Special Needs

Make A Wish

Wish Foundations send us their very special children, knowing that they will enjoy a very safe dolphin experience while making their dreams come true.The dolphins create a unique, joyful experience, for the child, providing a special memory for all involved. DRC in-water staff are available to assist the Wish guests during the dolphin interactions, if need be.

For more information email specialneeds@dolphins.org

Wounded Warrior Project 

Dolphin Research Center (DRC) has worked in partnership with Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) since 2009, supporting goals that promote a healthy transition to civilian life for our severely wounded heroes.

WWP Soldier Ride at DRC

A rehabilitative cycling event designed to challenge our wounded warriors to get back in the saddle, both literally and figuratively. It also is a tool to help both the physical and mental wounds of war. DRC helps support the goals during their scheduled visit along the Ride route with a dolphin swim and luncheon. 

For more information email special.events@dolphins.org

WWP Project Odyssey at DRC

DRC collaborates with WWP on one of their Combat Stress Recovery Programs called Project Odyssey. It was named after Homer’s Odyssey – a legendary saga about a hero’s journey home. The experiences gained from Project Odyssey help warriors work through challenges related to combat stress and improve their mental attitudes and outlook.

A three-day retreat at DRC is designed for warriors diagnosed with traumatic brain injury and PTSD.  Project Odyssey’s core goals of bonding with others on similar journeys, connecting with nature, and learning new skills in a novel setting is tailor made for experiences with intelligent, social dolphins.

The dolphin sessions are scheduled in a sequence that allows and invites the warriors to smoothly move from their inner world to connect with their outer world in a stress-free, nurturing environment. Careful thought is given to optimize the participants’ experiences and help them accomplish the retreat’s goals.

The warriors meet their peers on a parallel journey, participating in three days of dolphin interactions such dock sessions and a swim with the dolphins. DRC is proud to be a part of our heroes’ journey home.

For more information email special.events@dolphins.org

WWP Caregiver Program at DRC

When a service member is wounded, ill, or injured, these changes place tremendous stress on family members, who may find themselves in a new role as full-time supporters or caregivers.

DRC supports Wounded Warrior Project’s efforts in supporting families and caregivers, as well as their wounded warrior, by coordinating trips to DRC for some special dolphin time.

For more information email specialneeds@dolphins.org