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.

 

PRESS RELEASE WILLEMSTAD, October 1, 2025

To great sorrow of therapists, trainers, and patients at the Curaçao Dolphin Therapy & Research Center, one of the four therapy dolphins, 14-year-old male Kanoa, passed away unexpectedly yesterday, Tuesday, September 30th.

The cause of Kanoa's sudden death 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.

A necropsy, performed by veterinarian Dr. Mauricio Francia, confirmed that Kanoa had no other conditions that could have contributed to his death. Other than a decreased appetite, there were no indications of health problems in Kanoa until shortly before his death.

The exact cause of Volvulus is not always clear. It also occurs in humans and other mammals. It is a well- known fact that dolphins share many physical similarities with humans and, as a result, marine mammals can also suffer from the same diseases.

Kanoa was a beloved dolphin within the team. He was known for his insatiable interest, motivation, and curiosity, as well as his high-pitched, proud howls. Kanoa was a true "armchair hero” (in Dutch: held op sokken) —tough but cautious—who, thanks to his strong bond with his trainers, went above and beyond. We will never forget him and the special moments we spent with him.

Kanoa was born on December 8, 2010, at the Curaçao Sea Aquarium.