89 



bandry training from Dolphin Quest dolphins have assisted scientists in the study 

 of dolphin immune and reproductive physiology. In 1991, Dolphin Quest also pur- 

 chased a $10,950 computer system capable of analyzing dolphin and whale vocaliza- 

 tions for researchers studying cetacean acoustics in Hawaiian waters. This computer 

 system is the beginning of an acoustic laboratory which will function as a base of 

 operations for many cetacean acoustic studies. 



In conclusion, Dolphin Quest, as part of the modem oceanarium and zoological 

 community, takes seriously the responsibility associated with the public display of 

 marine mammals. Because public display facilities provide people with a first hand 

 experience and education, the future well-being of marine mammals and their envi- 

 ronment are more certain due to an informed and inspired society choosing to take 

 part in marine conservation. 



DOLPHIN QUEST QUESTIONNAIRE— 12/9/88-€/30/93— SUMMARY OF STATISTICS 



One of Dolphin Quest's primary goals is to provide an interactive learning experi- 

 ence for the public which inspires appreciation for marine mammals and concern for 

 the conservation of our marine environments. In an ongoing effort to monitor our 

 effectiveness in realizing this goal, Dolphin Quest continually gathers the following 

 input from individuals who have participated in our programs. 



9249 Questionnaies were completed and returned to Dolphin Quest between De- 

 cember 1988 and June 1993. Individuals participating in Dolphin Quest programs 

 were given the questionnaire upon completing their Dolphin Encounter. An average 

 of 29 percent of the questionnaires were returned for compilation which provides a 

 statistically significant representation. 



Not every respondent answered every question. Percentages were tabulated based 

 on the number of responses to each specific question. For example, in Question No. 

 3, 9240 "yes" answers plus 9 "no" answers makes a total of 9249 responses to that 

 question. To get the percentage of "yes" answers, 9240 was divided by 9249 and 

 multiplied by 100, percentages are then rounded up or down to the nearest .1 per- 

 cent: 



9240/9249=0.999026X100=99.9026%=99.9% 

 Question 1: Was your Dolphin Quest experience a positive one? 



Yes 100% No 0% 

 Question 2: Do you feel that the dolphins enjoyed the interaction? 



Yes 99.7% No 0.3% 

 Question 3: Do you feel that the dolphins were treated with respect, care, and sen- 

 sitivity? 



Yes 99.9% No 0.1% 

 Question 4: Prior to your Dolphin Quest experience, what exposure to dolphins 

 have you had? Please Check all that apply: 



Observation in the wild 40.9% Nature movies/TV 84.0% 

 Lectures/Courses 11.1% Other 4.8% 

 Professional Work 1.4% Books/Nwspr/Magzn 76.3% 

 Oceanarium 86.5% 

 Question 5: Please compare the educational value and overall personal iinpact of 

 your Dolphin Quest experience with the following: (If you have not experienced one 

 of the following use "NA") 



The educational value and overall personal impact of my dolphin experience 

 was * ♦ * 



89.2% Greater than 6.9% Equal to 3.9% Less than Nature movies/TV 

 90.4% Greater than 6.6% Equal to 8.0% Less than Lecture/Courses 

 92.5% Greater than 5.6% Equal to 1.9% Less than Book/Nwspr/Magazine 

 89.5% Greater than 7.5% Equal to 3.0% Less than Observation in the wild 

 Question 6: Was information regarding marine mammal conservation presented 

 in your dolphin Program? 



Yes 99.0% No 1.0% 

 Marine mammal conservation issues are always presented during Dolphin 

 Encounters; it is significant that 99.0 percent of participants are clearly hearing 

 this vital information. The personal, interactive format of the Dolphin Quest en- 

 counter is highly effective in focusing participants' attention on the education 

 and conservation information presented. 

 Question 7: Did your knowledge about dolphins increase through the encounter 

 program? 



Yes 98.4% No 1.6% 



