The Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) has a medium grey back above a pale or light grey flank or belly. The beak is short, wide and rounded. The average dolphin lives for over 30 years and grows to over 2 metres long; calves are about 30-60 cm at birth. This species is common in warm temperate waters all over the world.
The Koombana Bay resident dolphin population totals about 50 animals. Another 100+ dolphins visit throughout the year, particularly during the summer. Different groups occupy separate territories, however an area north of the Bay near the “Cut” seems to be a popular meeting and resting area. Dolphins are also regularly sighted throughout the local estuary and river systems.
Current research is providing us with more information on the various groupings of dolphins in the area as well as seasonal changes within the region.
Calves tend to be born between February and May. At these times it is even more important that nursing dolphin groups be afforded extra space.
Dolphins form part of the natural food chain. They feed on fish, and they in turn are preyed upon by sharks. To help maintain this natural environment, State laws expressly prohibit the unauthorised feeding of dolphins for a number of reasons:
Wild dolphins are delightful creatures that most people enjoy having around. The local Bunbury dolphins are easy to observe whether from the beach, a groyne or a boat. A fortunate few have even had dolphins approach them in the water. These types of activities are exhilarating and provided they are conducted in a responsible manner do not cause any detriment to the dolphins or the observer.
While some people may consider swimming with dolphins an invigorating experience it is not recommended unless on an authorised tour. In the wild, dolphin groups consist of animals with strong social ties. Your intrusion into the group could disrupt important natural behaviours that are vital to the dolphins’ well-being and may even be seen as a threat.
Briefly pull in your lines until the dolphin has passed. If the dolphin is begging for fish, enjoy the encounter but do not feed the dolphin. And please, do not try to touch the dolphin. When you have finished fishing, do not discard bait or fish scraps near dolphins.
Guidelines have been developed to ensure the safety of both dolphins and humans. Please apply them when boating near the dolphins.
The Dolphin Discovery Centre provides an educational experience along with the opportunity to see wild dolphins at close quarters.
What an incredible start to the dolphin season! With a relatively quiet winter period now well and truly behind us, the warmer water and perfect weather conditions have sparking a dolphin visits boom.
What an exciting day today for our lucky guests who joined the dolphin sightseeing tour. Not only did they enjoy a large family of dolphins playing in the Bay, but they also had the fortune to observe
If there is one thing winter brings to the south west that everyone loves it would have to be whales. Over the past few weeks a number of brief whale sightings have been reported however today has been