First up, for all of you who noticed I had vanished off the blog planet without a trace, I apologise for not giving you a heads up. I have been overseas in Dubai for the past 3 weeks indulging in a much overdue and needed holiday with family and friends. I absolutely enjoyed every moment spent with my loved ones.
I happened to also spend my birthday there and my hubby treated me with an experience of a life time.
I got to indulge with a dolphin encounter at Atlantis. It cost a fortune but it was worth every cent.
I was blown away with the very well set up dolphin program.
Before we got to meet the dolphins, everyone had to sit in for a 45 minute interactive educational session about dolphins. Alejandro, one of the dolphin trainers, did an excellent job at handling the session. I actually learnt a few new facts about dolphins that I was not aware of namely:
- We commonly assume dolphins blow water out of their blowhole. That is incorrect, they can only blow air out of it. The water that appears to come out of their blowholes is simply water that has accumulated on the surface surrounding the blowhole and been blasted with the air pressure.
- Dolphins can control their breathing and must deliberately surface and open their blowholes to get air.
- Dolphins all have unique fins that make them quite distinguishable from each other.
Alejandro then thoroughly discussed exactly how we will be working with the dolphins and divided us into different groups. They only use positive reinforcement strategies in training all the dolphins.
My dolphin was named ‘Central’ and she was a 6 year old Bottlenose dolphin.
This wasn’t the first time I have met a dolphin. I was lucky to be randomly picked out of a group at Sentosa beach in Singapore 5-6 years ago to pat a pink dolphin. I don’t recall too much information being provided about the dolphins and I wasn’t given any real training tips prior to touching it. I simply recall being taken aback by the sheer size of the pink dolphin. However, it was disappointing that I didn’t gain any information about them from that experience.
As for my current experience, I came away learning so much more about dolphins. Our group consisted of 8 people (5 adults & 3 young children) and 2 trainers were assigned to each group. We were given very detailed instructions which we all followed very carefully.
For starters, we all had to put our hands out for ‘Central’ to come and meet us. She gently approached us and allowed us to pat her.
We then got to individually snuggle up to her and kiss her if we wanted and a professional photographer captured the images. It felt surreal looking into Central’s eyes. She was absolutely beautiful. 🙂
Needless to say, we had a very intimate moment. My husband actually felt a pinch of jealousy watching us share our first kiss.
I mean how often can you say, you snuggled up to a dolphin?!?
I was even instructed to splash ‘Central’ and she fought back.
I even got to dance with ‘Central’.
‘Central’ bid us farewell while showing off her agility skills.
‘Central’ was so beautiful and responded instantly to her commands. There was only one incident whereby one of the group members didn’t appropriately implement the command to dance with her & ‘Central’ turned away and left her. I was quite impressed with her high level of training and her ability to allow so many different people of variable ages to get so close to her.
I was yelling out ‘Good girl’ and smiling ear to ear during the whole event.
I think the above pictures clearly reflects the exquisite nature of my dolphin encounter.
I left Dubai with a heavy heart because I had to say goodbye to my family and closest friends. I won’t be seeing most of them for another year or so.
On the bright side, I feel well rejuvenated and am happy to be back amongst my colleagues and Aussie mates and most importantly my fur babies and patients. We are moving into our much anticipated purpose-built new clinic in the next month, so that’s pretty exciting!
I have compiled many interesting cases and can’t wait to share them with you over the next few weeks.
Are you ready for all these mind boggling cases?
Dr Rayya's Online Veterinary Journal 
July 29, 2012 at 9:44 pm
Very cool! I have always felt a bit embarrassed to say that dolphins are my favorite animals, because it seems kind of girly. Still, I must admit that it is true, and I hope I’ll have the opportunity to work more closely with them again sometime in the future.
August 4, 2012 at 9:58 pm
Hey Elliott. There is nothing girly about being passionate about dolphins. They are simply exquisite creatures. I sure hope you get to have close interactions with them in the future 🙂
December 17, 2012 at 9:42 pm
Dr Rayya from your website it appears clear that you have a genuine love of animals. Could you do me a favour and watch a documentary called ‘the Cove”. Its about the taichi dolphin slaughters in Japan. I hope it may change your opinion on Dolphins in captivity.
December 17, 2012 at 10:44 pm
Hey Sammy,
I will definitely watch the documentary you mentioned and get back to you with my thoughts on it.
December 17, 2012 at 10:47 pm
Hey Sammy. Glad my passion for animals is clearly illustrated. I am not a fan of wild animals being kept in captivity. I will make sure to watch the documentary and learn more about the plight of dolphins.
July 29, 2012 at 9:50 pm
Can’t wait – I’ve missed your posts & even double-checked last week that I hadn’t somehow lost my link with your wonderful blog.
August 4, 2012 at 10:00 pm
Hey Victoria. Thank you so noticing I had vanished. I’m back and promise to give you a heads up next time. Take care and I look forward to getting up to speed with all your photography adventures 🙂
July 29, 2012 at 10:04 pm
These pics are awesome and awe-inspiring. For a regular person to be able to have this experience would have been great, but for a true animal person, it must have been one of the highlights of your young life…may it be one of many such moments in the years to come. Bless you for your genuine unabashed love of animals. The Red Man salutes you and gives you paw snaps!
