Dolphin Quest Bermuda will be hosting a family fun day on Saturday to mark its 20th anniversary.

The public are invited to help celebrate two decades of marine mammal conservation, education and scientific study in Bermuda.

“It represents, to us, 20 years of being true to our mission in the local community,” General Manager Christine Mihelcic told The Royal Gazette.

The organisation started its educational dolphin interaction programmes in 1996 at the Southampton Princess Hotel and later moved to the National Museum of Bermuda in the Royal Naval Dockyard.

Since then, it has supported 40 scientific studies and hosted over 21 marine mammal researchers since opening. Findings from these studies are expanding the understanding of marine mammals and aiding their conservation and protection in the wild. But it’s the passion they have instilled in the community that Ms Mihelcic said they are most proud of, she said, noting in particular the work Dolphin Quest has done with schools.

“We have been so blessed to be able to bring people face-to-face with these amazing animals over the years to aid their conservation in the wild,” she said. “Giving back to the community in Bermuda has also been part of our ongoing mission.

“We organise beach clean ups, support other environmental initiatives and find ways, like this event, to give back to deserving charities like WindReach Bermuda.”

At the fun day, families will be able to see dolphin demonstrations and learn more about why the dolphins are trained and how they are cared for.

There will also be presentations on Dolphin Quest’s educational programmes and the research it has participated in.

While admission to the event is free, there will be a “minimal” fee to touch the dolphins and tour the outer enclosure with water scooters.

Proceeds from these activities, as well as the raffle, will go to local charity Wind- Reach Bermuda, which serves people with a wide range of physical and intellectual disabilities.

Dolphin Quest will also be offering its in-water swim programmes, which must be pre-booked, at the 1996-price of $74.

There will also be ocean-themed games, a giant fun castle, hands-on craft tables and face painting, and Gombeys will be performing at 4.15pm.

The event will be held at Dolphin Quest at the National Museum of Bermuda from 10am to 5pm.

“We’re looking forward to it,” Ms Mihelcic said. “We’re hoping our families come out and celebrate with us.”

•For more information, or to book an in-water swim programme, call 234-4464.