Our History

Our History

Dolphin Research Center was founded as a nonprofit corporation in 1984 by Jayne Shannon-Rodriguez and Armando “Mandy” Rodriguez. Their goal was to ensure the dolphins had a home here for life, and in doing so to establish a unique education and research facility.

The bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions presently living here provide a range of personalities and backgrounds. Over half of our family was born at the Center, while the other members have either come from other facilities or were rescued, rehabilitated, and deemed unreleasable back into the wild by the Government and now have a forever home at Dolphin Research Center.

A Legacy of Rescue

Dolphin Research Center’s commitment to helping marine mammals extends far beyond our lagoons.

For decades, Dolphin Research Center served as the southernmost member of the Marine Mammal Stranding Network, responding to dolphins, whales, sea lions and other marine mammals in distress throughout the Florida Keys. These rescues gave our team valuable experience in animal assessment, transportation, medical care and rehabilitation—and provided opportunities to learn more about the animals we work to protect.

Rescue is Part of Our History and Our Future

From the first stranded dolphins and whales to today’s specialized manatee rescue program, DRC’s rescue history reflects a commitment that has remained constant for generations: When an animal needs help, we respond.

Rescue is one of the three pillars of Dolphin Research Center’s mission, alongside education and research. The knowledge gained through decades of rescue work continues to inform how we care for animals, educate the public and understand the marine mammals that share our environment.

Today, the Dolphin Research Center Manatee Rescue Team continues that legacy—one call, one animal and one rescue at a time.