Nani and Itsy Bitsy, two of Sea Life Park's dolphins, entertained park guests by waving at them with their flippers and tails, moonwalking across the water and even attempting the hula. They were not performing for a typical crowd, though. This group was getting a dose of animal therapy.

Children ages 2 to 8 who are being treated for a variety of illnesses and conditions including cancer, stroke, paralysis and genetic diseases were invited to participate in the first “;Sea Life Park Kapiolani Medical Center Dolphin Encounter.”; The monthly program expands on the hospital's animal therapy program.

Five-year-old Jazmine Moses cheerfully greeted the dolphins, noting that she liked touching them and watching their tricks. Moses was diagnosed with acute lymphoid leukemia in July and was participating in the program with her 4-year-old cousin Elijah Moses and her aunt Clarissa Moses.

“;It was more than I expected,”; said Clarissa, who's familiar with hospital visits from Tucker, the therapy dog, but said that this was a unique experience.

Kimberly Hee, a physical therapist at Kapiolani Medical Center, founded the program to address families' need to reconnect. Sometimes a sick child feels isolated when confined in the hospital for extended periods of time, or a sibling at home might feel neglected, Hee explained. “;It's a really neat way for them to reconnect and have fun.”;

Research has shown that petting an animal or watching sea life in an aquarium can lower blood pressure, and bringing pets to a health care setting can help boost patients' moods.

“;The animal-child connection really lifts their spirits,”; Hee said. “;Dolphins are out of the ordinary, so it's a unique experience for the kids and adults alike.”;

Hee admires the strength of the ill children and the dedication of their parents to treatment and recovery, so she wanted a program that would be beneficial for both parties.

“;The kids are teaching us about living,”; she said. “;They find so much joy in things that we might not even notice. They definitely bring things into a new light.”;

Jesus Bravo, general manager at Sea Life park, agreed wholeheartedly. “;We see the effect (the program) has on the entire family, not just the kid,”; he said. “;They are able to forget about everything for a while. It takes them away from the stress of daily life and aids in the healing process.

“;We want to make it more personal. We want to provide a positive experience for everyone.”;

KEIKI participating in the program are referred by specialists in many areas, including speech, occupational and physical therapists, rehab services and cancer facilities. The program is tailored to meet the needs of the patients. Some of them are excited by the prospect of working with dolphins, while others are leery about getting into the water with the oversize sea creatures.

Glen Isidro was there with his 6-year-old son Logan, who has cerebral palsy, Logan's twin brother, Tristan, and wife Nina. Logan has participated in both aqua therapy and horse therapy sessions, and Glen said, “;This program was another alternative. We try every option since we don't know what will help him.”;

Amanda Kaahanui and her son Ikaika had water-splashing fights while learning dolphin training drills.

Ikaika suffered through complex medical issues early in life and now requires hearing aids and tube feedings and a tracheotomy tube for breathing. He has acquired a better sense of balance through horse therapy, but Amanda says interacting with other “;kids that may look like him”; was most beneficial at the dolphin therapy session.

“;He really enjoys being with other people. There was another kid with a trach there, and it was good for him to be with kids that are dealing with similar circumstances,”; Amanda said.

“;It was fabulous watching my son's face. He was so excited and enthusiastic that he was jumping up and down. He'd never been that close to dolphins before and really enjoyed throwing the ball to them,”; Amanda said. “;Our goal was to just have fun.”;