Dolphins welcoming us for the new season 2007-2008

Who does not like these beautiful creatures with their big grin? Right from day one, when we opened the lodge on the 1st of June for the start of the new season, we were welcomed by a whole pod of Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops trunctus). We immediately jumped in to have a closer look and saw one dolphin digging up a snake eel and showing off to his other mates. Suddenly, the dolphin shot off with its bait, rushing into the deeper water. Since the start of the new season, we have seen small and bigger pods of Bottlenose dolphins almost on a daily basis. Every time we see a pod (varying between five up to more then forty), we jump in the water from the diving boat trying to get a good look at them. Sometimes they are very inquisitive, turning around us while we’re snorkelling, even imitating our clumsy way of moving in the water. Other times they seem to ignore us and play amongst themselves, body surfing, occasionally picking something up from the sandy bottom like a puffer fish or eel using it as a toy, tossing it around. On a couple of occasions they had newborn babies with them. Then they are noticeably more distant and mostly in a hurry, protecting the youngsters, always keeping a few adults at the back of the group. This back guard will tell snorkelers to keep a distance in case they dare to come too close. They are very intelligent and extremely social creatures indeed! And of course, any encounter with the dolphins always is a highlight of the day.

Posted: Mnemba Island by Leen Charle, Date: 9 July 2007

 
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