One of the questions our visitors ask us the most is what the Dolphins eat at Dolphin Discovery, and in today’s blog, we will tell you surprising facts about the most cared for and loved Dolphins in the world.
What Do The Dolphins Eat in Their Diet?
Jorge Carlos Ortiz, Ortíi, Veterinary Doctor in charge of our Habitat in Vallarta, told us what the Dolphins eat at Dolphin Discovery.
According to Jorge, Dolphins have a very varied diet, composed mainly of four to five fish species and mollusks, including herring, capellin, anchovy, sardines, and squid. Sounds pretty good, don’t you think?
Where Do the Fish Eaten by Dolphin Discovery Dolphins Come From?
The fish and shellfish which the Dolphins eat are imported from Canada, the United States, and Europe, following the highest quality standards. They are kept at -18°C to preserve their nutritional properties. In this way, the Dolphins eat and have the best food to keep them healthy and happy.
What is the Dolphin’s Favorite Food?
Just as we have a favorite dish, the Dolphins have their favorite fish. Jorge, Veterinary Doctor, told us that most Dolphins prefer large pieces such as herrings or sardines at Dolphin Discovery.
How is the Dolphin Diet Determined?
At Dolphin Discovery, the well-being of our Marine Mammals is essential, which is why our Specialists and Veterinarians design the diet what the Dolphins eat individually based on their age, physiological needs, and the time of year. For example, an adult female consumes between 5 and 12 kg of fish daily. But in the case of a female that has just become a mother, her energy requirements increase considerably, and they may need up to 25 kg of fish per day since they must produce high-quality milk to feed their young.
Hence, the importance of the research and monitoring carried out daily on the Dolphins that live under our care allows us to offer them the best quality of life and guarantee that they are always in an optimal state of health.
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Conservation, Our Main Mission
The conservation of species and care for the environment are the main engine of all our efforts and daily work.
Factors such as pollution, clandestine fishing, climate change, the destruction of habitats, and, therefore, the scarcity of food have put the nutrition and life of Dolphins at risk.
Through its Interactive Programs, Rescue Centers, research, and educational activities, Dolphin Discovery has the purpose of disseminating information and raising awareness among the population to work together in the preservation and care of animals and the environment.
Our Certifications
As animal welfare is one of our priorities, we strive daily to comply with the highest international standards in the care and management of Marine Mammals, which has earned us the most important certifications worldwide.
Such is the case of the accreditation (AMMPA) Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, which verifies aspects such as the dimensions of the place where the species are found, the quality of the food that the Dolphins eat, and the continuous training of Veterinarians and Specialists in Marine Mammals.
In the same way, we have the American Humane certification that focuses on animals’ physical and mental well-being.
Now that you know what Dolphins eat at Dolphin Discovery, the care they receive, and some of our certifications, we want to invite you to visit us and live the best swimming experience with Dolphins so that you can learn more about this fascinating species.