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.

Media Coverage

In the Field

Did you Know

Spotted dolphin calves are unspotted and look like young bottlenose dolphins.

Spotted dolphins regurgitate hard, indigestible parts of their food, such as squid beaks and fish vertebrae.

As spotted dolphins grow up they learn how to behave from their mothers and also from siblings, peers, and elders in the society.

Juvenile spotted dolphins babysit younger spotteds.

As a spotted dolphin grows up, its role and responsibilities in the dolphin community change Sometimes spotted dolphins travel, forage for food, and socialize with bottlenose dolphins.

 

Atlantic spotted dolphins are relatively unstudied, compared to their pan-tropical cousins who have been slaughtered in the tuna nets.

Spotted dolphins use their signature whistles in many different ways, including initiating contact with other dolphins.

Spotted dolphins can be identified over long periods of time by spot patterns, by flukes, and by dorsal fins.

For further learning, visit the Dolphin Communication, Dolphin Videos, Scientific Publications pages and watch our latest documentary from PBS’s Changing Seas series, Dolphins: Breaking The Code” and Dr. Herzing’s TED Talk.

Education

Dolphin Word Search Puzzle
Answer the questions and search for their answers in the word search puzzle.

Dolphin Food Pyramid
Match the names of the prey to their pictures in the Dolphin Food Pyramid.

Dolphin Picture
Label the parts of the dolphin and color! Think of other animals that share the ocean with the dolphins, like predators and prey, and draw them in. Are there researchers in your picture?

Interested in Careers in Marine Mammal Science?
Visit the Society for Marine Mammalogy Careers page for more information.

To report a marine mammal stranding please call 1-888-404-FWCC

Disclosure Statement

A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free within the state 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352). Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state. www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com (CH3673)

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