Wounded Warrior Project using virtual dolphin therapy to help veterans with PTSD

Wounded Warrior Project is using Zoom to connect its warriors with dolphins for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during the coronavirus pandemic.

The organization told Action News Jax since the veterans couldn’t meet with the marine mammals in person, the next best thing was online where their families could join in on the fun too.​ Normally Wounded Warrior Project would take a group of veterans to swim and interact with dolphins at the Dolphin Research Center in the Florida Keys, but because of the coronavirus, they’re watching the dolphins from home.

On Thursday, Action News Jax got a firsthand look at how a group of warriors and their families connected virtually using Zoom.

“I don’t think it could have got much better than what (was) provided today, it was quite an experience,” Honor Andruzzi, a warrior, said.

Tonya Cook is a retired Navy veteran and another warrior that joined in on the virtual experience.

“I feel like they’re very smart animals and to see the interaction with the trainers and the dolphins and to learn things I didn’t know was a unique experience,” Cook said.

Dolphin therapy is becoming a popular way to treat PTSD in both children and adults.

At least 8% of the general population will experience post-traumatic stress disorder at some point in their lives, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The department says that number, however, is much higher for military service members depending on which conflict they may have served in.

Warriors told Action News Jax that dolphin therapy helps hem cope and open up.

“It was just really wonderful and it really lifts my spirits today and I know it lifted Tonya’s and other warriors and their families,” Andruzzi said.

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