Dolphins are America's darlings, according to a Harris Interactive poll conducted for the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. Forty percent of U.S. adults named dolphins as their favorite aquarium animal. Sharks followed, with 13 percent. Now, the Georgia Aquarium is making it possible for the people of Atlanta and guests from around the world to have their own love affair with these fabulous marine mammals, thanks to a unique relationship between the aquarium and Marineland's Dolphin Conservation Center, both accredited members of the alliance.

Experiencing these fascinating animals instills an awareness of ecological and conservation issues and creates respect and caring for these animals and their environments. Alliance members believe this respect inspires a strong, active commitment to marine mammal conservation. The Georgia Aquarium helps each and every visitor understand that they can make a difference.

The Harris poll shows that a phenomenal 97 percent of the public understands and appreciates the important role that zoological parks and aquariums play in educating the public about marine animals they might not otherwise encounter. In addition, 96 percent of people agree that zoological facilities provide children and adults with valuable information about the importance of oceans, waters and the animals that live there. While the few, very vocal critics of zoological facilities will no doubt have something to say about dolphins coming to the Georgia Aquarium, the aquarium's commitment of resources to the future of marine species tells the real story.

The announcement by the Georgia Aquarium this week includes substantial financial support for a new rescue, care and research facility in cooperation with Marineland that is sorely needed to help sick, orphaned and injured stranded animals. The new Marine Animal Conservation Field Station will benefit wild dolphins, manatees, turtles and other marine species that strand on the coastlines of Georgia and northeast Florida.

Since opening, the Georgia Aquarium has supported research and conservation programs with whale sharks, beluga whales, coral reefs and sea turtles, including studies with the University of Georgia and Florida's Mote Marine Laboratory. These field studies improve our understanding of animals so essential to their future in the wild.

Research with the animals at aquariums provides opportunities for scientists to compile data that are difficult or impossible to obtain in the field.

All this information contributes to the knowledge needed to better treat stranded marine mammals.

And research with stranded animals gives us a glimpse into the state of our oceans by studying pollution levels and diseases affecting wild animal populations.

Our oceans are in peril, and climate change is endangering many species of marine mammal as the polar ice on which they hunt melts away. These messages are universal but especially relevant to the Georgia Aquarium, which provides educational information to the public about sharks, fish and belugas and, in the near future, dolphins, whose fates are so closely linked to the state of our oceans worldwide and declining habitats.

The Georgia Aquarium's generous contribution to the rescue and research facility, coupled with its exciting new dolphin exhibit, adds up to a better future for these beloved species everywhere.

The alliance is an international association representing marine life parks, aquariums, zoos, research facilities and professional organizations dedicated to the highest standards of care for marine mammals and to their conservation in the wild through public education, scientific study and wildlife presentations. Its members are respected worldwide for their state-of-the-art facilities, professional staff and the exemplary husbandry provided for the marine mammals in their care.

> Marilee Menard is executive director of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums.