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Orca Lulu's body contained PCB levels 100x above the safe limit. Image: SMASS

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Group of orcas at surface

Breaking barriers for whales and dolphins at the Convention of Migratory Species

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Tokyo

WDC in Japan – Part 1: Finding allies in Tokyo

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Researchers in Southeast Alaska studying whale poo

We’re funding crucial research on whale poo to combat the climate crisis

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The unicorns of the sea must be protected – CITES

The narwhal, is under threat. Often referred to as the unicorns of the sea, narwhals,...
Sperm whales

We’re pushing governments for action for our climate heroes – whales

The climate crisis is the greatest threat to all life on Earth. But there is...
Dolphins captured for captivity in Taiji. Image: Hans Peter Roth

Loved and killed – whales and dolphins in Japan

Protests and criticism from outside Japan in response to the slaughter of whales and dolphins...

What makes a great visitor experience?

As manager of the Scottish Dolphin Centre, I have good reason to ponder this question. It came up again this week as we were awarded a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, an accolade given to establishments who consistently get a high number of outstanding reviews.

What strikes me as interesting is that many of our reviewers didn’t actually spot any dolphins – the main aim for lots of our visitors – but they still had a fantastic day out, speaking to the volunteers who help run the centre, enjoying guided walks and tours, or a bite to eat in the café. It is clearly extremely important to visitors that they are greeted warmly by friendly, enthusiastic and informative staff. Over the past few years we have worked hard on this aspect of our offer with improved training for all staff and volunteers, and this has clearly paid off.

Image Copyright Alex Mitchell

We don’t get it right every time, but reviews and feedback help to highlight our mistakes and how we can improve.

A huge majority of our 90,000 annual visitors are very passionate about Scottish wildlife, including the amazing variety of whales and dolphins that visit these waters. This makes them very open to dropping coins and even notes into the donation box, adopting a dolphin or signing WDC petitions during their visit, including the latest one asking Richard Branson to re-think his position on selling trips to Seaworld. This is precisely why WDC run a visitor centre in this spectacular spot: to enthuse the general public about whales and dolphins and give them a chance to help WDC protect them.

I would like to say a personal thank you to the staff and volunteers who work hard to provide a smile to every visitor who comes through our doors – you are driving our success!