Swimming with Responsibility as a Dolphin Veterinary Student

We are excited to share Anna Yeager’s experience below, funded by Dr. Thomas Mack.

In July 2025, I completed the MARVET Roatan externship, where I focused on the clinical care of Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins. During the externship, I gained practical experience with cetaceans, including performing physical exams, assessing reproductive health, conducting ultrasonography, analyzing blowhole cytology, and evaluating environmental factors that influence dolphin well-being in managed care. This was an incredible experience that deepened my understanding of marine mammal medicine through didactic and clinical learning.

This unique opportunity allowed me to explore aspects of marine mammal,  elasmobranch, and aquaculture not covered in the standard curriculum at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. We studied a range of specialized topics, such as thermoregulation, osmoregulation, and the unique anatomy and physiology of marine mammals. One particularly fascinating aspect of dolphin physiology is their bloodwork. I learned that dolphins tend to have a naturally higher count of band neutrophils—immature white blood cells—circulating in their bloodstream compared to terrestrial mammals. This is believed to be due to their reduced bone density and limited bone marrow, which affects how many mature neutrophils they can produce and store. As a result, their bodies release a greater proportion of immature neutrophils into circulation to meet immune system demands. While this would often be considered a sign of infection in land animals, it can be normal in dolphins, making this understanding essential to interpret marine mammal bloodwork differently in clinical practice. I was also intrigued to learn that dolphins lack vocal cords; instead, they produce all vocalizations and echolocation sounds from their nasal passages and blowhole. My favorite anatomical feature, however, was the melon; a fatty structure on their forehead that acts as an acoustic lens, focusing sound waves for echolocation. Essentially, they are super cute melon heads!

Aside from clinical aspects of these dolphins, a large portion of this externship was observing and understanding about incredibly intelligent these animals are. I observed how these Bottlenose dolphins can understand artificial languages and syntax, and they are one of the few species that can recognize themselves in mirrors, indicating self-awareness. They also show emotional intelligence, such as empathy and grief, and possess remarkable long-term memory, recalling individual dolphins’ signature whistles even after many years. Their intelligence rivals that of primates and is reflected in their culture, cooperation, communication, and cognitive flexibility.

Beyond the academic and clinical learning, I was immersed in the vibrant culture of Roatan and the Honduran people. I had the opportunity to witness a traditional Honduran dance ritual at sunset and explored local markets to support small businesses and artisans. Another key focus of this externship was global health, particularly through the lens of One Health; the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Dr. Brian Joseph, the lead marine mammal veterinarian at Marvet, emphasized the critical role veterinarians play in addressing global health challenges. We discussed the profound effects of climate change on marine ecosystems, especially the degradation of coral reefs, including the nearby Mesoamerican Reef. Through conversations with local community members, we gained insight into how reef health is vital not only for marine biodiversity but also for the livelihood and cultural heritage of the people of Roatan. Overall, this externship expanded my clinical skills, cultural awareness, and understanding of the global responsibilities veterinarians hold in promoting the health of animals and people. I am deeply thankful to the scholarship donors who made it possible for me to participate in this truly life-changing experience!