The Year of the Dolphin!

The Dolphin is a beautiful creature, and is among the most intelligent of animals. This is because of their ability to learn, while maintaining their playful and friendly attitude and appearance. They have acute eyesight even underwater, and hearing better than most humans!

To add to the many prestigious abilities of the Dolphin, they also have a very good sense of touch. It is believed by many that they have no sense of smell, because they lack lobes or an olfactory nerve. However, they can taste and are able to sense what type of fish they are eating or being fed. Their sense of taste can be superior to their sense of smell.

These animals most often do acrobatic tricks, and leap above water. Many are placed in amusement parks, fairgrounds, and other events held to do lots of tricks. The most popular of these is Sea World’s Dolphinaria, an aquarium filled with dolphins kept in a pool, for performing or research.

The aquatic mammals range in size from 1.2 m to 40 kg. They have a streamlined form for fast swimming. This allows them to look for food, mostly fish and squid, and have the ability to get away from other sea creatures trying to claim territory or food.

For being among the smartest, and friendliest animals in the sea – The United Nations, United Nations Programme (UNEP) and WDCS (Whale & Dolphin Conservative Society) has announced internationally that 2007 is The Year of The Dolphin!

- Ashley, 14, Ohio