Marathon: Flashback to the mid-1950s when a Grassy Key fisherman named Milton Santini started collecting bottlenose dolphins to sell to aquariums and attractions Two years into it, Milton catches a dolphin named Mitzi. Before he can transport her to one of his customer’s facilities, a back injury sidelines him.
Milton hangs out recovering by the dolphin pool for the next several weeks, where he and Mitzi soon begin to bond. And then, one day, Milton accidentally drops his small exercise ball into the pool. And guess what happens? Mitzi immediately tosses the ball back to him.
Milton can’t believe his eyes! He throws the ball farther down the pool. Again, Mitzi, retrieves the ball and tosses it back to him. Intrigued, Milton begins training Mitzi using fish as an incentive. When he tosses the fish too far behind her, Mitzi swims backward on her tail to retrieve her reward. Thus begins the “Backward Tail Walk,” and a star is born.
In 1958, Milton opens “Santini’s Porpoise School,” where visitors can swim with the dolphins. Four years later, Hollywood comes calling, and Santini’s beloved Mitzi and five other dolphins land starring roles in the pilot movie “Flipper.” Filmed on location at Santini’s Porpoise School, the movie puts sleepy Grassy Key on the map. 
Santini’s Porpoise School continues until Mitzi dies in 1972. Not long after, a heartbroken, Santini sells his attraction. Eventually, Jayne Shannon-Rodriguez and Mandy Rodriguez acquire the property. In 1984, they open the not-for-profit Dolphin Research Center.
Today’s DRC is dedicated to dolphin research, education, conservation, and manatee rescue. It’s also a sanctuary and forever home for over two dozen dolphins. Some of them are direct descendants of Mitzi’s co-stars.
Sharing the DRC’s 90,000 square feet of pristine seawater lagoons is a family of California Sea Lions. They often hang out together, playing with their toys.
Nearby is a special habitat for Ziggy and Speedy, two African-spurred mainland tortoises that are the world’s largest tortoise species. A handsome peacock, a flock of pea fowls, and several large green iguanas claim residency here, as well.
DRC offers fascinating narrated shows about their dolphin pod, which take place by the lagoon. But what’s really cool is that you can also register for all kinds of special interactive programs, including Ultimate Trainer for a Day, Dolphin Splash, Meet the Dolphin, Paint with a Dolphin and the popular Dolphin Encounter where you can actually experience the thrill of a dorsal pull.
But what’s really cool is that you can also register for all kinds of special interactive programs, including Ultimate Trainer for a Day, Dolphin Splash, Meet the Dolphin, Paint with a Dolphin and the popular Dolphin Encounter where you can actually experience the thrill of a dorsal pull.
If you want to take home an unforgettable memory while here in the Keys, make sure you visit the incredibly special not-for-profit Dolphin Research Center.
FYI: Make sure you visit the DRC’s courtyard, where you’ll find a touching dolphin memorial that pays tribute to Mitzi.
You can find the Dolphin Research Center at 58901 Overseas Highway (MM 59 Gulfside) on Grassy Key in Marathon. Open daily from 9 am — 4:30pm (except for certain holidays). Info and reservations: 305-289-002; dolphins.org.
