dolphin fingerprints

How can you tell one dolphin apart from another?Their fingerprints? Think again CSI! Dolphins have pectoral fins where we would expect their hands to be. In fact, the bone structure in a dolphin’s pectoral fin is quite similar to that of a human hand. Since they don’t have fingerprints though, how can we tell them apart? One of the most distinguishing characteristics about dolphins is their tail fluke. Dolphins’ tail flukes are all unique, like a fingerprint. Each one has different notches, overlaps, and scars that belong to that dolphin and that dolphin alone. Researchers do this in the wild to keep track of different members of dolphin pods. The family at Dolphin Research Center, who I mentioned in the last post, can also identify this dolphins this way (or by looking at the differences in their smiling gray faces—trust me, it takes practice). If you thought all of this talk about dolphin “fingerprints” was cool, wait until you hear the next part. There is a jewelry artist in the Florida Keys by the name of Roger Drouin (of Quickfish Creations) who makes replicas of the DRC dolphins (and dolphins from other area facilities). Over my years of visiting DRC, I have had special experiences with many dolphins, but recently I have been able to bring home a memento of those dream-like visits in the form of a sterling silver tail fluke. I have a necklace with the miniature tail flukes of Aleta, who was only about 2 when I first met her, (complete with the tiny hole in one side of her tail), A.J., my little buddy who I trained during my second DolphinLab, and Molly, whose story and spirit have always inspired me. These tail-fluke pendants are truly replicas of each dolphin’s tail and are available in two sizes, and in silver and gold. The resemblance is exact and perfect—and reminds me of all of the dolphins, especially of the ones whose “fingerprints” I carry with me—long after I leave DRC each year. What a unique way to keep such a special memory! They are available through Quickfish Creations (above) or Dolphin Research Center's online gift shop (in the Tursi's Treasures section).