Dolphin Mysteries

Unlocking the Secrets of Communication

By: Kathleen M. Dudzinski Ph.D., Toni Frohoff Ph.D.

Narrated by: Kym Dakin-Neal

Dolphins have fascinated humans for millennia, giving rise to an abundance of stories and myths about them, yet the actual details of their lives in the sea have remained elusive. In this enthralling book, Kathleen M. Dudzinski and Toni Frohoff take us into the dolphins' aquatic world to witness firsthand how they live their lives, communicate, and interact with one another and with other species, including people.

Kathleen M. Dudzinski and Toni Frohoff are scientists who have collectively dedicated more than 40 years to studying dolphins below the ocean's surface, frequently through a close-up underwater lens. Drawing on their own experiences and on up-to-the-minute research, the authors show that dolphins are decidedly not just members of a group but distinct individuals, able to communicate with one another and with humans. Dudzinski and Frohoff introduce a new way of looking at, and listening to, the vocabulary of dolphins in the sea, and they even provide an introductory "dolphin dictionary", listing complex social signals that dolphins use to share information among themselves and with people. Unveiling an intimate and scientifically accurate portrait of dolphins, this book will appeal to everyone who has wanted a closer glimpse into the hearts and minds of these amazing creatures. The book is published by Yale University Press.

©2008 Kathleen M. Dudzinski and Toni Frohoff (P)2010 Redwood Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"A fascinating journey into the complex social, emotional, and cognitive world of dolphins. Everyone who is interested in animal behavior should read this wonderful book." (Temple Grandin, Ph.D., author of Animals in Translation)

A great introduction to dolphin behavior

This is a great book for anyone who wants to learn more about these mysterious mammals. It delves into topics of dolphin biology, behavior, communication, interaction with humans, and public perception.

As an audiobook, it's occasionally hard to follow. There is a lot of information to absorb, and the narrator speeds along at a relentless clip. Also, the printed edition of the book has many photos and drawings which are missed here.

But aside from those minor drawbacks, this is a fascinating and thorough introduction to dolphins, which proves that the more we know, the more we realize how much we don't know. And if you're interested in learning still more, I highly recommend you seek out the printed book.