Meet Our Dolphins

Get to know us. You’ll love us.

Leo

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Leo
Leo
Leo
Leo
Leo
  • Born:
    July 29, 2003
  • Age:
    20 years
  • Sex:
    Male
  • Father:
    Alfonz
  • Mother:
    Nicky

Leo, an adult male, bottlenose dolphin, was the first dolphin born at Dolphins Plus Bayside! His birthday is July 29th, 2003. He is easily recognized by his light body, pink belly, and hooked dorsal fin. He is a very vocal dolphin and knows over fourteen different vocalizations that he can offer on signal! Leo is also the star of an ongoing research study for a “create” behavior in which Leo offers novel behaviors that are different each time! His trainers have several goofy nicknames for him including Schmeeshmo, Lilo, and Lee! Leo loves a good back rub from his trainers, showing off how fancy he is, getting attention and applause from guests, and “shopping” for presents in his lagoon to give to guests and his trainers! Stop by Dolphins Plus Bayside to meet Leo today!

"I am very lucky to have known Leo since birth and can best describe him as Dolphin Plus' impressionist dolphin extraordinaire! For most of his life, Leo has been mimicking other animal sounds via his vocalizations and has mastered a perfect impression of a seagull. Leo can even “giggle” and impersonate a laughing baby. I love working with Leo because I never know what vocalization he will offer next!"

- Jessica Lilli

Luna

Luna
Luna
Luna
  • Born:
    July 14, 2015
  • Age:
    8 years
  • Sex:
    Female
  • Father:
    Kimbit
  • Mother:
    Samantha

Luna is one of our youngest female bottlenose dolphins, only 10 days older than her best friend, Nyla. While she may be one of the youngest, you would never know considering her large body size. Luna has what her trainers like to call “shark” eyes, making her spunky and mischievous nature even more fitting. She is quirky, extremely vocal and intelligent, always offering new vocals and learning new behaviors quickly. Luna loves swimming around with her favorite volleyball in her mouth and often plays keep away with her trainers when they try to retrieve it.

Nyla

Nyla
Nyla
Nyla
  • Born:
    July 24, 2015
  • Age:
    8 years
  • Sex:
    Female
  • Father:
    Alfonz
  • Mother:
    Nica

Nyla is the youngest female of the population, but she does not let that stop her. Nyla is both brave and spunky and loves getting into mischief. She loves learning new behaviors and always catches on quickly to anything that is being trained. Nyla can often be seen both on and off-session making crazy vocals and slapping her pec flippers on the water to grab both trainers and guests’ attention. She loves bringing presents, like leaves and pieces of seagrass, to anyone who is standing alongside the lagoon. Nyla is definitely a one-of-a-kind.

Samantha

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  • Born:
    Unknown
  • Age:
    38 years
  • Sex:
    Female
  • Father:
    Unknown
  • Mother:
    Unknown

Samantha is one of our adult females and the matriarch of our population, meaning she rules the lagoon – whatever Samantha says, goes. While Samantha may be the oldest dolphin in our population, she is the highest flyer always outjumping all the others. She loves a clean house, usually “helping” clean up the lagoon by bringing us all the enrichment we just threw in for them.  Samantha is our crooked smile lady making her easy to pick out amongst the others. She loves being a mother and can usually be seen swimming side by side with her daughter Luna. Samantha is a very literal dolphin, making training new behaviors with her sometimes challenging, but once it “clicks” you can hear her vocalizing from across the lagoon in celebration.

Alfonz

Alfonz1
  • Born:
    July 25, 1993
  • Age:
    30 years
  • Sex:
    Male
  • Father:
    Fonzie
  • Mother:
    Genie

Alfonz, an adult male, Common bottlenose dolphin, was one of the first dolphins born at Dolphins Plus on July 25, 1993. He inherited his pink belly from his father, Fonzie, a trait he continues to pass on to his own sons, Leo, Tug and Jett. Alfonz exhibits a very round, yellowish rostrum and is easily identified by a white scar on the leading edge of his dorsal fin. Born in 1993, he is our oldest adult male and one of the largest dolphins in our population. Alfonz generally exhibits a very mellow personality, but has been known to show off in more ways than one! He proudly demonstrates a multitude of aerial behaviors, and can often be found inventing novel behaviors all on his own. Alfonz understands the cognitive concept of “Create,” in which he can offer any behavior. This appears to be Alfonz’s favorite behavior, and he is known to start “Creating” in sessions whenever he pleases!  

Bob

Bob
  • Born:
    July 28, 1994
  • Age:
    29 years
  • Sex:
    Male
  • Father:
    LB
  • Mother:
    Jessica

Named after the reggae singer, Bob Marley, Bob is a laid-back dolphin with a gentle demeanor. Bob's dark gray color, prominent lower jaw, massive length, and tall dorsal fin are his most prominent identifying characteristics. Nicknamed Bob-O by his trainers, Bob is known for his special "scream" vocalization and his exuberance and excitability during guest interactions. Bob can easily be described as a "man of action" and typically enjoys fast-paced sessions with his trainers and learning new behaviors! Bob is also a testament to the world-class veterinary care we provide the animals. He was born with a respiratory condition similar to asthma in humans. Thankfully, we are able to provide Bob with a special nebulizer designed for dolphins which has helped keep Bob happy & healthy for over 25 years!

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