Life of Guangzhou - GZ Ocean Park Dolphin Doctors Cure 500 Autistic Kids

Many are impressed by the fantastic marine performances of dolphins at Guangzhou Ocean Park, but few know that two of them are the doctors of kids with autism. In the afternoons of each Friday and Sunday, they give treatment to the kids. From 2003 to now, they have helped over 500 autistic children.

Two kids accept the dolphin's treatment. (Guangzhou Daily)

One of the two dolphins is male, named Dandan and served in the U.S. army where he helped to find materials in the deep sea before coming to Guangzhou Ocean Park in 1997. He is at the age of 18 (equivalent to 40 in human years).

Another female dolphin named Xiaohua is at the age of 5 (equivalent to 18 in human years). This dolphin was part of a group in the South China Sea area, but got stranded on the beach at Naihai Island. Local fishermen saved her and finally sent her Guangzhou Ocean Park.

Under the keeper's instruction, kids make actions like hugs, kisses and feed the dolphins. The dolphins swim around the kids emanating their unique sound, which attracts the kid's attention. Through this treatment, the kids' sense of touch and sight can be enhanced. Using their limbs cooperatively also helps brain development.

According to experts at Guangzhou Ocean Park, over 80% of kids treated will improve their language and motor abilities.

30 years ago, foreign countries began dolphin treatment for autistic kids. However, there is not yet any scientific explanation proving the mechanics of the treatment. Some claim it is a consequence of the high frequency sound waves emitted by the dolphins which is the crucial factor. That the dolphin's versatile actions stimulate the kid’s sense of touch is also a possibility.

(By Jessie Hwang, Alan Devey)

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