06/24/2026
‼️ Today, we're sharing a very special message from SDRP co-founder and director, Dr. Randy Wells:
Dear Friends, I’m writing today to share news about some changes taking place at the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program. After leading the program for more than five decades, the last 37 of them with Brookfield Zoo Chicago (BZC), I’ve decided to retire from BZC and turn the reigns over to the next generation of leadership.
This transition to the role of Director Emeritus will allow me to continue to do the marine mammal research and conservation I love, while leaving behind the administrative tasks necessary to keep the Program operating. While this transition is certainly a poignant one for me, I’m pleased to be leaving the program’s leadership responsibilities in the capable and experienced hands of Dr. Katie McHugh, who started as an intern with the program in 2000 and will take over my role as BZC’s SDRP Director. I’m also excited to embrace new opportunities that will allow me to get back into the field for the hands-on research that initially brought me to the study of dolphins back in 1970 and catch-up on a list of papers that need writing.
As a 16-year-old kid volunteering to work with Blair Irvine on his study of sharks and dolphins, I could never have imagined how that work would evolve over 56 years, or that the SDRP would often be leading the way in breaking new ground in the understanding of dolphins and their lives. Throughout my time as Director, curiosity has remained a core feature of our research program and training center. And, as with so many research projects, the more we’ve learned about Sarasota Bay dolphins and their lives, the more questions we have.
Even after 56 years, the idea of being able to continue to ask and answer new questions about dolphins remains a thrilling prospect.
I plan to remain actively engaged in the field through my continuing role as a co-founder and board member of the Dolphin Biology Research Institute, as BZC Director Emeritus, as a Scientific Advisor to the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission, and through collaborations with colleagues around the world.
Together, with your support, the SDRP and our colleagues have accomplished much over the years. We have:
🐬Collectively published more than 400 scientific papers, four books and made more than 1,000 presentations to scientific colleagues and members of the public;
🐬Mentored 532 college interns, 145 international trainees and 116 graduate students;
🐬Collected more than 1.2 million dolphin images, identified 6,373 dolphins from across Florida’s west coast, recorded more than 400,000 hours of dolphin vocalizations, rescued 14 dolphins in Sarasota Bay (since 1985) and participated in or led 51 rescue attempts, including mass strandings, elsewhere.
I have no doubt that thanks to the highly experienced staff, in combination with the unique natural laboratory setting of Sarasota Bay, the SDRP will continue to be at the forefront of learning and knowledge about dolphins for decades to come.
I hope you will join me in welcoming Katie to her new role and continue to offer her the welcome and heartwarming support you’ve shown me over the years. While you will probably hear from me from time-to-time in this space, I’m happy to hand it over to Katie as she continues to make her own mark on the field.
I would like to thank BZC leadership — Dr. George Rabb, who invited the SDRP to the Zoo in 1989, Dr. Stuart Strahl, and current President and CEO, Dr. Mike Adkesson, along with the BZC Board of Trustees — for their continuing commitment and dedication to the SDRP over the decades. I’d also like to thank you for your interest in, and support of, our research, and for caring about the dolphins.
Here’s to fair winds, following seas and many more years of dolphin discoveries!
—Randy Wells
Often when you think you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else.
— Fred Rogers
