Dolphins give hope to sick kids   

AFTER a year of therapy with dolphins at the Sea World theme park in Xiaomeisha in Yantian District, the condition of a young girl with cerebral palsy has shown a marked improvement, the Shenzhen Special Zone Daily reported Monday.

Over the past three years, more than 80 children with cerebral palsy and autism throughout China have joined the recovery program, a therapy interacting with dolphins, at the Sea World theme park, and most of them have improved significantly.

The girl, Cong Cong, 13, received dolphin therapy in 2001. One year later, she had fewer uncontrolled movements and was able to communicate better.

Cong Cong became more aware and sensitive to her surroundings, and can now control both arms. She is now also able to negotiate staircases more quickly and safely, which was previously impossible for her. She is even able to articulate words such as “grandma” and “auntie.”

Dong Yan, a dolphin trainer at the theme park, oversees the therapy without charging patients. Dong has been nominated for the title of “excellent migrant worker.”