Ep 7. Maternity Test

The episode Maternity Test of Flipper (1995) season 2 delves into the complexities of motherhood in the world of dolphins. The story revolves around the highly strained relationship between Flipper and his mother, Coral. Flipper, who had been separated from his mother since birth, had a rocky start with his teenage mother who was not yet prepared to take care of her offspring. In the following years, they had several encounters, but their meetings always ended in conflicts.

In the Maternity Test episode, Flipper's relationship with his mother is tested when a group of scientists arrives on Coral Key to conduct a paternity test on Flipper. The scientists aim to determine the father of a new born dolphin that had just arrived on the island. The baby dolphin, who was initially believed to be orphaned, was later found to have a mother, but her mother's identity remained a mystery.

The scientists have to take a DNA sample from each male dolphin on the island to identify the father of the newborn. The procedure is highly invasive, and the dolphins become agitated, causing chaos in the surrounding waters. The scientists also face opposition from some of the residents of Coral Key, who are against interfering with nature in this manner.

Assisting the scientists in their research is Holly, a dolphin researcher whose affection and protectiveness towards Flipper has been a source of tension between her and the dolphin's caregiver, Porter Ricks. Holly participates in the research with reservations but soon finds herself caught up in a moral dilemma. As she spends time with the baby dolphin, she becomes increasingly invested in her welfare and begins to question the morality of separating a mother and her child for the sake of science.

Throughout the episode, the relationship between Flipper and Coral is put to the test, as they navigate past grievances and grudges to work together towards a common goal. Flipper struggles with his mother's constant need to prove herself as a dominant female, while Coral struggles with her maternal instincts and her desire to protect her offspring.

The episode also highlights the different perspectives on marine research and animal welfare. While the scientists argue that their research will ultimately benefit marine conservation efforts, the residents of Coral Key are concerned about the potential harm that may be caused to the dolphins' well-being. Holly, caught in the middle, has to navigate her own conscience and beliefs on the matter.

As the episode reaches its climax, the true identity of the baby dolphin's mother is finally revealed. The discovery results in an emotional reunion between the mother and her newborn, and the scientists abandon their plan to separate the two. The episode ends on a hopeful note, with Flipper and Coral resolving their differences and the baby dolphin reunited with her family.

Overall, Maternity Test provides a compelling exploration of maternal relationships and the sometimes-competing interests of science and animal welfare. The episode offers a nuanced perspective on the often-complicated choices and decisions that go into marine research and conservation efforts.