 |
 |
 |
 |
  |
 |
 |
 |
|
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:
* TDF is a tax-exempt organization qualifiing under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. |
