This post written by Lauren H
Recently, my five year old son Alex and I got the opportunity to go to Sea World, Orlando. This was his very first time, and I think my parents may have taken me when I was about his age. I couldn’t wait to experience the fun through my son’s eyes.
Alexzander loves science.. how things grow, why things work, and sea creatures are extremely interesting to him. He had a billion and one questions for me at every turn, and thankfully the employees at Sea World were able to help me explain what and why on more than one occasion. The one thing that we wanted to do- aside from seeing Shamu- was to feed the dolphins. Living in Florida, occasionally we are blessed with the experience of seeing wild dolphins as we cross the bridges in the Tampa Bay area, and once we even went on a ‘dolphin encounter’ type boat, but never, ever did we have the experience that we had at Sea World.
We lined up with our receipt for our tray of fish, and right away Alex started asking questions.. “Why do they have a hole on the top of their heads?” “Why does the lady on the microphone call their heads ‘melons’?” “Can I touch it?” “Will it bite me?” “Does a dolphin have teeth?” After I answered him as best as I could, it was our turn to head to the feeding area. The staff explained all the rules to us, and to watch out for the pesky seagulls. The Sea World associates filled our order of fish, and Alex looked at me wide eyed and said, “Wait, I need to touch a fish?!”
Feeding the dolphins was undeniably the coolest thing I have ever done. These majestic creatures came right up to the edges of the habitat they were in, and looked at us with these giant smiles and round black eyes. My son and I touched under their mouths as they came right up and ate fish from our hands. Alex got to see that dolphins did indeed have teeth, and giggled about how they felt rubbery. One of them even came out of the water and laid across the ledge in front of us! It was amazing, watching the warm Florida sun glisten off their bodies! After the feeding time ended, the dolphins swam back to the deeper parts of the habitat, and several even bound into the air with excitement. It truly was amazing!
Our memories feeding the dolphins in Sea World, Orlando will be something that we’ll remember for a long time. In fact, I know I’ll never forget it.
Your photos are amazing! Way to truly capture the up-close, live-interaction with the dolphins.
That sounds like so much fun. I want to go to Sea World and visit the dolphins!
Dede & I got the feed the dolphins at SeaWorld San Diego and it was great fun - except that the seagulls provided very aggressive competition for the dolphins and several times snatched the little fishes right out of my hand before the dolphins could get ‘em.
We also had a chance to interact - but not really swim - with dolphins in the water while in Cancun a few years back. We even got to give the dolphins a hug!
We’re in the Tampa Bay area too. Even though seeing them in the wild is amazing, you aren’t going to get this sort of interactive experience by standing on a beach looking at the dolphins play off the shore. My daughter and I love it when we can get down to Sea World.
I’ve never seen a dolphin that close, either through a glass or watching a show in the bleachers. I want to sometime when I get a chance. Dolphins are amazing!
I have to stop in at your site daily for a dolphin bubble fix. Amazing! You might also enjoy Discovery Cove and swim with a dolphin, give it a hug. (mine was named Dixie and I will never forget her) You can also wade with rays and feed exotic wild birds from world-over in what seems like an open air forest. Let me in on the fun if you go, please!
I’d love for my family to take a trip like that!
Davida
Nice! I love the article and the pic’s
the pics are great!!
What a fun day!!! Great article!
Must have enjoyed your day to the fullest!!! really nice to read your article thanks!!!
Wow, I enjoyed watching the picture and reading the article about dolphins.
It sounds like you had a great time. I love the pictures. The article actually made me want to visit Sea World.
Tha must be real great!
I am amazed at Dolphins and would love to see one up close. great pics.
So cute
Indeed, the dolphins are a manifestation of the goodness of God. Let us all turn back to him and everyday of our lives would be as exciting and joy-filled as the dolphins’.
Love this - that’s what life is all about, celebrate!
wat u doing dolphin friends.