Our volunteer and internship programs are open to a wide
variety of folks who feel  conservation 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 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.
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