Rarity

On a beautifully sunny day in Port Phillip an inviting turquoise sea lurred us out across the bay.

With only 150 Burrunan Dolphins known to exist, in two populations, it has to be one of the world’s rarest mammals. I was elated to see them almost immediately we left the quay. Around eight animals came and played around the boat and bow rode the passing ferry. Excellent stuff.

Education is a key to protecting habitats and the creatures that occupy our planet. Disappointingly the boat operator we used never mentioned once to their assembled clients what species of dolphin they were, how they differed from other Bottlenose Dolphin species and any how rare they were. Getting people in the water with the dolphins seemed to be a priority. I’ve never been keen to swim with dolphins myself; it’s their habitat … not ours, however, I can see how it appeals and if it’s done in the right way (which it was in this case) I don’t feel it does much harm. I had a good day on the water in Port Phillip. Good sightings and excellent company. Every day you see a cetacean is a good day. Even the enforced visit to a cold, windy and wet botanical gardens in the dark later looking for Possums was enjoyable!