Curious cat nuzzles with dolphins at marine animal park
Theatre of the Sea marine mammal park in Islamorada, Fla. is a popular attraction, hosting thousands of people each year. Originally a rock quarry excavated for Henry Flagler’s railroad in the early 1900s, the park now features programs to swim with dolphins (who have a mustache that falls out shortly after birth), sea lions and rays — and opportunities to learn about these creatures.
Arthur was a lucky feline, in that he was a housecat at the facility in back in the late 1990s. One day, during a swim-with-the-dolphins program at the facility, Arthur decided to get upclose and personal with two of the marine mammals, Thunder and Shiloh.
Beverley Osborne, who is now a curator at the park, has been with the park for about 20 years, and tells the story:
"That was his area and he was there for every program. He'd walk toward the dolphins when they'd arrive, but the dolphins would come over to him, too. But he was very friendly with Thunder and Shiloh during that particular session."
Watch the footage below:
Lorrie Shaw is lead pets blogger for AnnArbor.com. Follow her daily writing and pet adventures on Twitter, or shoot her an email.
Comments
Moscow On The Huron
Fri, Apr 15, 2011 : 2:47 a.m.
You laid off your Lead Blogger but still have a Lead Pet Blogger?
julieswhimsies
Thu, Apr 14, 2011 : 6:55 p.m.
I hate to point out that there is an unseen ugliness in the reality of captured dolphins. I urge you to watch "The Cove"...It's a hard documentary to watch, but I believe these hidden truths need to be revealed. No, I don't belong to PETA.
julieswhimsies
Fri, Apr 15, 2011 : 5:54 p.m.
I took a Coast Guard Water Survival Course many years ago. Part of the training involved jumping off an air craft carrier and staying afloat for three hours in the Pacific Ocean with no PFD. It was a terrifying exercise until a pod of dolphins surrounded me. They nuzzled me and seemed to be intent on keeping me afloat. Cash, I have never felt so sheltered in my life. We laughed and played...After the three hours I was not ready to leave. Amazing. However, dolphins in captivity show signs of depression, and have physical symptoms, such as ulcers and other disorders related to stress. These animals are so highly intelligent and sensitive that confining them to small areas is extremely cruel. And for every dolphin "chosen" from the wild to be used in "Marine entertainment", many, many more are culled. I agree with you, Cash. Meeting dolphins in the wild is an immeasurable experience.
Cash
Thu, Apr 14, 2011 : 10:01 p.m.
Julie, I'm glad you mentioned that...it is so true. One year I was in Ixtapa Mexico swimming in the Pacific and lo and behold dolphins were swimming with me!! They would bump me and roll around with me...just having a blast. People who worked at the hotel said it was fairly common for them to do this even though they are free and "untamed". In my long life, I think it was the single one moment when I felt closest to paradise....completely in sync with nature. It was 30 years ago and to this day when I think of it, I tear up for joy.
spm
Thu, Apr 14, 2011 : 3:55 p.m.
Thank you for posting that wonder video. Cats do rule.