The Odyssey Plush

Per our partners at the FIU Marine Mammal Ecology Lab, dolphins are tracked to better understand their movements and predict how environmental changes and human activities affect their populations! The specific goal of this project, being conducted in collaboration with their partner organization, the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, is to learn about the health and movements of dolphins residing over the offshore waters of the West Florida Shelf. The primary dolphin species inhabiting this more than 100-mile-wide continental shelf are bottlenose and Atlantic spotted. Prior to this project, little was known about their ranging patterns or their health in these offshore waters.

To learn more about the work our partner is doing, visit our their site directly at marineconservationecologylab.com.

The dolphins are tagged with satellite-linked transmitters that report their locations and other data every other day. The very small and hydrodynamic tag is attached by means of a small pin through the trailing edge of the dorsal fin, and comes off the fin after the end of the battery life of the tag.

Per our partners at the FIU Marine Mammal Ecology Lab: "No, otherwise we would not want to do it, nor would we be allowed to do it, as these are federally protected species. The research is being conducted under a Marine Mammal Protection Act permit issued by NOAA-NMFS to the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, and through Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee approvals. The tag design has been tested on hundreds of dolphins over more than 10 years and has no effects on the movements and behavior of the tagged dolphins." 

Dolphins take in a lot more oxygen than humans do when they take a breath, and this allows them to hold their breath underwater for around 10 minutes, sometimes longer!

With their incredibly powerful tails, bottlenose dolphins can reach speeds of up to 22 mph (35.4 kph), though the fastest species is the short-beaked common dolphin with a top speed of 37 mph (60 kph). 

Bottlenose dolphins on average weigh 300–650 lb (135–300 kg). Hector’s dolphins are the smallest of the dolphin species, weighing only up to 110 lb (49.9 kg); the largest of the dolphins is the orca, which can weigh up to 11 tons.

Many studies suggest that dolphins are second only to humans in intelligence! Their brain-to-body ratio is also second to humans’ and they learn extraordinarily quickly. Dolphins are capable of problem-solving, showing complex emotions, and are capable of self-awareness. They can recognize their reflection in a mirror, something only humans and great apes have shown evidence of doing!

Wipe with damp sponge or cloth, using warm water and mild soap. Once dry, brush to restore the plush and proceed with snuggling.

Your plush had quite the long journey to get to you! If it appears squished from lack of legroom during shipping, give it a good fluff to help it return to its normal, cuddly shape. Still need help? Email us at support@myfahlo.com.