Size apparently does not matter in this fascinating story where Moko a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) saves a sperm whale and her calf from being stranded along the Mahia Beach (New Zealand). This intelligent creature was able to accomplish what rescue workers were trying to do for hours- in minutes.
" 'Moko just came flying through the water and pushed in between us and the whales," Juanita Symes, another rescuer, told the Associated Press. "She got them to head toward the hill, where the channel is. It was an amazing experience.' "
Known for their altruistic nature, dolphins are infamous for protecting people lost at sea and even saving other animals. Their curved mouths give the impression of a friendly permanent smile and are social animals who travel in groups and communicate with each other through a complex system of squeaks and whistles. I wonder if they are able to communicate with other species of animals as well?
" "But it's the first time I've heard of an inter-species refloating technique. I think that's wonderful," said van Helden, who was not involved in the rescue but spoke afterward to Smith."
If Dolphins are intelligent enough to pick up on human sign language to perform complex tricks, I wonder if they are able to pick on other types of communication as well...
Dolphins track their prey through the expert use of echolocation. They hunt in groups and are known for their inventive hunting strategies as well. The following video is one such example where dolphins strategically hunt together for fishes...enjoy!
http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/animals/mammals-animals/dolphins-and-porpoises/dolphin_bottlenose_beachingfish.html
Related to their innovative hunting strategies, the article 'Site of Human partnership becomes protected area', is an example of a mutually beneficial partneship between dolphins and the fishermen in Myanmar which goes towards protecting the dolphins around the Ayeyarwady River as well.
'The fascinating partnership involves fishermen summoning the dolphins to voluntarily herd schools of fish toward the boats and awaiting nets. With the aid of the river-dwelling dolphins, the fishermen can increase the size of their catches by threefold, and the dolphins appear to benefit by more easily preying on the cornered fish in both nets and on the muddy banks of the river.'
Dolphins have never ceased to amaze me with their human-like intelligence that makes it all the more diffcult not to be anthropomorphic when describing them. I had the opportunity to view dolphins in the wild when on a cruise boat in New Zealand. The memories of these playful creatures as they swam alongside our boat are definitely precious as I've grown to respect and learn more about them. This video is similar to what I experienced...
References:
1) http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/bottlenose-dolphin.html?nav=A-Z (March 17th 2008)
2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bottlenose_dolphins (March 21st 2008)
3) 'Site Of Human-dolphin Partnership Becomes Protected Area', ScienceDaily (Jun. 23, 2006)
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/06/060623100318.htm (March 21st 2008)