Welcome to the Curaçao Dolphin Therapy Center

Don't stop dreaming about your Dolphin Assisted Therapy!

The “Curaçao Dolphin Therapy & Research Center” (CDTC ) was founded in 2004, located on the Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao. We offer an individualized two-week therapy program where personal interaction with dolphins and a team of qualified therapists sit at the core of the treatment. The patient is given the opportunity to interact with the dolphins while integrating a wide variety of therapy principles to create a customized therapy program for each participant.

 

Curaçao, 6 november 2025 - Statement Curaçao Dolphin Therapy & Research Center

With deep sadness, we share that we have recently said goodbye to two of our beloved dolphins, Bonnie and Kanoa.

Both losses occurred unexpectedly and beyond our control within a period of 5 weeks. Our entire team is heartbroken by their passing. These extraordinary animals have touched the lives of countless families and our team through their warmth, intelligence, and gentle spirits.

A full medical examination (necropsy) has been conducted. The cause of Kanoa's sudden passing was a Volvulus, or intestinal torsion, in which a section of the intestine or digestive tract twists around itself, blocking a portion of the intestine. The twisted section of intestine can die off within hours (intestinal infarction) because the blood supply to the pinched section of intestine is obstructed. The resulting tissue damage can be life-threatening.

The necropsy, performed by veterinarian Dr. Mauricio Francia, confirmed that Kanoa had no other conditions that could have contributed to his death. The exact cause of Volvulus is not always clear. It also occurs in humans and other mammals.

For the necropsy report of Bonnie, we are currently awaiting the final results to better understand the cause, other than old age.

In the meantime, we want to reassure all families that have booked the therapy, that our therapy programs will continue as planned. Thanks to our close collaboration with Dolphin Academy Curaçao, we are able to ensure that the scheduled therapy sessions can proceed as planned.

We understand how meaningful the bond with our dolphins is to each of you. Please rest assured that their wellbeing and the continuity of the therapy we provide together remain our highest priorities.

With gratitude for your understanding and continued trust,

Team of CDTC