I hesitate, thinking about the power he has to literally crush any of us waiting our turn. But by far, he is gentle and controlled as he glides up under my extended right arm, where it’s my job to latch onto the dorsal fin at the precise moment for take-off. And I do, thankful I have the strength and agility to hold on. What a feeling, gliding alongside this magnificent animal to which I entrusted all of my own power. No fear, only the knowing between us that I would hang on and Pax would take me where he was supposed to, which was a short ride between two wharves. Though I longed for a greater distance, it was enough that I got to experience this and a few other wonderful interactions with Pax (including a water fight) that I otherwise may not get to experience in this lifetime (though I am going to make it a priority to participate in a dolphin retreat in the wild).
The DRC website describes Pax as an independent “little” guy that “amazes his trainers at how quickly he catches on to anything new, and absolutely loves to people watch”. Intuitively understanding that Pax was no dummy, it therefore astounded me that after our water fight, the trainer called a timeout because Pax had done something he wasn’t supposed to do. I immediately knew it was related to the nudge he gave me on my right arm that felt like an added injection of powerful energy and love. When the trainer explained 10 minutes later that it was not acceptable behaviour for any dolphin to turn their head the opposite way with their mouth open (their concern is equally divided between the welfare of dolphins and humans visiting the center), I assured the trainer I was not harmed in any way. In fact, the trainer was certain I was not even aware of the incident. But I was. I felt Pax’s communication and will accept it as that, rather than misguided behaviour (though he was getting a little over-zealous in his attempt to win the water fight)!
My sister reminded me afterwards that I had remarked prior to my encounter that wouldn’t it be wonderful if I were “touched by a dolphin”. Little did I know I would be and that a timeout would be called as a result. Nevertheless, and despite it feeling a bit mischievous on the part of both Pax and I, he will forever remain in my heart. Dolphins are incredible. Some of them were rescued and taken to the DRC. Several dolphins were born there. They are happy, and like any other creature of intelligence that doesn’t speak our language, they enthrall, encourage, inspire, heal and put up with us as we continually learn to navigate their world.
My heart to yours,
Vonne
