Conservation Meets Connection in the Florida Keys
Family-owned and operated since 1979, Dolphins Plus has always been guided by a single belief: our dolphins are ambassadors for their wild counterparts and voices for our oceans. Every member of our family, human and dolphin alike—plays a vital role in educating the public about marine life and the importance of protecting it.
We believe that meaningful connections with dolphins can spark a lifelong commitment to ocean stewardship. Through hands-on encounters, engaging educational programs, and innovative research, we work to deepen public understanding of marine ecosystems and inspire lasting conservation action.
Our History: A Legacy of Connection, Conservation & Care
From humble beginnings in 1979, Dolphins Plus has grown into a world-renowned center for marine mammal care, education, and research. Guided by the Borguss family’s passion and dedication, our facility has pioneered responsible dolphin interactions, advanced marine science, and inspired generations to connect with the ocean in meaningful ways. Each milestone in our history reflects a shared commitment to the welfare of our dolphins and the protection of marine life worldwide.
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- In the early 1970s, Dolphins Plus co-founder Rick Borguss first encountered dolphins while working at Safari Land in Germany. His passion carried him across Europe and South Africa, gaining extensive marine mammal experience.
- Around the same time, co-founder Brigette Rey began her own dolphin-care journey in Switzerland. When their paths crossed, a shared dream was born, laying the foundation for Dolphins Plus.
- 1979: Dolphins Plus, Inc. is founded in Key Largo, Florida by Rick, Brigette, and Rick’s parents, Lloyd and Anne Marie Borguss.
- Transitioned from entertainment to education, research, and therapy.
- Launched the Dolphin Orientation Program, promoting hands-on learning.
- 1984: Became the first U.S. facility licensed by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to conduct dolphin swim programs—an industry first.
- 1985–1986: Dr. Betsy Smith’s landmark study involving 1,400 swimmers and four dolphins is presented at an international conference, establishing Dolphins Plus as a leader in human–dolphin interactions.
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1986: Assisted in a multi-agency response to a mass stranding of more than 80 whales in the Florida Keys
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1987: Pioneered the rehabilitation and release of stranded rough-toothed dolphins—challenging the then-common practice of euthanasia.
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1991: Played a major role in the rescue of 18 short-finned pilot whales, providing long-term care for three animals—Karen, Dawn, and Poseidon—with help from the “Pod Squad.”
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1992: Successfully rehabilitated and released two pygmy killer whales, Coral and Beth, further establishing the facility’s expertise in marine mammal rescue.
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1987: Hosted the first Dolphin Camp for autistic children, developed with Dr. Betsy Smith and Dr. Jorge Pena, Dolphins Plus becomes a model for therapeutic and educational marine programs.
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1989: Partnered with Florida International University and Dr Betsy Smith to host Animal-Assisted Treatment courses.
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1992: Welcomes Dolphin Assisted Therapy and Aquatic Foundation (DATA) to expand therapeutic programs.
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1997: Began collaboration with Island Dolphin Care, supporting programs for children and adults with special needs.
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1990: Welcomed the first Make-A-Wish recipient, beginning a 30+ year tradition of granting wishes.
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1991–1992: Formation of the Marine Mammal Rescue Foundation (MMRF), officially authorized by NMFS.
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1995: Established the Marine Mammal Conservancy (MMC), expanding local rescue efforts.
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2003: MMRF merges with MMC, strengthening rehabilitation capacity with thousands of volunteers.
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2015: MMC reorganizes as Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder (DPMMR)—becoming Dolphin Life in 2025—continuing the rescue mission independently, while the Borguss family maintains stewardship of Dolphins Plus Bayside.
- 1998: Opened a second location, Dolphin Cove, in Key Largo, expanding educational and interactive opportunities.
- 2014: Dolphin Cove becomes Dolphins Plus Bayside, Inc. — same mission, same family, same dolphins, united under one name.
- 2015: Dolphins Plus Bayside earned AMMPA accreditation (Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums).
- 2015: Dolphins Plus Bayside achieved IMATA accreditation (International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association) with certified Animal Trainer Development Programs.
- 2005: Responded to a mass stranding of 80+ rough-toothed dolphins through a multi-agency effort. Nine were successfully rehabilitated by MMC and Dolphins Plus and released with satellite tracking, yielding vital data on this little-known species.
- 2006–2007: Castaway, a bottlenose dolphin stranded in Vero Beach, FL, was rehabilitated for 79 days at Mote Marine Laboratory. After four failed release attempts she was transferred to MMC where hearing loss was confirmed. She was deemed non-releasable by NMFS and brought to Dolphins Plus, where she was given a permanent, loving home for lifelong care.
- 2004: Formal establishment of the Dolphins Plus Research Department, launching decades of collaborative marine mammal studies.
- 2010: Awarded Editor’s Choice by the International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association (IMATA).
- 2015: Earned 1st Place Poster Presentation at the Comparative Cognition Society Conference.
- 2016: Won 2nd Place in the Oceans 180 Research Video Contest, recognizing excellence in science communication.
- 2019: Received IMATA’s Audience Choice Award for outstanding research presentation.
- Collaborations with 43 co-authors and 23 national and international universities.
- 29 peer-reviewed publications and 44 scientific conference presentations (29 oral, 15 poster).
- Hosted and mentored 32 Master’s and Ph.D. graduates through research partnerships.
- Developed a Welfare Assessment Program to benchmark and advance best practices in dolphin care and well-being.
Legacy in Motion
Today, Dolphins Plus Bayside continues to pioneer marine mammal care and conservation. Guided by our founding values, our work focuses on:
- Educating and inspiring through meaningful dolphin interactions.
- Contributing to scientific research and ocean conservation.
- Providing exceptional care and welfare for every dolphin in our family.
- Our programs reflect the latest in animal-care science and the growing demand for ethical, impactful human–animal connections.
