Speak Dolphin: Deciphering the Dolphin Code

Jack Kassewitz has been working for over fifty years with all kinds of animals from eagles to orangutans. This book chronicles his amazing discovery of the basis of dolphin language as never seen before.It also traces his early childhood and how loving parents, a caring science teacher, and a physician mentor turned his early learning challenges into a journey of scientific and self discovery with astonishing results.

I have long been passionate about animals, having worked professionally with them since I was twelve years old, starting in laboratories for medical research. In my twenties, I founded a nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation center in Miami where my team and I rescued, rehabilitated, and when possible, released hundreds of eagles, hawks, deer, otters, reptiles, and bears. We also provided sanctuary to many other animals, such as tigers, cougars, zebras, giant tortoises, and llamas. Currently, I work hundreds of hours each year with dolphins and orangutans living in human care. My fifty-plus years of experience working with animals have provided me a broad view of the human impact on animals’ lives. Over my lifetime, I have witnessed dramatic cultural changes in our relationships with animals, and as a reflection of these evolving values, I have seen that zoos and aquariums are also moving toward an expanded stewardship for animals and their environments. I have experienced the difference between “captivity” and “animal stewardship,” and I hope that the animal stories in this book will add to this important conversation.