The stars at Gulf World are the DOLPHINS!! And we love the dolphins! They are so beautiful and gentle, and intelligent! They LOVE to please! They love performing! Gulf World entertains, but also educates, and is a well known rescue/rehab facility for wounded, stranded, beached dolphins and other marine life along the Florida Panhandle! They also study dolphin behavior and seek to learn more from these wonderful creatures!

 

It was very enjoyable to watch these dolphins AFTER the show.. and observe their behavior with one another! They continued to play together and swim together in their own "dolphin-choreographed" routines!

 

Here's a nice smile from one of the dolphins! : )

 

This was SOOOO PRECIOUS to me!! This sweetie pie dolphin came over to the edge of the pool where he saw a bucket of fish sitting on the ledge! He hovered there and looked longingly into that bucket! : ) When the trainer realized she had set it down in his sight, she picked up the bucket and tossed him a hand full of fish! He ate them and then poked out his head for a good ol' head rubbing from his beloved trainer! : )

 

The kids loved this! The park has a pound puppy rescued from the humane shelter a number of years ago. This doggie has a fondness for the dolphins and they apparently like the canine too! : ) This dog has a little boat and they can toss it in the water, and put the doggie in the boat, and he holds the little steering wheel and his buddy, Sandy the dolphin comes along and takes the ring on the end of the rope, and pulls his canine friend around the pool for a boat ride! COOOOL!! They go fast too.. but the doggie hangs on! LOL! Fun for the kids! Katelyn laughed and laughed! hehe!

 

Now on to the Sea Lion pool at Gulf World! This California Sea Lion is "Otto" and his trainer is Amanda! Katelyn and Otto got to meet up close and personal during the sea lion show! : ) Katelyn was chosen from the audience to come down and assist trainer Amanda in a little training demonstration! She was THRILLED!!

 

First Katelyn gave Otto the command to lay on his back so they could check his tummy. Certain training commands are for health purposes.. so the Marine Mammal Vets at Gulf World can check on the health of their animals. The animal's cooperation is important! So Otto laid down and Katelyn got to check his tummy, see his cute little sea lion belly button (which made her giggle!) and rub his tummy which he loved!

 

Then Katelyn said two magic words! "GOOD BOY!" and he hopped right up!! She rewarded him with a nice smelly fish! She then gave him the hand signal to wave, which he promptly obeyed! : )

 

Then it was time for a little "two step"! Katelyn gave Otto the signal to dance with her.. and he did!! HOW CUTE!!! She was kicking her little feet out to the sides, and Otto was throwing his little flippers out to the sides in response! SO CUTE!! Afterward, he clapped for himself! hehehe.. he is an applause hound!! When he does good, he knows it!!

 

Now you can click HERE to visit page two and see some more interesting things from our day at Gulf World! Come on!!! Lets Go!