August 4, 2012 at 10:10 pm
Hey Sheila. It was definitely an experience of a life time and I hope I get many more similar experiences. Thank you so much for your ongoing support. Send my love and hugs to the Red Man. 🙂
July 29, 2012 at 10:31 pm
I have missed you, but I am glad you had such a fantastic excuse for being away! I am so ready for your crazy cases!
August 4, 2012 at 10:16 pm
Hey Heather. I have missed you too and can’t wait to catch up on all your previous blogs. Glad you are geared up for my future blogs 🙂
July 29, 2012 at 10:33 pm
I thin one of the photos of you with her needs to go on your wall at the clinic! Glad to hear from you again.
August 4, 2012 at 10:44 pm
I will definitely take you up on this great suggestion. I will put up one of these photos in my future clinic one day 🙂
July 29, 2012 at 11:32 pm
My son and daughter-in-law have just returned from Dubai, they had the same experience with the dolphin and can just not stop talking about it… it sounds so wonderful…
August 4, 2012 at 10:47 pm
I definitely recommend this experience for anyone who is an animal lover and is visiting Dubai. I totally feel the same way as your son & daughter-in-law. 🙂
July 30, 2012 at 1:16 am
Wow Rayya – how lucky can you get! What a fabulous chance to meet a dolfin who’ll let you get close and to dance with her. Incredibly special. As usual, we’re dying to catch up with your latest cases and meet your lovely patients.
August 4, 2012 at 10:48 pm
I sure felt very lucky & was mesmerized with Central. Thanks for your amazing support and I look forward to hearing your comments on my future blogs 🙂
July 30, 2012 at 2:22 am
Extraordinary encounter and beautiful photographs to appreciate, thanks for sharing …
August 4, 2012 at 10:49 pm
Glad you enjoyed the photographs. 🙂
July 30, 2012 at 2:47 am
Wow what a beautiful experience! I have always wanted to do that but the closest I have ever gotten is at SeaWorld 😉 However I did get to see Dolphins swimming in front of the ship when I went on a cruise years ago that was quite spectacular. They are such beautiful and graceful creatures!
Thanks for sharing your experience and the photos say it all 🙂
August 4, 2012 at 10:58 pm
Hey Misty. I think seeing wild dolphins up close must have also been quite a sensational experience. It is great to share my amazing animal experiences with pet lovers like yourself 😉
July 30, 2012 at 3:05 am
That’s a great story. I love the photos! I never knew dolphins would snuggle with people!
August 4, 2012 at 10:59 pm
Hey Pam. Thank you for your comment. I would definitely never try to snuggle up to a wild dolphine :-). Central was so well trained, I was amazed. 🙂
July 30, 2012 at 3:53 am
What a perfect way to start my day, getting to share this marvelous experience with you. You simply look like you’re in seventh heaven with Central. No wonder your husband was jealous.
August 4, 2012 at 11:00 pm
Hey Gunta. You are absolutely right. I was in seventh heaven and my husband wished he was a dolphin. 🙂
July 30, 2012 at 11:13 am
Hi Rayya! Nice to have you back with us again, I missed you, but glad you had such a good time with family and friends in Dubai – and got to spend some quality time with the dolphins at Atlantis.
The photos tell the story for us – they are awesome, and I know this is an experience that will stay with you forever. The dolphins are incredibly intelligent and obviously love socializing with humans. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
I am looking forward to your next posts!
August 4, 2012 at 11:03 pm
Hey Barb. I’ve missed you too. I’m thankful for facebook as it has kept me up to date on your news. I can’t wait to read all the blogs you’ve written that I’ve missed.
Dolphins are really unbelievable creatures. 🙂
July 30, 2012 at 11:47 am
Wow Rayya – sounds as though you have had a fantastic & well earned break. Loved sharing your dolphin experience. Welcome back.
August 4, 2012 at 11:04 pm
Thanks Fiona. I’m feeling quite rejuvenated and was keen on getting back to work. Thanks for your continued support for my blog. Hope all your babies are keeping well 🙂
July 31, 2012 at 12:51 am
What a wonderful, unforgettable experience – and I love the photos!
August 4, 2012 at 11:06 pm
Thanks Jo. I was happy with the professional photographs as they really captured the magical moments with Central. 🙂
July 31, 2012 at 3:02 am
Happy Birthday! Great pictures of dolphins.
August 6, 2012 at 10:32 pm
Thanks Bassa :-). Can’t wait to catch up on all your news.
July 31, 2012 at 3:28 am
happy to hear you had a wonderfull time with dolphins.i think it is a very well deserved holiday.only thing i was worried that you stopped blogging.now you are back and i am waiting for your new encounters
good day!
