Miniatures Safari - Bottlenose Dolphin

Interactions between humans and dolphins have occurred since these active creatures were first discovered in the vast oceans. Although there is anecdotal evidence of dolphins helping shipwreck victims and fishermen, more recent interactions are much better documented.

Perhaps the most interesting is the use of trained dolphins by the military for underwater reconnaissance. Due to their amazingly well-coordinated sonar, dolphins can pick out objects underwater and are not bothered by competing noises like mechanical sonar. As a result, they can detect and mark missing equipment, hazards, or even intruders.

Alongside sea lions, dolphins are now officially members of certain naval units. Although there is only one species of Bottlenose dolphins, there are two habitats, a coastal variant and a deep-water type.