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Children's LiteratureThe clever and playful dolphins that amuse and delight audiences of all ages are profiled in this slick production from the SeaWorld Education Department. The focus is on the bottlenose dolphin, the most familiar of the species, and includes a brief overview of their physical features, natural habitat, behavior, and the impact of humans on dolphins in the wild. To understand how a dolphin from the wild learns new behavior SeaWorld's three-step training process—reinforcement, communication, and target recognition—is defined. Each step is explained in clear, precise language and accompanied by full color photos of eager dolphins showing off their stuff to appreciative fans. The final section highlights SeaWorld's Dolphin Interaction Program (DIP) and cautions that all interaction with dolphins be monitored and supervised by trained professionals. That the dolphins' caretakers at SeaWorld respect and are devoted to the dolphins is evident from the text and pictures. There is information on animal training as a career and agencies that oversee legal protection of dolphins. Stewardship and conservation are stressed as readers are reminded of our interdependency with these marvelous mammals. The book fulfills its purpose to educate in a format that is entertaining and fascinating. The inclusive bibliography of books and web sites is a bonus for those readers whose curiosity is piqued to know more. 2003, SeaWorld Education Department, Ages 8 to 14.
— Beverley Fahey