SeaWorld Orlando visitors get up close with dolphins
A SeaWorld Orlando tour brings visitors practically noseto-nose with the park’s playful dolphins during a 45-minute encounter.
Daniel Richardville, supervisor of Zoological at SeaWorld Orlando, said the experience is a great opportunity for guests to see “some of our rescue equipment as well as do an amazingly fun tour with some of our Atlantic bottlenose dolphins.”
“Hopefully with our tours, they’re able to see a lot of really cool stuff, from the relationships the animals have with the trainers to a lot of the really cool behaviors that we train with them,” he said. “Guests will get to see how fun and playful they are, and how strong they are.”
The Dolphins Up-Close Tour has the flexibility to take place either behind-the-scenes or in the Dolphin Cove area. I was lucky to go backstage, where I not only interacted with these creatures but also got a peek at SeaWorld’s rescue efforts.
Leigh Anne Marsh, an instructor in SeaWorld Orlando’s Animal Programs Department, said SeaWorld has rescued more than 33,000 animals — including more than 500 birds in the last year.
My group was split in half to maximize our dolphin interaction time. We could take our own photos only in specified areas, SeaWorld positioned a professional photographer across the pool to capture any memorable moments.
SeaWorld Orlando trainer Jessica Bosshardt introduced us to Ige and Hurlee. She invited us to touch their skin, which she says feels like a raw hotdog.
She shared tidbits about these aquatic mammals and allowed us to participate in a few mimicking behaviors.
Before the dolphins’ play break with buoys, we took individual photos with Ige and Hurlee.
Overall, the encounter emphasizes anatomy, with explanations followed by observation or touch.
Bosshardt explained that dolphins’ flippers have five finger-like bones, but there are no bones in the tail flukes or fins. She also said their dorsal fins and tails are unique — which helps identify them.
Through use of her whistle, hand gestures or touch, Bosshardt was able to maneuver the dolphin into the position she wanted. SeaWorld Orlando dolphins are trained to