Dolphins and Humans

For years, scientists have studied the vocalization of dolphins. Basically, they have been trying to figure out exactly how dolphins communicate with each other, and how humans might communicate with these highly intelligent creatures. Researchers believe that communication is possible with sonar - the dolphins natural sonar combined with our man-made sonar equipment. Research continues in this area today.

Initial capture of dolphins did prove to be useful. Much was learned about their socialization, and their intelligence. The United States Navy commonly uses dolphins in missions, to guard ships against enemy swimmers, and to locate and mark underwater mines. Military dolphins have even been trained to lead lost divers to safety, and there have been many reports from private citizens over the years of dolphins saving their lives when they were stranded in the ocean, or drowning. Due to the reported incidents of dolphins saving swimmers, dolphins were once called 'Saviors of The Sea.' Today, many people consider dolphins to be spiritual healers, and they believe that if they swim with the dolphins, they will be healed of any ailments or illnesses they have.

Dolphins seem to have as much of an interest in human beings as humans have in dolphins. They often travel along beside boats, and pop their heads out of the water to take a look at people on the boats, or people on shore. Many cultures consider dolphins to be sacred, powerful creatures, that should be revered and respected. Great numbers of dolphin lovers dream of swimming with the dolphins in the ocean, and many make that dream become a reality. These people report the experience as one of the most precious moments of their lives.

In recent years, dolphins have lost a little of their popularity, due to an increase in unexplained dolphin attacks on porpoises and young dolphins. Some people have even reported that their dolphin swimming experiences were ruined by the dolphins biting and bumping them. What humans fail to realize, is that even though dolphins are sociable and intelligent, they are still wild. Therefore, if you interact with them, you should be prepared for them to act like the wild animals that they are, and give them the respect and space that wild animals deserve. The sea is home to the dolphins, and you are the uninvited visitor.