August 4, 2012 at 11:08 pm
Hey Raja. Thanks for your very kind words and ongoing support. It’s great to be back and I look forward to sharing my futures encounters with you. 🙂
July 31, 2012 at 6:25 am
What beautiful pictures! Love the ones with you and Dolphin they are fantastic. Dolphins just seem to be so sweet. Looks like you had a terrific time. Hugs
August 4, 2012 at 11:09 pm
Hey Chancy & Mumsy. I sure had a wonderful time. I can’t wait to catch up on all your blogs. Big hug 😉
July 31, 2012 at 5:39 pm
Wow! Dolphins are great. I love the picture where you kissing the Dolphin, very heartwarming 🙂
August 4, 2012 at 11:10 pm
Never in my life did I think I would get to kiss a dolphin and I will never forget this moment. So happy I got to share this experience with you as well 😉
July 31, 2012 at 9:28 pm
Ready! And BLOWN AWAY by the beauty of you and the awesome Central. Looks like the experience of a lifetime. And sorry about your sadness in parting. Sweet sorrow.
August 4, 2012 at 11:13 pm
Thanks so much nadbugs :-). Goodbyes are always bitter sweet but I’ve settled back at home and so happy to be surrounded with my patients again. Glad you are ready for my very exciting future blogs.
August 1, 2012 at 6:49 am
What a wonderful blog – thanks for posting 🙂
August 4, 2012 at 11:14 pm
Hey Rosie. Always great to hear from you. Glad you enjoyed my blog 🙂
August 5, 2012 at 6:44 am
🙂 and love from Sparta and Ming too
August 6, 2012 at 10:21 pm
Give em both a big hug from me 🙂
August 2, 2012 at 7:30 am
Glad to have you back Dr. Rayya, I thought you were just busy but you were having a well-deserved vacation!! Can’t wait to hear about the new building and all your interesting cases. 🙂 and love the pictures of you and Central!
August 4, 2012 at 11:17 pm
Hey Jodi. Yes I was busy having a blast, hehehe…I can’t wait to tell you all about the new building and to blog about my wonderful patients. I am glad to see Delilah’s recall training is improving :-). Will be catching up on all Sampson & Delilah’s news 🙂
August 3, 2012 at 11:17 am
Hi Dr. Raya – I just discovered your blog through Jodi Stone, and it was great to get a chance to share in your dolphin experience. I never knew that each dolphin had a different fin, how cool is that? Thanks for sharing all of the cool photos of Central – I’ve always loved dolphins. They’re such beautiful, intelligent creatures. 🙂
August 4, 2012 at 11:19 pm
Hey Donna. Welcome to my blog and what a great way to introduce you to it. I look forward to checking out your blog and establishing a new blog friendship. I just couldn’t believe how well trained Central was and how much she tolerated. 🙂
August 4, 2012 at 12:28 pm
You are so lucky , good on you
August 4, 2012 at 11:20 pm
Thank you so much Boyd 🙂
August 6, 2012 at 5:27 pm
Oh, Rayya! I know that I already liked your dolphin photographs on Facebook, but I must officially state that I am so happy for your gorgeous birthday experience! You are so happy in these photographs! What a good person you are. I feel so good after reading this entry, and I hereby wish to offer you with a happy birthday from nicoleandgwendolyn. We love you! Bises! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo 🙂
August 6, 2012 at 10:25 pm
Hey Nicole. Thank you so much for your kind words and amazing birthday wishes. I definitely indulged in my dolphin birthday experience. Lot of love and hugs to you and Gwenny 🙂
August 17, 2012 at 11:33 pm
What a delightful post and so happy for you. Your face radiates contentment and happiness in the photos. Glad you had a nice vacation with family and friends but yes it is hard to be so far away.
Your post was a great way to start my day. Thanks for sharing.
August 18, 2012 at 8:36 pm
Ruth, thanks for reading my post and enjoying my experience. 🙂
August 19, 2012 at 7:41 am
I have a big smile on my face just from looking at these photos, Rayya. Thanks for sharing an incredible experience.
August 20, 2012 at 11:02 pm
Thanks Jaynee. It was a must share experience & I’m thrilled you enjoyed reading about it.
December 21, 2012 at 12:44 am
Dr Raaya, I truly hope you do watch “the cove”, I equally hope you do some research into life expectancy and health related issues of Dolphins in captivity. I also hope that in future instead of patronizing any dolphin water parks, you spend as much time as possible dissuading as many people as you can from attending them. I live by the beach and have been blessed on a few occasions to have had dolphins pass me whilst I was swimming. I would have paid hundreds of dollars for the experience of swimming near these magnificent animals, yet you would literally have to put a gun to my head to get me to set foot inside any establishment that keeps them in captivity. I know this comment may sound a bit antagonistic and it truly isn’t meant to be. I just feel that as educated as you maybe be, you too have fallen for the same trap that so many people have fallen for: and that is just because the dolphin has a permanent smile and does lots of nice tricks doesn’t mean its happy in captivity. And considering the cognitive abilities of these animals, captivity becomes all the more barbaric.