WILD DOLPHIN PROJECT, INC.
NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA

Our Mission The Wild Dolphin Project is a scientific research organization that studies and reports on a specific pod of free-ranging Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis). Objectives of this long-term, non-invasive field research are to gather information on the natural history of these dolphins, including behaviors, social structure, communication, and habitat; and to report what we have learned to the scientific community and the general public. To observe, document and report the natural, underwater, social lives of wild dolphins, by creating a model of work that gives appropriateness to how the research is completed, non-invasively along with the quality of documented data. WDP seeks to contribute informed knowledge to help create awareness and preserve the natural environment through appreciation of all the biodiversity on our planet; ultimately promoting an educated and informed constituency who can vote and voice their concerns about policy and action-based decisions regarding our native world. Underwater observation provides an inclusive approach to analyze behavior, genetics, associations, cognition, and geography; along with, a reliable photo-identification tracking system. Education provides a tool in which all can make informed decisions and appropriate actions. The Wild Dolphin Project (2002)” Chris Traughber is one of the original founding board members of the Wild Dolphin Project. After joining The Wild Dolphin Project in the field in 1987 Chris became committed to helping the project grow and thrive. An active medical doctor, Dr. Traughber has been in the field with WDP almost every field season since 1987 and advises on medical issues both onboard and on land. Chris is also a great underwater photographer who specializes in black and white photography. A hold out for film, Chris's prints of the dolphins are often on display at Wild Dolphin Events. Chris is often accompanied by his wife Gail, an avid horse and dog trainer, who cooks for us the hungry crew during our research trips. Ruth Petzold is a long-time scuba diver and professional underwater photographer. She played amajor role in the research of Dr. Eugenie Clarke, traveling with her on over 50 expeditions and serving as her research photographer. A member of the Explorers Club, she has been recognized as a Champion of the Sea due to her philanthropic work in seeking to promote the welfare of the seas and the protection of the marine environment through her generous donations. Her philanthropic actions have reached a number of marine-oriented organizations, including SHARK SAVERS and The Wild Dolphin Project. She attended the University of Michigan Hospital and Rockefeller University to do Immunology Research. She turned to full-time underwater photography and dive travel in 1985 and has made diving her life ever since. In addition to her skills as a scuba diver, Ruth is an airplane pilot. In 2016, she was inducted into the WomenDivers Hall of Fame. Ivi joined the Board of the Wild Dolphin Project in 2004 as an avid supporter and enthusiast of WDP’s work. Originating from Estonia, Ivi has spent the majority of her life in the U.S. and has been involved in the underwater world for decades. An active member of the Explorers Club, Ivi has traveled the world to observe both its underwater creatures and human inhabitants. David G. Bates is a shareholder, serves on Gunster's board of directors and is co-chair of the firm's Technology & Emerging Companies practice. David joined the firm in 1992 after graduating from Tulane University with his JD/MBA in 1991. For over two decades, David has counseled clients in the areas of technology law, venture capital, licensing and distribution, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate finance and securities. David has represented companies and investors in a wide variety of industries and at all stages of growth, from private start-up ventures to large public companies. David provides strategic counseling on mergers and acquisitions, equity and debt financings, corporate governance and joint ventures. David also advises clients on corporate structuring and restructuring, employment, compensation and non-compete arrangements, securities, franchising and licensing, distribution, sports, and other business agreements. David is the president of the Gold Coast Venture Capital Association and two-term chairman of the Enterprise Development Corporation. David's honors include being named Corporate Lawyer of the Year for West Palm Beach in 2016 and 2013 by Best Lawyers in America, as well as one of the Top 100 lawyers in Florida by Florida Super Lawyers. He has been listed among Florida Trend's Legal Elite for more than 10 consecutive years, and in Best Lawyers for corporate law, mergers & acquisitions law and technology law. Theresa moved from Colorado to Florida over seven years ago, bringing with her extensive corporate experience. Finding her passion with anything oceanic, she received her certification in marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, volunteers in environmental preservation efforts, participated in two Wild Dolphin Project research trips, and assisted with fundraising efforts for the Project. Theresa has added paddle board teaching certification to her aquatic repertoire looking for dolphin, sea turtles or other wildlife. and, prior to that owned the largest commercial photography and graphic design firm in Palm Beach County. She serves on advisory councils for The Wild Dolphin Project, North County Artists Association and Artists of Palm Beach County. Bill has an extensive background in corporate strategy and retail and health care management. After finishing his education at Brown University in 1971, he earned a Masters of Management from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. Bill started his business career with Bally Manufacturing and then moved into the healthcare field opening Sierra Tucson. Later, he became the founder of Miraval Resort, a world renowned spa in Tucson, AZ. Today he resides in his hometown of Wilmette, IL and is managing director of ODE, LLC, an investment and development firm in Winnetka, IL.