International groups, including: The Expedition Company (UK); International Studies Abroad; Dr. Paul Forestell’s returning students from Southampton College, NY; St. Cloud Campus of U. of Minnesota; and various international volunteer networks have discovered the unique opportunities for marine and ecological experiences available through TDF, and have either sent groups in 2002, or will be sending groups and individuals to work with TDF in 2003. We continue to receive a constant stream of international requests through our website for volunteer opportunities. Our new Dolphin Lodge will help us to provide volunteer housing, and the new Dolphin Education Center and need for trained Interpreters on the local Dolphin Watching trips, will be great volunteer jobs.

The new Dolphin Lodge and Dolphin Education Center is almost complete. The Lodge, which will accommodate groups of up to 12 persons, will be available for TDF groups at a reduced rate. It will also house the Dolphin Education Center, an interpretive center featuring sights, sounds, history and displays of the dolphins of Talamanca. It will be open to the public and offer general, scientific and local information and educational resources for dolphin guides and tours operators, students, residents of Manzanillo, scientists, and visitors, using audio-visual technology and interactive displays. We plan to feature photographs of the more than 60 individually-recognizable local dolphins from our Photo-ID Catalog; the history of the Talamanca Dolphin Foundation and all those who have been involved; life-size fiberglass replicas of the three local dolphin species, made with the help of local children; audio sounds of the dolphins underwater; short video segments on various aspects of dolphin social life and behavior; human history and culture of the Talamanca area; copies of scientific research articles and reference books for all ages; and TDF shirts, videos and other hand-made dolphin crafts for sale. We envision this Center to be a place where novices and veteran dolphin enthusiasts of all ages will be inspired to learn more about, and protect, our dolphin neighbors. The plaque recognizing TDF benefactors and sponsors will hang in the Center. WE INVITE YOU TO PARTICIPATE IN THE BUILDING OF THIS EXCITING NEW EDUCATION CENTER for the Talamanca Dolphin Foundation in Manzanillo !! You contribution can be used for a specific Center display or item, or contribute to the total number of models, displays, books, or audio-visual machinery needed to build the center. (Please see below for details.)

The people of Manzanillo continue to be involved as Officers and associates of the Talamanca Dolphin Foundation. The staff and officers continue to share knowledge, ideas and economic benefits derived from the hundreds of visitors who come to Manzanillo to see and learn about the dolphins. Images of dolphins are popping up everywhere in the village- from being carved into the lattice work of Ricardo’s Restaurant, to being painted on the bows of many local boats- reflecting the growing awareness and appreciation of our neighbors of the sea. Dolphin-watching tours, run by local boat captains and guides, have gone from being non-existent in 1996, to being the Number #1 visitor activity in Manzanillo in 2002. The programs and work of TDF have helped the community in sustainable economic development for the future. More local youth are now able to work and stay in Manzanillo than before, and fathers and mothers are better able to sustain their families by working within the community. We are deepening our roots and spreading our branches to ensure that the Talamanca Dolphin Foundation continues to grow and fulfill its objectives for both the dolphins and the people of Talamanca for years to come.

Gratefully,

Ann DiBerardinis, President

Talamanca Dolphin Foundation