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Affiliations

Dolphin Quest is proud to have received numerous awards

Dolphin Quest is affiliated with a variety of organizations focused on conservation and animal health and wellness, including the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, the International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association, and the American Humane Society. Learn more about our affiliated organizations below!

The Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums

The Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA) is an international association representing marine life parks, aquariums, zoos, research facilities, and professional organizations dedicated to the highest standards of care for marine mammals and to their conservation in the wild through public education, scientific study, and wildlife presentations.

  • It was founded in 1987 and established offices near Washington, DC, in 1992, when it was formally incorporated.
  • Collectively, the Alliance membership represents the greatest body of experience and knowledge about marine mammal care and husbandry.
  • The Alliance is the first and largest organization in the U.S. or abroad dedicated to the concerns and issues that affect the public display of marine mammals.
  • The most commonly exhibited species in Alliance member facilities are dolphins, belugas, killer whales, sea lions, and seals.
  • The Alliance administers a stringent accreditation process for its members.

Accredited members must uphold Alliance Standards and Guidelines to optimize the psychological and physical health of, and environmental conditions for, individual marine mammals under their care, and to maximize the educational and scientific value of their collections as a whole.

Dolphin Quest has been an active member of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums for over 25 years.

  • Dolphin Quest Bermuda was the first facility to ever receive accreditation from the Alliance in 2001, and has maintained this accreditation ever since.
  • Dolphin Quest Hawaii was first accredited by the Alliance in 2001, and has maintained this accreditation ever since.
  • Dolphin Quest Oahu was accredited by the Alliance in 2002, and has maintained this accreditation ever since.

IMATA LogoInternational Marine Animal Trainers’ Association

The International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association (IMATA) is dedicated to advancing the humane care and handling of marine animals by fostering communication between professionals that serve marine animal science through training, public display, research, husbandry, conservation, and education.

Accreditation for Animal Trainer Development Programs

IMATA’s Accreditation for Animal Trainer Development Programs was developed to recognize those facilities that have exceptional systems for training animal care givers in the science and art of animal training, while utilizing positive reinforcement.

Inspectors review the trainer development program of an organization to ensure:

  • Appropriate educational opportunities are being provided,
  • Quantification of skills and advancement are employed
  • Materials containing modern training techniques are available readily
  • Management experience of senior staff is appropriate for an environment in which trainers can improve their craft as an effective animal trainer

American Humane Association

American Humane is an organization founded in 1877, committed to ensuring the safety, welfare and well-being of animals.

American Humane was the first to serve in promoting and nurturing the bond between animals and humans.

It was previously called the International Humane Association, before changing its name in 1878.

In 1940, it became the sole monitoring body for the humane treatment of animals on the sets of Hollywood films and other broadcast productions.  American Humane is best known for its trademarked certification “No Animals Were Harmed”, which appears at the end of film or television credits.  It has also run the Red Star Animal Emergency Services since 1916.

In 2000, American Humane formed the Farm Animal Services program, and animal welfare label system for food products.  American Humane is currently headquartered in Washington D.C. and is a non-profit organization.

Dolphin Quest has achieved certification for animal welfare from the American Humane Conservation program. 

This assures visitors that the animals living at Dolphin Quest locations receive the highest level of humane care.

To earn certification, all Dolphin Quest locations passed a thorough audit of their facilities and practices.  The evaluation verified many dimensions of animal welfare, including excellent animal health and housing; positive social interactions within groups of animals, as well as between animals and handlers; and safe and stimulating living environments.