spectre

Yesterday morning, I observed a very small group of spinner dolphins circling slowly in Honaunau Bay. The small size of the group, coupled with the subdued behavior seemed unusual. As I swam out on the surface, a large male dolphin approached me very directly. As I prepared to focus my camera on him, I was shocked to see the numerous scars and torn flesh that covered his body. He circled me slowly several times as if to show me the large bites from cookie cutter sharks as well as rake marks on all appendages that appeared to be the work of other dolphins Long streamers of ragged flesh trailed from his flukes. After I descended he returned to me a few more times. He was accompanied by a less scarred female and her calf. They seemed to be his companions and never drifted far from him. Usually a dive with dolphins is an exhilarating experience, but not so this day. While we tend to associate playfulness and exuberance with dolphins the facts are that they are wild animals living in a harsh environment and are subject to horrible misfortune at times.

Done