HANDICAPPED BOY RECEIVES THERAPY FROM A DOLPHIN, 1998-03-10 (photo)

Sinoe Javier Lopez Hernandez has his feet nudged by a dolphin called Holbox, as therapist Federico Quiroz supports him, during a session of neuro-stimulating therapy in a dolphin aquarium at a Mexico City zoo March 6. The therapy is supposed to help children with motor neuron disabilities, autism and other mental handicaps by stimulating them with the dolphins' high-frequency sounds. Although other schools of thought claim that it is in fact just the close contact with the mammals, whose tender and sensitive behaviour helps the children. The doctor running the treatment claims that the children make improvements in their coordination and movement skills, as well as their concentration and confidence as a result of the therapy. MEXICO