Dubai Dolphinarium makes a big splash

The dolphinarium features three dolphins and four seals which perform different tricks under the supervision of expert trainers.

Speaking on this occasion, Karim said the Dh33-million edutainment facility, undertaken by the municipality in conjunction with Royal Segrex LLC, forms part of the civic body’s initiative to involve private firms in setting up various long-term investment projects in the emirate and offer the public a variety of recreational and edutainment projects.

“We have a long-term vision to support and encourage the private sector to engage in various activities deemed to be in the best interest of the public. The objective is to establish the ways and means whereby people’s lives could be enriched by promoting a wide range of family entertainment with an element of education,” he said.

This facility will include a water circus show, dolphin therapy, dolphin sighting excursions, and lectures among others, he added.

“Dubai Dolphinarium is offering the public a variety of entertainment, educational and therapeutic programmes. The project is very special and represents a real added value to the society, because it offers a variety of activities that address and cover many important aspects such as education, entertainment, therapy and research. Thus, it represents an appealing diversification for both residents and tourists from all round the world,” Karim pointed out.

Christopher Richardson, Managing Director of Dubai Dolphinarium, said the facility will accommodate as many as 1,250 visitors. There are 4.5 million litres of continuously purified sea water in an arena pool, habitat pool, medical and seal pool that the mammals live in. To support the health and welfare of the dolphins and seals, there is a marine mammal laboratory, fish preparation rooms and technical support rooms.

“On each side of the dolphinarium we have marine themed classrooms for our science and conservation focused educational programmes, a multimedia library and a new concept kids’ gym. Our education and activity programmes will be offered for summer camp. The programmes will include opportunities to learn about dolphins and seals up-close, to learn how dolphins and seals are trained and the basics of animal husbandry for both feeding and medical care.”

“It will also have a Marine Mammal Education Centre led by a team of marine mammal scientists and dolphin specialists. The centre shall offer various lectures and shows introducing both children and adults to the nature and habitat of these amazing intelligent mammals and how we can learn and help preserve the several species of dolphins that exist in the Gulf waters,” added Richardson.

Among the other attractions are photo sessions, where children can have their pictures taken with dolphins and sea lions. Kids will also have the chance to have a video taken with them in a little rubber boat being pulled around the pool by a dolphin.

Another programme is swimming with dolphins, which will allow people to swim supervised for 10-30 minutes in a group or as an individual with a dolphin, they can also try to be pulled by a dolphin and experience talking with dolphins, the official added.

The dolphinarium will open six days a week, allowing one-day rest for dolphins and their handlers. There will be three shows everyday starting at 10am, 6pm and 9pm, respectively. Entry tickets will cost between Dh20 and Dh200 depending on the age-groups of the visitors and the parties organising the trips. Based on seasonal demands special extended programmes will be offered during holidays and school recess periods.

Dolphin therapy for kids

DUBAI — Parents who worry about their children being loners and introverts can now hope for some relief. ‘Dolphin’ therapy is on its way.

The Dubai Municipality would be bringing in four specially-trained dolphins this summer that have the capability of curing children who tend to live in their own world secluded from the rest.

According to senior municipality officials, these dolphins have been specially trained to bring smiles to the faces of children who have some psychological problem and tend to live in their own imaginary world.

Speaking to Khaleej Times on the sidelines of the inauguration of Dubai Dolphinarium, Ahmad Abdul Karim, Director of Public Parks and Horticulture Department in Dubai Municipality, said the dolphins would be arriving in the emirate by this summer.

“We are bringing these dolphins from Japan. There are many children who have psychological problems. They tend to stay away from other children and even family members, do not talk or interact and live in their own self. One can call them thorough introverts. It is these dolphins which would be mixing with them trying to bring them out from their cocoon. This particular dolphin therapy has been of great help to many children around the world,” the official said.

Karim added that the four dolphins would join the three others three already present at the dolphinarium in the Creek Park.

“But these four dolphins will not be used for normal shows. They will be just for the kids with special needs. The kids will be able to touch them and we hope that the ones who are very introvert by nature will open up. They have been specially trained for this job,” added Karim.