Delphinus

Mimi's face was cracking a big smile again. She was about to do something that she had wanted to for years - swim with the dolphins. I was content to stay dry (I don't particularly like to get wet) and record the event with the camera. Unfortunately, they position us observers in the back, so we can't get the best shots. Their professional photographers get to walk around the pool area at will. If they let us do that, we'd probably be colliding and falling into the pool with our cameras ! Here is the "production crew" working behind the scenes to make sure things go as planned.

Some observations - the whole show is highly choreographed. Each activity, such as belly petting, is really a particular "trick" that the dolphin is cued to do. The participants are also trained. They need to be in a particular spot, pet the belly in a particular way, and only in a certain area (dolphins have "sensitive spots" as we do on our bellies). My impression is that these guys aren't as bright as we've been led to believe by watching Flipper. But it was fun.

Some of the pics are from the professional photographer, and some by me. Can you tell the difference?

A little bit of "Getting to know you".

I love the look on Mimi's face, "OMG - I can't believe this is happening!".

Classic belly rub, "Watch that hand!" "It's only your first date..".

OK, "Lets dance".

"I think I'm in love !".

Whoo Hoo !.

Here comes the "grand finale" - two dolphins get into position....

Mimi begins to accelerate......

And she's airborne !!!.

One dolphin wistfully watches his new playmates leave the water..

Hasta luego...