The Dolphin Research Center (DRC) is a dolphinarium on Grassy Key, Florida.

The 90,000-square-foot (8,400 m2) series of saltwater lagoons is home to several dolphins and California sea lions.

Santini blasted lagoons into the seashore with dynamite to create deeper pens for the dolphins.

In addition to the general admission price, guests can pay more to interact with dolphins in the water.

[7] DRC staff members conduct and publish research on its captive dolphins.

[9] Studies have also been published that demonstrates that dolphins understand some numbers concepts and other research that explores maternal use of signature whistles.

Students can earn an Occupational Associates Degree in Marine Mammal Behavior, Care and Training after completing a 36-week program.

[11] After Hurricane Andrew struck the Florida Keys in 1992, the DRC dolphin "Annessa" escaped or was washed out of her sea pen.

Of the photograph, Mandy Rodriguez stated, "it was clear that Annessa had already lost a considerable amount of weight and was not sustaining herself in the wild.