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| Marine Biologist crew members of Island Spirit, Oahu Hawaii |
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Show that you have "Friends with Fins" wearing official Wild Dolphin Foundation research crew organic halters, T's, caps or logo bags
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Meet our "Wild at Heart" Crew“I
really don’t know why it is that all of us are so committed to the
sea, think it’s because we all came from the sea… it is an interesting biological fact that all of us have in our veins
the exact same percentage of salt in our blood that exists in the ocean.
And therefore we have salt in our blood, in our sweat, in our tears. We
are tied to the ocean, and when we go back to the sea – whether
it is to sail or to watch it – we are going back from whence we
came.”
“I took to the water to satisfy the nature disconnect I was feeling. Reefs are more diverse than rainforests, and what land animal can compete with the beauty, intelligence and evolutionary success of dolphins and whales?” Tori Cullins, quoted in Forbes Wild Side Specialty Tours is a small "Mom and Pop"
owner-operated company. Armin and Tori Cullins collectively sailed the
Hawaiian Islands, the South Pacific and the Directly involved with the studies of behavior, ecology, and natural history of the whales,dolphins, turtles, coral reefs and other marine life in Hawai'i, they continue to actively participate in conservation and resource management of marine habitats. Our crew is trained in marine wildlife survey work, have very high social skills, years of outdoor experience with marine wildlife, and are also actively involved in environmental regulation and education campaigns to help ensure the long-term protection of Hawaii's marine environment and wildlife populations. A group of highly skilled professionals, capable of delivering safe, responsible and memorable tourism experiences. Elizabeth Hartford: The "voice" of Wild Side, and often the voice of reason behind the operations. Elizabeth holds the fort down at the office amid the "mad scientists" and manages to do so while always maintaining a professional and courteous manner to all, must've been all those years in the mental health field where she built and ran R.O.P.E.S. (challenge) courses!, Or maybe she just loves her job.Sometimes we let her out to come onboard, usually we can't do without her.
Tori - A USCG captain (who trained as crew for Polynesian Voyaging vessel E'ala), local marine biologist and Environmental Sciences grad. She has a prior background in veterinary medicine; has worked with marine mammal stranding teams; as Education and Outreach Specialist for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and has studied behaviors and documented abundance and distrbution of whales and dolphins on the Wai'anae coastline since the early 90's in conjucntion with the Wild Dolphin Foundation and Cascadia Research. She is currently an advisor for the Hawaii Ecotourism Association, Waianae Makai Watch, is working with Maui and Big Island Marine Voluntary Standards working groups, and is a steering committee member of the State Recreational Impact to Reefs Local Action Strategy. Melissa Evans-Shontofski: "Heart-core" animal lover, Melissa holds an undergraduate Biology degree from UP Pittsburgh, and has almost completed her master’s degree in Environmental Management. In her vast travels as a military wife she has held a wide array of environmental jobs including Naturalist for DNR, AmeriCorps member - focused on eradication of invasive species, a veterinary technician, and as a wildlife rehabilitation specialist.
Teagan spent two years studying Marine Science, and Polynesian
Qualifications of crew members may include SCUBA, CPR, First Aid, Emergency Responder, Water Rescue Certification. Volunteer Research Team from the Wild Dolphin Foundation:
Evan Connolly, a biology student at the University of Hawaii, has her sights on the conservation field. She has always had a strong interest in marine mammals and worked with bottlenose dolphins on the Big Island. She loves sharing her passion for the ocean, and her knowledge of both reef and open ocean inhabitants. Evan has been a competitive swimmer her whole life and loves being in the water as much as she can. She is certified in SCUBA and snorkels weekly.
"If
you live the life you love, you get the blessings from above" Van
Morrison
Wild Side Specialty Tours,
LLC on the island of Oahu: |
| Copyright © 1996 Wild Side Specialty Tours, LLC. All rights reserved. |
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West Coast of North America.
Seeking a way to share their passion for sailing, ocean wildlife,
and the natural beauty and culture of the islands to Oahu visitors, their business
venture began back in 1996 (original boat to left). 
Armin Cullins- Boats,
fishing, and the ocean occupy most of his time. He spent two years on an
incredible journey sailing the South Pacific. Armin enjoys sharing experiences
with people from around the world when piloting the boat, and makes sure the vessel is kept in tip top shape,
while providing logistics and guidance to crewmembers and captains.
Brianne - "New Blood"
comes onto the scene to carry on with her parents mission of marine research,
advocacy and education. Finishing up her high school years with home schooling;
the boat became an ocean classroom to study the ocean and its inhabitants,
and to share this information while equally learning life lessons and
geography from our onboard guests. 
Danielle, a high school honors student (her debate team recently won the State Finals!), is passionate about the ocean, specifically whales and dolphins. She is only 17, but out on the water every chance she can get. Staying focused on her goals in life keeps her well disciplined. Other crew members from Wild Side Specialty Tours and active volunteers in the Wild Dolphin Foundation are her biggest role models and helpful mentors as she follows her dreams to becoming a marine biologist. Pictured to the left onboard with Olympiad Marshevet Hooker - Meyers (she and husband Marcus were visiting on their honeymoon!).