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Our volunteer and internship programs are open to a wide variety of folks who feel Dolphinsconservation and environmental protection of dolphins, whales, turtles, coral reefs and their habitats may be part of their life mission and can commit to one or more of the projects described below. Limited training provided.

College credit internships are available, however "lay people" are both wanted and needed.

Our needs include:  

  • videos scanned for whale and dolphin photo ID's (100's of hours of above and underwater footage)
  • videos scanned for whale and dolphin behavior patterns
  • Photo IDs processed and cataloged
  • curriculum and outreach development
  • grant writing
  • REEF Survey and Reef Check efforts
  • awareness presentations for hotels
  • mentors and leaders for school groups and research camps
The Wild Dolphin Foundation is open to anyone with a deep interest in the practical aspects of dolphin research. Previous experience with dolphin research is not required. Desired skills include fluency in English (essential), willingness to work in a conscientious, responsible and reliable manner, enthusiastic and hard working, interested in wildlife and conservation, background in biology — particularly marine biology/environmental science, experience working with the public, excellent verbal and written communication skills, computer skills. All volunteers must be self-directed and self-motivated, willing to work both alone and within a team.

Participation in field research includes (not accepting applications for field research at this time):

  • assisting the researcher by photographing dolphin dorsal fins to aid with individual identifications
  • recording environmental data at the dock, hourly, and in the vicinity of dolphins recording false killer whales
  • recording of all sighting information including location name, latitude and longitude, total number of animals, number of calves, initial behavior, field times and direct dolphin observation time
  • determining and recording of latitude and longitude by using a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver and keeping track of all relevant times
  • recording of group activity patterns during behavioral surveys
  • assisting in unloading and cleaning of all equipment, as well as transcribing and analyzing data, reviewing dorsal fin photos and data entry at the field station
  • contributing to all aspects of the research program, including the upkeep of materials, house or boat-keeping, cooking, cleaning, acting as naturalists while onboard vessel, etc.
 

Unless you have an extensive background (minimal training needed), volunteers interested in field research must commit a minimum 8 week period. There is neither compensation nor a charge for the program. Successful applicants will be responsible for all living and transportation expenses during the time of the internship, most volunteers already live on island, as housing is increasingly hard to find. We do not have tips to find housing. Interns must provide their own insurance covering risks in field work.

Individuals interested in becoming volunteers or interns should apply for the program by writing a letter of interest. Please include a brief sketch of personal goals (what you hope to gain), special skills, experiences, and interests you think would assist us. Be specific about research interests and period of participation and address how housing and transportation will be handled. It is very useful to be informed about the Wild Dolphin Foundation's background and research interests and point out ways that your interests interface.

Any data or media gathered, analyzed or disseminated in any fashion while interning or volunteering under the Wild Dolphin Foundation is solely the property of the Wild Dolphin Foundation, unless otherwise cleared in writing by the Program Director. Board members from all walks of life needed. Please contact us if you're interested.

Letters should be sent to us by e-mail.

Recommended Readings:

Fire in the Turtle House  The Green Sea Turtle and the Fate of the Ocean, Osha Gray Davidson, an award-winning journalist and personal friend, tells the story of the search for the cause of tumors afflicting marine turtles world-wide, and describes the surprisingly broad implications the disease has for the oceans and ultimately, all of humankind.
Cetacean Societies: Field Studies of Dolphins and Whales Part review, part testament to extraordinary dedication, and part call to get involved, Cetacean Societies highlights the achievements of behavioral ecologists inspired by the challenges of cetaceans and committed to the exploration of a new world.
Dolphin Societies: Discoveries and Puzzles In all my reading on cetaceans, this is by far the most comprehensive, science-oriented book I've ever found. Ms. Pryor and the late Dr. Norris are both among the most highly qualified people on the planet to write (and edit a book) about dolphins, and both contribute their own chapters to this wonderful compendium of research from experts in a number of fields. Subjects covered are diverse, and encompass many topics
To Touch a Wild Dolphin : A Journey of Discovery with the Sea's Most Intelligent Creatures In the tradition of "When Elephants Weep : The Emotional Lives of Animals" , biologist Smolker provides an intimate, engaging glimpse into the world of wild dolphins.

The Hawaiian Spinner Dolphin Twenty years in the making by a distinguished dolphin expert and his associates, The Hawaiian Spinner Dolphin is the first comprehensive scientific natural history of a dolphin species ever written.
Dolphin Days: The Life and Times of the Spinner Dolphin
Ken Norris Norris, retired professor of natural history at U. Cal. at Santa Cruz, has spent the better part of 30 years investigating marine mammals; he devotes the first half of this study to his findings on spinner dolphins.