The dolphins are in the spotlight.
The Late Show monologue that carried the story further
Stephen mentioned us on The Late Show. Now, we are transforming this moment into a powerful movement for conservation.
After Stephen Colbert shared that he once dreamed of becoming a marine biologist, the National Marine Mammal Foundation took him at his word and invited him to join our team through a series of billboards in Charleston, South Carolina, a place connected to both Stephen and the dolphins we work to protect.
In his final The Late Show monologue, Stephen Colbert responded to our playful, yet serious, job offer by saying, “It is really flattering to be considered.” He went on to spotlight the dolphins and our extraordinary team of scientists, veterinarians, and conservation experts at the National Marine Mammal Foundation.
Now, we’re inviting you to join us in creating a wave of action that raises much-needed awareness and support to help protect the animals we all hold dear.
Billboards
Went up around Charleston with the invitation.
The Monologue
Stephen spotlighted NMMF and the dolphins during his final show.
Stephen’s Reply
Still open. We would be honored to welcome him to the team.
A childhood dream, a billboard campaign, and a very real mission.
Stephen shared his dream.
He has said that as a child, he wanted to become a marine biologist. We loved that. The dolphins did, too.
NMMF made the offer.
Inspired by Stephen’s love of marine biology and our shared Charleston roots, we invited him to join our team through a series of billboards placed around town.
Stephen responded.
In his final monologue on The Late Show, Stephen mentioned NMMF, the dolphins, and the team working to protect them.
The invitation stands.
Stephen’s desk is still waiting. And everyone who followed along is invited to join us too, to learn more, share the story, and help protect the marine mammals at the heart of this work.
The invitation showed up around Charleston.
Four billboards, one very sincere job offer. Real signs on real streets, right in the place that Stephen and the dolphins both call home.
Our Heartfelt Thanks to Adams Outdoor Advertising
None of this would have been possible without Adams Outdoor Advertising, who generously donated every billboard in this campaign. A proud part of the Charleston community since 1997, they believed in this invitation from the start and helped put that message where the whole city, and eventually the whole country, could see it. We are endlessly grateful for their generosity and partnership.
The letter that started it all.
From the NMMF Team
About a 2 Minute Read
Dear Stephen,
You said, publicly, repeatedly, and perhaps dangerously close to manifesting, that you always wanted to become a marine biologist.
Normally, that sort of thing fades quietly into the universe alongside middle school trumpet ambitions and abandoned gym memberships.
But we heard you. And frankly, so did the dolphins.
Stephen, are you ready to accept the offer?
Whether you are Stephen Colbert, Stephen Colbert’s publicist, or someone who simply believes dolphins deserve the spotlight, there’s a place for you in this campaign.
The animals are the reason this matters.
Marine mammals are intelligent, social animals whose health is closely connected to the health of our oceans and waterways. Around the world, they face growing threats, including entanglement, disease, habitat change, pollution, ocean noise, and declining populations.
In Charleston, NMMF scientists study local bottlenose dolphins to better understand their health, behavior, and the changing coastal environment they share with people. Through long-term field research, photo-identification, health assessments, and rescue response, our team is helping build a clearer picture of how dolphins are doing and what they need to thrive.
That work matters locally, but it also reaches far beyond Charleston. What we learn from these dolphins can help inform marine mammal science, conservation, veterinary care, and response efforts for vulnerable species around the world.
NMMF brings science, care, and conservation together to protect marine mammals. Our teams and partners study marine mammal health and behavior, respond when animals need help, support endangered species conservation, and create education programs that inspire future scientists and ocean advocates.
The billboards helped get Stephen’s attention. Now they are helping more people discover the animals who need ours.
Local dolphins, lasting insight
NMMF’s Charleston Field Team studies bottlenose dolphins in local waterways to better understand health, behavior, environmental change, and the future of shared coastal ecosystems.
Science that answers urgent questions
Research helps us better understand marine mammal health, behavior, hearing, and the impact of changing ocean conditions.
Care when animals need help
Rescue response, health assessments, and veterinary expertise provide critical care when marine mammals are sick, injured, or in distress.
Conservation for species at risk
Partnerships and science-based tools help protect vulnerable marine mammals, including species at risk of extinction.
Education that builds the future
Hands-on programs connect students and communities with marine mammal science and conservation, helping inspire the next generation of ocean ambassadors.
The dolphins made it to late night. Naturally, they would like to stay in the conversation.
Help keep the spotlight on marine mammal conservation and the animals at the heart of this work.
Give
Your donation supports marine mammal science, conservation, rescue, and education.
Get Updates
Sign up for updates on Stephen’s potential dolphin duty, NMMF stories, and ways to support marine mammals.
Share the Invitation
Help bring more people into the story. The more people who discover the NMMF and this campaign, the more opportunities we have to introduce them to marine mammal conservation.
Interested in covering the story or collaborating on a feature?
We’d be happy to connect with you.
Campaign Summary
The National Marine Mammal Foundation launched a bold Charleston campaign inviting Stephen Colbert to help spotlight dolphin conservation in his hometown.
WHY STEPHEN COLBERT?
He has publicly joked about wanting to become a marine biologist, and NMMF invited that connection to draw attention to Charleston dolphins and local conservation science.
WHY CHARLESTON?
NMMF’s Charleston Field Station supports dolphin research, health monitoring, rescue response, and student engagement in the region.
MEDIA CONTACT
Kristina Martz
ex******************@**mf.org
For downloadable assets, including NMMF logos and images, visit our media toolkit here. Stephen Colbert has not endorsed or partnered with NMMF… yet. This is our public invitation to join our team.
