Name a dolphin through UNF adoption program

Funds raise money for local dolphin research

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – If you ever wanted a pet dolphin, this is probably the most practical way to make one your own.

Now you can adopt a dolphin through the University of North Florida’s Dolphin Research Program and give it a name of your own.

Researchers and students have been keeping track of the local dolphin population for over 10 years, accumulating an extensive library of the unique personalities of the charismatic marine mammals commonly seen swimming in the St. Johns River.

Each dolphin has unique features on its top dorsal fin that serve as a fingerprint. Hundreds of individual bottlenose dolphins have been cataloged with the details.

The data enables scientists to track the population’s life history and seasonal movement patterns and also warns of problems.

This year is particularly stressful for dolphins because of increased boat strikes and poor water quality resulting in skin lesions.

Expensive research is ongoing to understand why some dolphins are dying in the area and you can assist.

The funds raised by the Adopt-A-Dolphin program will help fill the knowledge gap. By naming a dolphin you will get a photo and information on your pet and know that you are helping the survival of the species in our estuary.

Basic adoptions start at $40. To get enrolled, email Dr. Quincy Gibson at quincy.gibson@unf.edu.


About the Author:

After covering the weather from every corner of Florida and doing marine research in the Gulf, Mark Collins settled in Jacksonville to forecast weather for The First Coast.