A Magical Evening with the Dolphin Whisperers

What a night! I had the honor of joining a sold-out panel at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center for “An Evening with the Dolphin Whisperers: Flipper Facts and Field Notes.” It was an unforgettable gathering of science, storytelling, and community, all centered around the bottlenose dolphins that call Georgia’s coast home.

The panel brought together four voices united by our love for these animals:

Dr. Tara Cox, a marine mammal scientist from Savannah State University who’s spent over two decades studying our local dolphins and their complex behaviors.

Capt. Rene Heidt, the legendary naturalist and boat captain behind Sundial Charters, whose deep intuition and years on the water offer rare insight into dolphin lives.

Alli Williford, the powerhouse behind public education and outreach at TIMSC, leading efforts to engage our coastal communities in dolphin stewardship.

And me—sharing my perspective as a filmmaker and National Geographic Explorer, documenting these charismatic creatures through a lens of wonder and conservation.

While we spoke, my footage of local dolphins played behind us—cooperative behaviors, synchronized swims, and curious glances captured just offshore. Watching the audience respond in real-time to these images added another layer of connection, and reminded me how powerful visual storytelling can be in inspiring care and action.

We discussed what makes what makes the dolphins in our region so distinctive (did you know they may be among the most behaviorally unique in the country?), the joys and challenges of filming them in murky coastal waters, and the urgent need to protect their habitat as human pressures intensify.

It was especially moving to see the audience’s deep curiosity and care—proof that local conservation begins with local connection. Thank you to everyone who came out, to TIMSC for hosting, and to my fellow panelists for their wisdom, humor, and heart.

Let’s keep the conversation going—and keep showing up for the dolphins that call this coast home.