things you've always wanted to know

about dolphins! hooray! so if you don't want to go to learn random facts, skip this.
a. Each dolphin has a signature whistle. This whistle is used as an identifier for individual dolphins. When calves are young, the mother will whistle her own signature whistle over and over again so that the calf can find its mother in a pod.
b. Most, if not all dolphin males form pair bonds with another male. They often pair up with males of similar age and 'childhood background'. Researchers think that these pairings may improve feeding efficiency and provide protection, and may even help reproductive opportunities. In our 'big boy' lagoon, Talon and Pax who are actually brothers are a pair, and then Bo and Sandy, who both came from different facilities outside of the DRC, are a pair.
c. A big question we get at the DRC is, do dolphins sleep? Or, 'Hey, I think something's wrong with that dolphin! He/ she isn't moving!' Dolphins can essentially 'turn off' one half of their brain at a time. This allows them to rest and still breathe and be alert enough to sense if a predator is coming. Our boys especially like to sleep up close to the causeway.
aight, school's out for the day kids. however, if you want to see a clip of the DRC and play 'find xtine', go http://www.fla-keys.com/ and watch the video of the week. There should be a cute little dolphin or two on the cover to give you a hint that it's the right thing to watch. serious bonus points if you see me. i have sneakers on.