Chapter 1: Introducing Josephine

Josephine was not one to follow orders. Despite being seen as unsuccessful in her training, her persistent refusal to comply altered the way we perceive dolphin behavior, intellect, and personality.

During my initial week as a volunteer at the Dolphin Research Center in the Florida Keys in 2001, I encountered a variety of dolphins, including A.J., Pax, Sandy, and Talon. All of them were sociable—except for one. Alone in the center of the lagoon, silent and still, was Josephine. This retired Navy dolphin served as the matriarch of her group.

While the other dolphins engaged with humans whenever they felt inclined, Josephine moved freely, observing like a grandmother quietly watching from the corner of a room. Unlike her companions, she avoided participating in interactions with visitors, which piqued my curiosity about her.

Captured by the U.S. Navy in the early 1960s alongside other dolphins, Josephine was part of a secretive program. These marine mammals were studied for their echolocation capabilities, trained to deliver and retrieve items, and serve as sentinels for swimmers near boats, as well as to protect ships and submarines. The first official Marine Mammal Project, Sea Lab II, was initiated in La Jolla, California, in 1965, and dolphins played roles during the Vietnam War and in the Persian Gulf. The details of the Navy's marine mammal program were classified until 1992, and dolphins and sea lions continue to assist the Navy today.

Josephine was no ordinary Navy dolphin; she had a distinct personality. There are amusing anecdotes of her mangling the fish given to her before defiantly spitting them out, clearly expressing her dissatisfaction with the humans. As noted by Karen Pryor, "Josephine was also fond of giving us the gray-back treatment," ignoring us when she disapproved of our actions.

After over two decades of Navy service, she transitioned to Long Marine Lab in Santa Cruz, California, when it opened in 1990. Unlike her more compliant counterparts, Josephine was not driven by a desire to please people. Instead, she was known for mentoring younger dolphins, looking out for them and undoubtedly teaching them about their new environment. Her protectiveness was evident when she stayed by her friend Arrow's side during her final moments.

Following a brief stay at Long Marine Lab, Josephine moved to the Dolphin Research Center in the Florida Keys. Her rebellious nature made her a challenging subject for research, leading scientists to ultimately abandon their studies and allow her to live freely. Although she refused to cooperate, her unique character contributed significantly to our understanding of dolphins. Today, much of what we know about these animals is credited to Josephine's spirited defiance.

The passing of the Marine Mammal Protection Act in 1972 marked a turning point in our understanding of cetaceans, granting them protections as we began to recognize their sentience. We now acknowledge that dolphins and other animals possess personalities, emotions, and preferences—a realization that unfolded during Josephine's lifetime.

Pryor mentions in her book, "Reaching the Animal Mind," that Josephine was always observant. I witnessed this firsthand. One of my responsibilities at the DRC was to clean the fence lining the back of the center. As I donned a wetsuit and scrubbed the fence, which was home to seaweed, crabs, and other marine life, Josephine would hover just a few feet away, motionless and watchful. As soon as I emerged from the water, she would gracefully glide away.

I often wish I could have spent all my volunteer hours with her. Josephine's impact on me and countless others who encountered her was profound.

Josephine passed away on January 13, 2003. Her unique and unwavering spirit will forever hold a cherished place in my heart.

Chapter 2: The Legacy of Josephine

The first video, titled "Timesuck | The Dolphin Point Experiment: LSD, Aliens, NASA, and Dolphin Sex," explores the intriguing connections between dolphins and human perceptions, showcasing Josephine's influence in a broader context.

The second video, "Dolphins And Humans Are More Alike Than You Think | Dolphins | Documentary Central," dives into the similarities between dolphins and humans, emphasizing the emotional and social complexities that Josephine embodied.

Thank you for taking the time to read this tribute to Josephine!

References:

• cetabase.org
• Howard, Carol. Dolphin Chronicles. Bantam Books, 1996.
• pbs.org, The Story of Navy Dolphins
• Pryor, Karen. Reaching the Animal Mind. Scribner, 2010.