A group of injured US veterans swam in the Florida Keys with bottlenose dolphins on January 9th as part of the Wounded Warrior Programme (WWP). The exercise attempts to enhance their mental health with dolphin therapy.
These troops had injuries such as amputations and post-traumatic stress disorder. They went to the Dolphin Research Center (DRC), which has been doing projects like this for over 25 years.
After an accident overseas, US Marine Corps Captain Andrew Hairston was left with a fractured leg below the knee. He believes WWP activities are excellent for gaining confidence and preparing for new situations.
Hairston described how the dolphins motivated him to venture outside his comfort zone and try new things. He also mentioned how rare it is to be able to swim with dolphins. Those who don’t usually swim joined them in the water and swam with them.
The endearing Florida dolphins demonstrate that not only can they perform flips and spins in the water but also assist anyone in need.
What is Dolphin Therapy?
Dolphin Assisted Therapy or DAT has been utilized to help people with developmental, physical, and emotional disorders like autism and Down syndrome improve their speech and movement abilities.
Dolphin therapy is not the same as “swimming” with dolphin programs. The latter is only concerned with putting people in the water with dolphins, teaching them about cetaceans, and having a good time.
Dolphin-assisted treatment is a sort of animal therapy in which dolphins engage with humans with psychiatric, congenital, or physical issues. It can be done in a controlled environment with dolphins in captivity or in a wild population. According to the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS), dolphin therapy helps children and adults with mental, emotional, and physical problems.
Dolphin therapy has been regarded as “wonderful” by some who have tried it and think it has improved their lives.
The dolphins have been trained to interact with people. The dolphins swim alongside patients as part of the therapy. It also lets patients touch them and see them do feats and stunts, which promotes improved health. Dolphins can be thought of as therapists.
Dolphin trainers and doctors, therapists, infrastructure that can accommodate patients and dolphins, and a budget to maintain the animals’ health are all required to carry out these therapies.
The Start of Dolphin Therapy
Betsy Smith, a woman, began the technique after seeing her brother’s encounter with a dolphin.
In 1987, researchers conducted a case study where dolphins were employed to assist an autistic youngster in connecting with others. Betsy was sure that treatment with these kind and clever animals might help people heal.
Nonetheless, therapy has been used for pain relief, healing, and learning. It can also increase attention span, enhance learning, and improve motor skills and coordination in children and adults.
It is important to remember that therapy with dolphins does not provide a cure for all ailments and should not be considered a miracle cure. The Wounded Warrior Project is a program that offers dolphin therapy in Florida to veterans in need of rehabilitation and some sunshine in their lives.
How Dolphins Assist Humans
Dolphins have inspired humans with their brilliance and exuberant playfulness, which you can actually witness yourself if you join a dolphin cruise in Johns Pass. These fascinating aquatic animals are more than simply beautiful to look at during popular dolphin tours. Instead, they show compassion to individuals in ways that some consider remarkable. In fact, they’ve also shown in the past that they can assist individuals in need.
Emotional Recovery
Dolphins can aid those suffering from emotional anguish, such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder.
People frequently report feeling happier and calmer after spending time with or swimming with dolphins. These therapeutic benefits can become more permanent as individuals engage with dolphins over time, assisting humans in developing healthy, long-lasting attitudes.
Physical Rejuvenation
People with neurological problems such as cerebral palsy and autism have improved significantly in their communication abilities, including speaking and utilizing body language.
People with high blood pressure have reduced their results after spending time with dolphins. People with skin allergies or disorders have reported feeling better after spending time with dolphins.
The Wounded Warrior Project
Since 2009, the Dolphin Research Center (DRC) has collaborated with the Wounded Warrior Program (WWP) to support aims that encourage a healthy and average return to civilian life for severely injured warriors.
As part of dolphin treatment in Florida, the initiative enables an encounter with attractive dolphins.
This dolphin therapy in Florida involves rehabilitative cycling, physically and symbolically encouraging our injured heroes to get back on the saddle. A meal or a swim with the dolphins follows the bike session.
Similarly, veterans participate in DRC’s Project Odyssey Program, a three-day retreat designed to assist veterans in overcoming stress and enhancing their mental attitude. This dolphin treatment in Florida provides veterans with dolphin experiences such as dock sessions and swimming with Florida dolphins.
Key Takeaway
Nothing is more frustrating for parents and family members than being unable to assist a loved one. It is difficult for people to feel helpless in providing a better viewpoint for their loved ones. When contemporary conventional treatment fails to provide positive results, families frequently feel powerless and lose hope.
In this seemingly hopeless circumstance, dolphin-assisted therapy might provide hope. Animal-assisted therapy with dolphins has proven beneficial, particularly with people with injuries and mental conditions. It can enhance mobility and cognitive capacities in people with various diseases and impairments and boost self-esteem and self-reliance.
