What is dolphin assisted therapy research? It is a special mix of zoo therapy and physiotherapy that also provides important information for research. The animals used in this type of therapy are trained dolphins.

Who uses this type of therapy? It is usually people with special needs. It has been very popular with children affected or suffering from Autism, Cerebral Palsy, cancer and Multiple Sclerosis. Verbal or non-verbal, with or without sight, paralyzed or with limited motor skills, miracles have been observed or linked with this type of therapy.

Charitable organizations such as the Make-a-Wish Foundation have made dreams come true for numerous children. You see, children are often attracted and intrigued by these marine mammals. As for dolphins, they are naturally curious, patient, protective and sociable animals, which explain their main attraction to humans.

If a pregnant woman, a defenseless child or a physically handicapped adult are put in their presence, dolphins are known to come to their rescue and protect them, no matter the consequences.

During the assisted dolphin therapy research sessions, a physiotherapist and a dolphin trainer, who often is a marine biologist, are present to supervise series of physical exercises. Dolphins provide the rest: patience, support, entertainment and a unique relationship.

With time, various miracles have been known to happen during these sessions. Non-verbal patients have said their first words; others have shown some interest in communicating with them and developing a close relationship. Others became affectionate while some developed their motor skills. For some children, dolphin assisted therapy research made their dreams come true by giving them the opportunity to go swimming with dolphins. For others, it meant hope, achieving goals, develop their skills or find a best friend.

While miracles have been happening during dolphin assisted therapy research sessions, it does not mean that they are guaranteed to happen but at least, the experience in itself, its uniqueness and the fun related to it make it worthwhile.

In fact, numerous parents, relatives and friends would tell you that, at least, it makes a dream come true and at best, it will bring to your loved one something more precious than all the money in the world: a miracle that changed a life.

Nowadays, several places offer either dolphin assisted therapy research, a chance to go swimming with dolphins or even the opportunity to become a dolphin trainer for a day. If you have one of these opportunities, you should take it as it will provide you with the experience of a lifetime. For once, you will see that the cost of such an opportunity is worth every penny. Write it down on your “To Do List” for your next vacation as you will not regret it!