Pet-a-Dolphin

steve_irwin · Joined: 23 Feb 2005 Posts: 30

If you're one of those few visitors to Australia who decide to visit the state of Western Australia (WA), then Monkey Mia should be one of your definite stops.

Located on the WA coast, this small beach area actually allows you to get close up - and even pet the dolphins who like to hang around the area. Many of the dolphins aren't afraid of humans (assuming you're not blazing in with a helicopter or a speedboat), and will get close enough for you to pet. After all, dolphins are some of the smartest animals in the world!

Alternatively, if you prefer watching from a distance, you can take a dolphin watching cruise, giving you a close-up view of the dolphins at a safe distance (not that dolphins are dangerous or anything).

Jonathan · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 185

Wow, that must be such a special experience... *sigh*

cocodrilo · Joined: 12 Apr 2004 Posts: 494 Location: Western Japan

I have heard of "dolphin petting" at many places around the world, even in Japan. There was a facility I heard about (in Japan) where they were letting troubled adolescents interact wtth dolphins and it was having a very positive, calming effect. I have also heard of dolphin petting pools where the dolphins were stressed out and becoming ill with so much attention and being kept in places other than their natural habitat.

Jonathan · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 185

Yes, that's why I thought what Steve was describing sounded so special... petting dolphins "who like to hang around the area" :D :D :D

cocodrilo · Joined: 12 Apr 2004 Posts: 494 Location: Western Japan

Jonathan wrote: Yes, that's why I thought what Steve was describing sounded so special... petting dolphins "who like to hang around the area" :D :D :D
That's how it should be! :D

steve_irwin · Joined: 23 Feb 2005 Posts: 30

Yeah the dolphins actually go to that area of their free will. Since its the sea itself, if the dolphins get pissed off with the humans they will move somewhere else, rather than being restricted in a pool/aqaurium.

I don't know if there are any restrictions or guidelines on petting (apart from the obvious, like don't hunt them down for food). When I went there a few years back there wasn't any guidelines or laws enforced, although occasionally a dolphin specialist guy would come around to see how things are going.

I haven't seen the ones in Japan, what are they like? I remember they had a few dolphins in Hong Kong years ago, although they were only for shows and not petting.

on_way_to_fame · Joined: 28 Feb 2005 Posts: 15

well although i have heard and read that dolphins are really friendly, and you can get up close with them....even play with them..sounds like a nifty idea...but are there any kinds of risks attached to this at all ?

cocodrilo · Joined: 12 Apr 2004 Posts: 494 Location: Western Japan

on_way_to_fame wrote: well although i have heard and read that dolphins are really friendly, and you can get up close with them....even play with them..sounds like a nifty idea...but are there any kinds of risks attached to this at all ?
I think there are more risks to the dolphins' health than to ours. They are very sensitive creatures.

David · Joined: 04 Apr 2004 Posts: 162

I have a friend that is part of a dolphin rescue organization down in Florida. Apparently, dolphins sometimes get beached, and these people try to save them.

I would love to have the opportunity sometime in my life to swim with these wonderful creatures.