Dolphins That War Vets With PTSD Take Up Painting

This is the moment board dolphins who had restricted access to visitors because of the coronavirus pandemic got the chance to pass the time by practising their painting after being taught how to do it by staff.

The research centre was founded in the Florida Keys in 1984.

It is a nonprofit marine mammal education and research facility currently home to a family of dolphins and California sea lions.

Speaking to Newsflash, the organisation’s communications director identified only by her first name Mary, said the painting project was just one of many things they did with dolphins to keep them amused.

Credit: DolphinResearchCenter/Newsflash

One of the dolphins’ other activities is normally the “Wounded Warrior Project” which connects war veterans with dolphins to help treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The project was such a success, that during the coronavirus pandemic although the physical visits had to stop, it continued with the veterans connecting with dolphins via zoom.

And of course, with fewer visitors, the dolphins had plenty of time to learn painting at the research centre, which was keen to emphasise that it does not encourage the dolphins to learn tricks for the amusement of people, but rather tries to interact with them and encourage the activity of dolphins in what they seem to enjoy.

During the Zoom meetings, the veterans were able to watch the dolphins from home.

Dolphin therapy is becoming an ever more popular way to treat PTSD in both children and adults.


To find out more about the author, editor or agency that supplied this story – please click below.
Story By: James KingSub-EditorMarija Stojkoska, Agency: Newsflash

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