Operation Cetacean Gives To Those In Need
Dolphin Quest Hawaii has partnered with the County of Hawaii Police Department in a heartwarming initiative called “Operation Cetacean”. This program provides plush dolphins for County of Hawaii Police officers to carry in their patrol vehicles to give to any child in need of a dolphin hug when facing a traumatic experience.
Dolphin Quest Hawaii's General Manager, Adrea Gibbs, modeled Hawaii's "Operation Cetacean" after a similar program in California called "Highway Hugs" that offers teddy bears to children during traumatic situations. Adrea's family started the "Highway Hugs" program to support kids in the local community by donating stuffed animals each year to the CHP.
The plush dolphins used for Operation Cetacean are refurbished versions of the in-room dolphins that are available for purcahse in the rooms of the Hilton Waikoloa Village. Dolphin Quest Hawaii along with our partner, Hilton Waikoloa Village, helps generate funding for the Pacific Marine Life Foundation by offering every Hilton guest the option to buy a plush dolphin that lives in their rooms. Sometimes the plush dolphins that have not been purchased by guests may become so well loved that they are no longer sellable as new. Instead of disposing of them, the Dolphin Quest Crew Members led by Adrea volunteer their time to bring these plush dolphins home, wash and repair them. So far, we have donated over 200 plush dolphins!
Dolphin Quest Hawaii and our local police are looking forward to putting smiles on the faces of many more children in need. If interested, research similar programs, or start one up yourself in your local community.
