DOLPHIN RESCUES STRANDED WHALES

Media article at http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/12/nz.whales.ap/index.html

& video at

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/12/nz.whales.ap/index.html#cnnSTCVideo


The main story is about a bottle nose dolphin, named Moko by area residents, who guided two distressed pygmy sperm whales, a mother and her calf, to safety. The whales looked like they were about to be beached & possibly die near (300 miles or so away from) Wellington, New Zealand.

Rescuers had already been working to save the whales when the whales became stranded on a sandbar. The rescuers thought the whales might have to be euthanized. Then the dolphin appeared & lead the disoriented whales through about 200 yards & a channel to the open sea & safety.

People at the scene said,

"It was looking like it was going to be a bad outcome for the whales ... then Moko just came along and fixed it. They had arched their backs and were calling to one another, but as soon as the dolphin turned up they submerged into the water and followed her."

&

"Moko just came flying through the water and pushed in between us and the whales. She got them to head toward the hill, where the channel is. It was an amazing experience. The best day of my life."

A local marine expert said,

"We've seen bottlenose dolphins getting lifted up on the noses of humpback whales and getting flicked out of the water just for fun. But it's the first time I've heard of an inter-species refloating technique."


I love Dolphins (& Whales)! I am so happy to hear about animals in nature who consider the welfare of other creature important enough to take care of them when the other creature is truly in need. It makes me feel there is hope for life yet. Not everything is about fitting into the established social hierarchy and life is not just about looking out for one's own interests. Nature does not select against acts of altruism. I hope I am a dolphin in my next life!