There are 32 different types of dolphins, but when most people think of a dolphin, they think of the "bottlenose dolphin." other names used locally for the bottlenose dolphin are: Grey Dolphin; Black Dolphin; Bottlenose Porpoise; Cowfish; Bottle-Nosed Dolphin; Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin; Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin.
Dolphins and Humans Dolphins adapt well to human companionship and are readily trained. Bottle-nose dolphins have become well known performers in may aquariums. They are capable of spectacular tricks and may mimic the sounds of a few human words.
Because dolphins are highly social and vocalize among themselves with a wide range of sounds, it has been conjectured that they might possess and almost human like intelligence. Most researchers agree that dolphins exhibit a level of intelligence greater then that of dogs and even comparable to that of some primates.
Each year, millions of fans pay to watch and even swim with dolphins. But the dolphin's popularity also raises a troubling question: are these captive performers our willing partners -- or our prisoners? To ensure that dolphins continue to inspire our children in the future, we must reach back to the past and regain the respect held by our ancestors for our cousins of the sea.
Dolphin Popularity The close bond between humans and dolphins has made dolphin figurine and collectible items extremely popular. Dolphin-themed items include coasters, clocks, figurines, flags, jewelry, magnets, mouse pads, mugs, pillows, plush, puppets, t-shirts, throws, towels, and many more items.
The item with the most demand seems to be the dolphin figurine, perhaps because figurines in particular are a small decorative item that will fit into almost any decor.
The dolphin figurine can be found in many forms.
Pewter - When choosing a pewter dolphin figurine, make sure that it is made from 100% lead-free pewter.
Crystal - The better dolphin figurine will probably be 100% handcrafted of 24% (or greater) lead crystal.
Resin/Polyresin - A dolphin figurine that is resin or polyresin may be of excellent quality because there are better ways to create with this material than there was in the past.
Cold cast resin - A dolphin figurine that is cold cast resin will be more dense, so it will be much harder to break.
Alabastrite - Alabastrite is created by combining oxylite and polystone to create stone-based, polyresin material.
Glass - There are many different ways to finish a figurine of glass; so, the quality of a dolphin figurine will depend on the method used.
Porcelain - Porcelain is a type of hard semi-translucent ceramic generally fired at a higher temperature than glazed earthenware, or stoneware pottery. It is white, but mildly translucent and can be decorated to provide color. A dolphin figurine that is porcelain will most likely have a shine to it.
Many other materials and finishing methods are available, such as wood, bronze, metal, stone, etc.
