Mission Statement
The Wild Dolphin Project is a non-profit scientific research organization that studies and reports on a specific pod of free ranging Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis). Since 1985, Denise Herzing has been studying dolphin communication in the wild. Objectives of this long-term, non-invasive field research on wild dolphins are to gather information on the natural history of these dolphins, including dolphin behaviors, social structure, dolphin communication, and habitat; and to report what we have learned to the scientific community and the general public.

Spanning over three decades The Wild Dolphin Project is the longest running underwater dolphin research project in the world. With our underwater focus on observing and recording behavior and sound, we are determined to "Crack the Code" of dolphin communication.
Learn More
Whether you are looking to participate onboard R/V Stenella or just stay updated on the project, our research, and upcoming events, a WDP membership will benefit you.
Become a Member
There are several ways to participate with The Wild Dolphin Project and help our work: Bahama Field Research, Florida Field Research, or Student Internships.
Learn moreMedia Coverage
In the Field
-
Dolphin Communication
Read moreWe know animals communicate, but do they have language? Dr. Denise Herzing, research director of Wild Dolphin Project, founded the scientific nonprofit in 1985 to
-
31 Mar
Who is Toki?
Read moreOn March 30, 2023, the Miami Seaquarium, which recently came under the management ofThe Dolphin Company, entered into an agreement with Friends of Lolita, a non–profit
-
28 Feb
6 Awesome Facts About Spotted Dolphins in the Bahamas
Read moreDenise Herzing, Ph.D., founder and director of the Wild Dolphin Project, has been studying Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) in the Bahamas since 1985. Since
-
26 Dec
Save the Dolphins: Looking Ahead to 2023
Read moreIt’s almost the end of another year. Goodbye 2022. But, as we look to the new year, we want to be inspired about the ways
-
30 Nov
Climate Change and the Bahamas
Read more“It’s difficult to imagine how these shallow water environments will continue to sustain many top predators in the future — not with many more storms at