Facts and history about TDI and KBMML
- The Dolphin Institute (TDI), founded in 1993, is a Hawai'i-based not-for-profit 501 (c) organization dedicated to the study and preservation of dolphins and whales, and to the education of people whose attitudes and activities affect the survival and well-being of these animals.
- The Dolphin Institute was formed initially in-part to support and enhance the world-renowned dolphin and whale research center at the Kewalo Basin Marine Mammal Laboratory (KBMML), located in Honolulu. KBMML was founded in 1970 by University of Hawaii professor Dr. Louis M. Herman. Dr. Herman served as KBMML's Director.
- For over thirty years, KBMML pioneered studies of the sensory, cognitive, and communicative capacities of its resident dolphins. These studies revealed how dolphins perceive their world through hearing, vision, and echolocation, the depth and breadth of their intellectual potential, and the mechanisms and processes that contribute to their social life and
social world. Between 1970 and 2004, KBMML was home to some of the world's most educated dolphins. Groundbreaking discoveries with these dolphins include abilities for language comprehension, vocal and behavioral imitation, "imaging" of objects through echolocation, interpretation of television displays and scenes, understanding of human pointing and gaze cues, and evidence of self-awareness.
- In 1975, KBMML pioneered the scientific study of humpback whales in Hawaiian Waters and continued this research every year since making its program one of the longest ongoing Study of the Hawaiian humpback whale by any organization. These studies provided groundbreaking information on humpback whale distribution, demographics, migration, social behavior, reproductive strategies, habitat use, and communication. Each of these areas is vital to insuring the protection of this endangered species, which is an important Hawai'i natural resource.
- KBMML was prolific in communicating its findings to the public through scientific publications. Over 160 scientific journal articles, book chapters, reports, theses, and dissertations resulted from KBMML's studies of dolphins [click here for a list of dolphin publications] and whales [click here for a list of whale publications]. This record of scientific accomplishment established KBMML as a world leader in marine mammal science. Many of these findings were featured over the years by various media organizations locally, nationally, and internationally in IMAX films, television documentaries, magazine and newspaper articles, popular books, and computer Pod-casts [click here for a list of some of these media presentations].
- KBMML established a solid foundation of education at all levels and pioneered participant programs that enabled inviduals from all countries and all walks of life to come to KBMML, participate in its research studies, help enrich the lives of its dolphin pupils, and in turn help enrich their own lives. Over 40 graduate students from the University of Hawaii and abroad earned their masters and doctoral degrees focusing on marine mammal science through KBMML's programs. Many of these students have gone on to develop prestigious careers studying marine mammals. Scores of undergradute students apprenticed through KBMML's college internship programs. Thousands of elementary and high school students experienced KBMML's dolphins and their research accomplishments through outreach programs and in-reach laboratory visits. Finally, the dreams of many special-needs children to meet and communicate with dolphins came true through our "Dream-a-Dolphin" program.
- Over the years, KBMML's resident dolphins Puka, Kea, Akeakamai, Phoenix, Elele, and Hiapo enlightened the scientific and world communities about the sensory abilities, intelligence, communication and behavior of bottlenosed dolphins. Findings from studies with KBMML's dolphins continued to act as a guide for many dolphin field researchers in their attempts to try and understand the behaviors and social interactions of wild bottlenosed dolphins. They also enlighten comparative psychologists and biologists in their studies of other large brained species with complex social systems. In this way, the legacy of the KBMML dolphins (i.e., a world well educated in the intellectual abilities and behavioral nature of dolphins, and a public much more appreciative of the need to protect these animals and their fragile marine habitats), is everlasting. In 2004, after the last of KBMML's dolphins passed away, it closed its facility at Kewalo Basin in light of the State of Hawaii's waterfront redevelopment plan.
- In 2005, on an invitiation and support from the Ko Olina Resort Group, TDI established a Marine Mammal Research and Education Center at beautiful Ko Olina on the west shores of Oahu near the city of Kapolei. Ko Olina is a lovely resort community with a first class marina that is home to many yachts and fishing boats. TDI’s new Marine Mammal Research and Education Center at Ko Olina is currently housed within two new structurally linked large modular trailers. [click here for more details on the center] Inside this suite are two sets of offices, a research and data laboratory, and an educational area, all conjoined by a deck overlooking Ko Olina’s marina and the ocean. Docked at the marina are TDI’s two research boats, Kohola I and Kohola II. From these boats we have begun studying the wild spinner dolphin population that inhabits the leeward shores of Oahu. TDI's humpback whale project continues its more than 30 years of studying humpback whales during their part-time residency in Hawaiian waters. New education programs have been established at the Marine Mammal Research and Education Center including close ties with schools on the Leeward coast. TDI also continues to publish on dolphin behavior and intelligence.
- TDI’s future at Ko Olina looks bright. In this picturesque location a few minutes from our boats and from an ocean teeming with dolphins and whales, there are many exciting new opportunities for marine mammal science exploration and education. We will keep you apprised of these happenings: of new research initiatives with our whale project off Oahu as well as off Maui; of new programs for you to participate with us in wild dolphin research; and of continued progress with the Learning Center.
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