Marine Mammal Merlin Loves Magical Device

Aaaaaaaaah! couldn’t resist the alliteration. Sorry.

Seriously, though, a dolphin named Merlin is learning to speak using the iPad, so says Michael Leddy of Orange Crate Art:

[Jack] Kassewitz [of SpeakDolphin.com] explained the requirements of the technology. “Waterproofing, processor speed, touch-sensitivity, anti-glare screens, and dolphin-friendly programs are essential. As this database of dolphin symbols grows — we’ll need fast technology to help us respond appropriately and quickly to the dolphins.”

The research was being conducted at Dolphin Discovery’s dolphin swim facility in Puerto Aventuras, Mexico, along the picturesque coast now referred to as the Riviera Maya. The dolphin, Merlin, is a juvenile, born at the facility only two years ago. “Merlin is quite curious, like most dolphins, and he showed complete willingness to examine the iPad,” said Kassewitz.