Opening soundtrack

Igor Simões, physical therapist: "Dolphin-assisted therapy began when I was studying veterinary medicine at UFMG in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. I followed people involved in ecotherapy and, during veterinary school, I studied aquatic mammals. I had a dream of, perhaps, developing dolphin-assisted therapy here in Brazil using river or marine dolphins."

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Igor Simões, physical therapist: "Today we came to Praia Amigos do Boto, which is the most remote location precisely because the children can interact with the dolphins on the beach, which is very different from interacting with them on the floating platform."

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Igor Simões, physical therapist: "We do a yoga class, breathing exercises and then more of this underwater immersion."

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Igor Simões, physical therapist: "There are several benefits, right? The first is being in the water. There is the buoyancy, the connection with nature, which is wonderful. We also do breathing exercises, work on balance through yoga, and work on the children's sensory integration in the water. So, you're taking the children out of the shelter and bringing them into this world near the Anavilhanas, with all this force and vitality of nature. We mainly work by imitating the dolphin's movements, working with the children on deep breathing and lung elasticity. And there's also what I was explaining: the dolphin has an echolocation system, a sonar, which emits a range of ultrasonic sounds that bounce off solid bodies and return to the dolphin, allowing it to identify objects in the water through sonar. Regarding sonar and human beings, there have already been studies involving dolphins showing increased interhemispheric integration and higher neurotransmitter levels. So, the child may have more vitality, greater balance, better health and a stronger connection with nature."

Claudiane Lima, supervisor at the Moacyr Alves Shelter: "Dolphin-assisted therapy is extremely important for them, right? This work has already been carried out with them, and even before they arrive at the site, they are already excited and happy to know that they will be here for this experience."

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Caroline de Freitas, 23: "I used to be very afraid. I was really scared, and now I'm gradually overcoming my fear. I really liked touching the dolphin. It was my first time. I liked the beach and the water. It was really warm."

Claudiane Lima, supervisor at the Moacyr Alves Shelter: "The Moacyr Alves Shelter is a place of care and support, right? A place where we give a lot of love, because to be with children with disabilities, we need to have love, care and affection. That's what they need, and that's what matters to everyone there. When we know that we are going to provide them with something new, something that will bring benefits, it is very rewarding for us. It is simply a feeling of gratitude and happiness to be here with them."

Igor Simões, physical therapist: "You see their happiness, and that brings joy to us, in our hearts. So, they are an example to me. Being in contact with the children at the shelter gives me more strength and gratitude. In this way, it's a way for me to give back to nature the life that nature gives us, to thank God through action, in practice."

Question: Do you think these outings are important from time to time?
Answer: "I do."
Question: And playing and interacting with your friends?
Answer: "With my friends and with the dolphin."

Final music

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Duration:
04’17”

Interviews:
Igor Simões, physical therapist specializing in Rolfing, yoga instructor and creator of dolphin-assisted therapy
Claudiane Lima, supervisor at the Moacyr Alves Shelter
Caroline de Freitas, 23

Executive Production:
Luciana Tôrres

Editing and Finalization:
Alexandre Almeida

Produced by:
Amazon Agency