Although Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder (DPMMR) in Key Largo typically offers a locals’ special every year, this year’s special seems to hold a higher significance for both Monroe County residents and the dolphins who call DPMMR their forever home.
The 2020 year has brought a pandemic, civil unrest and a hurricane season that is anticipated to be more active than usual. With this in mind, DPMMR will offer three of its most popular programs for only $50 per person during the month of September: the interactive swim, splash and wade program, and splash and swim program.
The not-for-profit organization moved the promotion from October up to September for this year in hopes that more locals can take advantage of the discounted price of the swims. Members of the organization stated that it is a perfect opportunity for those who haven’t taken their typical summer vacations to get out and participate in a COVID-safe activity most people don’t experience in their everyday lives.
“Since reopening in June, our teams have adapted our model to keep our animals, guests and staff as safe as possible amidst the pandemic” said Nancy Cooper, president of DPMMR. “Our programs all take place outdoors and we have limited the number of program participants to make sure each group of swimmers can be socially distanced from other groups throughout the duration of their time with us. Couple this with the added sanitization protocols, temperature screening, mask mandates and other changes to our daily operations and we feel confident in our ability to provide a recreational activity that is safe to enjoy.”
The programs all take place at the facility’s headquarters in Key Largo, where seven Atlantic bottlenose dolphins permanently reside. These dolphins depend on their caregivers for their diets, veterinary care and physical and mental stimulation.
Beyond simply inspiring people to take action, DPMMR actively protects marine mammals throughout the year by being the only organization in the entire Florida Keys authorized by the National Marine Fisheries Service to respond to whales and dolphins in need. Further, the organization is researching dolphins in the wild through a non-invasive photo identification program, the first step in a larger research study that looks at the human
impacts posing threats to the local dolphin population.
This work is funded through a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and proceeds from dolphin interaction programs at DPMMR. The “Local Love” special is more limited than years past due to social distancing regulations and DPMMR’s commitment to providing a safe experience for all of their guests. Residents who are interested in booking the special can call the facility at 305-453-4321 to reserve their spot or go to www.dpmmr.org to view more information about the special and programs.
The special will run from Sept. 1-30. Proof of Monroe County residency is required to receive the special rate.
“We all need a break and to dedicate some time to melt the stress away,” said Cooper, “DPMMR is looking forward to giving back to our local community while still advancing our important mission.”
