Dolphins in the Desert
Magnificent Mammal Magic
By Marilyn Miller
 I
have to admit that when I think about dolphins, Las Vegas isn’t the first thing
that comes to mind. However, now that I’ve visited the Dolphin Habitat and the
Trainer-for- a-Day Program at the Mirage, it seems like the most natural
combination.
 The
Mirage has always been known for surprises, innovation and luxurious
entertainment. I never knew they were also in the forefront of dolphin
research. The dolphin facility there is first rate, like everything else at the
Mirage Hotel. Officially known as Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin
Habitat, the South Seas flavor of the hotel extends into the grounds around the
habitat.
 The
main pool for the Dolphin Habitat was built in 1989 as an entertainment
feature. The program grew and blossomed over the years and in 1994 expanded to
include additional pools that allowed focus on education and research. They
have an incredible 2.5 million gallons of seawater for their dolphins! Pools
have a computerized system that keeps the temperature at 70 degrees year round.
Dolphins are fed high quality fresh and frozen fish which are of the same
quality as those for human consumption. Feeding is done on a random schedule
from 6 am to 6 pm., and there are structured interactions with the dolphins
every hour. In order to accomplish all of this The Mirage has a full time
professional staff that includes everyone from Trainers to their own
Veterinarian.
  One
of the key personnel in management of this facility is Dave Blasko, Director of
Animal Care. It is under his direction that the Trainer-for-a-Day program has
shown such success. This program, which is unique in the world of dolphin
research, was started in 2005 and allows for a maximum of only 4 persons per day
to participate. When you join the program, you get to work side by side with
the researchers and dolphins for a day. This isn’t a circus with performing
animals; this is the daily routine that the dolphins participate in to further
research about the mammals.
 The
program allows you to feed the dolphins, learn to train them, dine by the
dolphin pools (this is actually a fantastic feast) and at the end of the day,
you’ll wear your trainer’s shirt proudly knowing you furthered the hands-on
study of the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin.
One of the primary areas of research focus at the Dolphin
Habitat is artificial insemination. Because this requires up-to-date technology
and understanding of animal behaviors, staff development and education are
paramount. Director Dave Blasko has placed these as priority and works in
conjunction with other facilities throughout the world that are also involved in
this research. 
He encourages and supports continuing education of his professional staff to
further research advances. Going one step further, Mr. Blasko has also
implemented a program for elementary school students to have hands-on education
at the Dolphin Habitat. This school program is held regularly and is done
during hours prior to the daily visiting hours, so that students are given
exclusive time with the dolphins and their trainers. The Mirage Hotel is also
connected with the University of Nevada and supports internships at the Dolphin
Habitat for students in the sciences.
 There
are several large pools comprising the study area and while I was there, I was
privileged to see the newest addition to the group, a four month old baby
dolphin named Sgt. Pepper who was isolated with his mother while he learned the
correct social behavior before joining the pod. Mom still participates in the
program and it was precious to see junior trying to emulate her behavior. Even
at that age, he was learning the skills important to dolphin survival. And,
since we are on the subject of artificial insemination, I must add that little
Sgt. Pepper was a part of the ongoing research as that was the method of his
conception.
The facility is immaculate, even behind the scenes where
the trainers work. Everything is scientifically measured and adjusted in the
2.5 million gallon habitat. Every precaution is taken to insure the health and
safety of the dolphins and their trainers. The pools even have an artificial
reef bottom to replicate their natural environment.
 I
learned that everything the dolphins do is actually natural to them. They are
not performing ‘tricks’, they are just doing what they love to do. Dolphins,
like us, have distinct personalities and working with them gives you a chance to
experience that first hand.
 If
you aren’t the hands-on type, you can visit the attraction Memorial Day to Labor
Day, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Adult admission is $15.00, children 4 – 12 $10.00
and children 3 and under have no charge when accompanied by an adult. The
trainer program fee is much higher but the experience is priceless.
I can’t forget to mention the rest of the Secret Garden.
Once you pass through the dolphin habitat, you’ll enter a tropical garden filled
with Royal White Tigers, Magical White Lions, panthers, and leopards.
Surrounded by palm trees and lush foliage, you’ll enter a world way beyond your
imagination. It’s a great escape from the glitter and lights of the Las Vegas
strip.
 You
may never become a Marine Biologist, but you can certainly feel like one for a
day at the Mirage Dolphin Habitat.
For pricing and information, please call 702.792.7889 or
email
secretgarden@mirage.com
The Mirage Hotel
Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat |
