Via Delphi Institute for Research on Marine Mammals.
The Via Delphi Institute for Research on Marine Mammals was established officially in 2007 with the signing of a cooperation agreement with the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). The work of the Institute is divided in three working groups conformed by biologists, veterinarians and trainers. In addition, postgraduate students (from the UNAM and other institutions) and volunteer support and conduct their personal researches.
The generation of scientific knowledge concerned to veterinary, biology and medical training of marine mammals, mainly of the dolphin specie Tursiops truncatus, is the mission of the Via Delphi Institute, and thus the welfare of dolphins and the knowledge focused in the marine mammals. Its research center is located in the Riviera Maya, along the Mexican Carribbean Sea.
The Via Delphi Institute for Research on Marine Mammals has been certificated by the RENIECYT through the National Commission on Science and Technology (CONACYT), which officially supports its scientific work. As a result of the Institute's researches there have been presented over 61 papers in various national and international forums as: The Annual Meeting of the Marine Mammal Society (IMATA), The International Association of Aquatic Mammals, and The International Medical Association of Aquatic Mammals.
The most successful project of the Via Delphi Institute is the Via Delphi Dolphin Breeding Program of dolphins Tursiops truncatus. This program has been improved over 17 years, reaching a detailed methodology of veterinary care and medical training. As a result of many years of work, research and observation, Via Delphi Institute has a dolphin pup survival rate of 67%, furthermore, during 2008 Via Delphi achieved a survival rate of 100%, obtaining a number of 11 successful births. This achievement enrolled Via Delphi´s Dolphin Breeding Program in the Guinness World Records.
The birth of the first surviving bottle-nosed calf in Mexico, on September 1992, became a landmark in our Dolphin Breeding Program. Ever since this event, we have experienced numerous successful births in Delphinus Riviera Maya, Delphinus Xcaret and Delphinus Xelhá. With a remarkable position in the world-wide statistics of Dolphin births, the Via Delphi´s Dolphin Breeding Program reached in 2009 a Record Guinness. (Read more)
Strong bonds of trust and affection are created among trainers and dolphins. Our dolphin training program operates under the basis of respect, patience and love. The tasks carried on from the beginnig of this process are aimed to stimulate our dolphins as well as making them feel secure and protected. (Read more)
Biologists, veterinarians and trainers works every day to reach a better understand of dolphins and offer them a better health. The continuous observation of the specimens and the monitoring of their behavior allows us a better understanding of the Tursiops truncatus species. (Read more)
Dolphin Veterinary:
It is vital for us to ensure the welfare of the dolphins, that is why we have implemented a strict health program based on the concept of preventive medicine by a rigorous method for monitoring the health of each dolphin. (Read more)
Marine Mammals Diagnosis clinic:
In accordance to our commitment to maintain animals' wellbeing, we have a laboratory of clinical analysis specific for dolphins and marine mammals. This clinical diagnosis supports our veterinary tasks in order to achieve an integral diagnosis. (Read more)
