There is something intriguing about being able to interact with an animal that can weigh up to 1,430 pounds, and be as long as 12 ft. Dolphins are graceful in the water, gentle in behavior, and appear to be friendly and communicative. These characteristics and behaviors are what lead some researchers to believe that dolphins may have positive effects on people, especially people that are mentally or physically handicapped. With the help of dedicated research facilities and researches the, bridge between humans and dolphin interaction has been successfully constructed.
Dolphin assisted therapy has become an international rehabilitation program found in at least a dozen countries; the United States, Australia, Mexico and, Russia just to name a few. The therapies conducted at these facilities include three critical elements. First is the skill and experience of the trained staff. Second is the motivation of the parents to be there and to take the workshops, and learn how to continue therapy. Finally, the use of the dolphins and the interaction between the patients. The dolphins are used as a reward. The two week program is connected to a significant increase in language, speech, gross and fine motor function for people with mental and physical handicaps. .
"Researchers have also found that dolphin assisted therapy has been successful in reducing stress and increasing relaxation, stimulating production of endorphins and hormones, enhancing recovery, and reducing pain" (McKinney, May 2001, 48).
Dolphin assisted therapy dates back to the 1950's with the work of Dr. John Lilly. He studied the effects dolphins made on humans with disabilities. In 1971, an educational anthropologist named Dr. Betsy Smith from the Florida International University is credited with having initiating the first beginnings of research in this field. By accident, Smith discovered that some of the dolphins she was studying responded with extraordinary sympathy to her mentally handicapped brother.