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Certifications

Dolphin Quest Is Proud of Its Certifications and Accreditations

Dolphin Quest is an international organization known for its exemplary animal health care, creative approach to education, and commitment to the study of ocean wildlife. With extremely high standards of health care for our animals, each of our three locations exceed all state and federal requirements for having animals in professional human care. We are accredited and certified from the following organizations.

Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA)

“The Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums 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.”

  • Dolphin Quest’s three locations meet the Alliance’s Standards and Guidelines, through successful completion of the accreditation process.
  • Detailed descriptions of each location and its amenities; all marine mammal programs; education, training, husbandry, and veterinary care programs; food preparation; research activities; and a history on each marine mammal animal at the location are provided to the Alliance for initial compliance.
  • On-site inspections and evaluations by a team of marine mammal experts are completed to endorse full compliance with Alliance standards.

International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association (IMATA) for Animal Trainer Development Programs

“The International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association was founded to foster communication, professionalism, and cooperation among those who serve marine mammal science through training, public display, research, husbandry, conservation, and education. Specifically, IMATA recognizes its role and responsibilities to the continued existence of oceanariums, aquaria, and laboratories housing marine mammals.”

  • Dolphin Quest’s three locations meet the Guidelines for IMATA’s Accreditation of Facility Animal Trainer Development Programs.
  • This program was developed to recognize animal organizations with exceptional practices for marine mammal specialists in the science and art of animal training.
  • Our locations are inspected on several areas of our marine mammal specialist development program through educational opportunities, skills and advancement.

American Humane Conservation

“Humane Conservation™ is a certification program of American Humane, the first national humane organization in America and the world’s largest certifier of the welfare and humane treatment of animals in working and other environments. When you see the Humane Conservation Program’s Humane Certified™ logo, be assured that the facility meets the highest standards of animal care.”

  • Dolphin Quest’s three locations were awarded American Humane Conservation certification.
  • Our locations were each inspected by independent auditors who evaluated every animal’s welfare and treatment.
  • The auditors looked for the presence of key welfare indicators including; excellent health, safe and stimulating environments, positive social interactions, normal behavioral patterns, excellent nutrition, enrichment opportunities and evidence of appropriate protocols established to prevent and manage medical needs.