TALAMANCA DOLPHIN
FOUNDATION
The Talamanca Dolphin Foundation Lodge
is a non-profit organization dedicated to the wild dolphins
and people of Atlantic/Caribbean coastal Talamanca, in Costa
Rica. The idea for the Foundation came on the heels of several
exciting scientific discoveries made and documented by Shawn
Larkin, Vanessa Schot, Willie Burton, Ann DiBerardinis and
Mary Ahlers in April, 1997. The first was the identification,
near Manzanillo, of tucuxi dolphins (Sotalia fluviatilis),
a little-known species never before known to exist in Costa
Rica. The second exciting discovery was the unusual social
interaction between the tucuxi and bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops
truncatus) there. The third dolphin species seen close by
is the Atlantic spotted (Stenella frontalis). The results
of this initial study, and subsequent studies, have been
reported by Dr. Paul Forestell and Allison Wright of Southampton
College, Ann DiBerardinis, Shawn Larkin and Vanessa Schot
of the TDF, and Dr. Alejandro Acevedo-Guitierrez of Western
Washington University. (See Research page.)
As news of these discoveries spread, many
visitors, scientists, and students began coming to the small
village of Manzanillo to see these dolphins for themselves.
The immediate need for information, responsible boating
and observation techniques, protection of the dolphins,
and continuation of scientific research spawned the birth
of an organization that could help meet these needs. It
was also important to the founders that the local boat captains
and people of Manzanillo participate in these changes in
their community, and share in the economic development that
was taking place. Consequently, the Talamanca Dolphin Foundation
(Asociación Pro Delfínes de Talamanca) was
formed and chartered as a non-profit organization in Costa
Rica.* Its officers and members include cetacean specialists,
local naturalist guides, boat captains, local business owners,
and community leaders.
Mission: To increase awareness, understanding
and protection of the dolphins of Talamanca’s coastal
region through:
Research
Education
Protection
Promotion of responsible eco-tourism
Community involvement
* TDF is a tax-exempt organization qualifiing under section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
| CONTACT
THE TALAMANCA DOLPHIN FOUNDATION
Tel:
506
759-9115
506 759-0612
WEB:
www.dolphinlink.org
|
