Dolphin That Saved Whales Given Award

Moko the dolphin saved a mother pygmy sperm whale and calf several years ago after they were stranded in a bay and didn’t know how to navigate back out to sea. A conservation officer was going to shoot the whales, but Moko appeared and began to interact with them, making noises and swimming around. The clever dolphin was able to get their attention and began leading them on a journey of about two hundred yards through the bay and out a small opening into deep water.

The conservation officer said, “It was a once in a lifetime experience to have seen that. He really was an incredible animal and it’s great he made it on to the list.” (Source: NZherald.nz) Moko was recently recognized as one of the greatest animal heroes of all time.

A documentary filmmaker who filmed Moko during the last months of his life said, “He stands out for being really the only one on there for doing something which is outside of his normal behaviour … he was rescuing another species, not from out of any trained behaviour, but out of his own free will, which I think showed compassion. I think it’s quite amazing and he hasn’t been given enough recognition.” (Source: NZherald.nz)

Sadly, his body had a number scars on it, and it was speculated he had been hit by boat propellers. Also at some point his jaw was injured by a fish hook. He was only about four years old, but he died of unknown causes last year. His funeral was attended by about 400 people.

Image Credit: blogs.nus.edu.sg

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Teresa C.

9:48PM PDT on Mar 13, 2012

Wonederful, wonderful--it's great he was so honored!
What stands out most, to me, in this article (which is great!) is the admission of the dolphin's compassion--other animals have shown compassion also, and it has been documented. I know, and have heard of more, humans who have sadly lacked this most admirable trait! Isn't it time we gave the animals the credit they deserve? Of course, I'm "preaching to the choir here"--here at Care 2 we DO give the animals credit!

March 13
send a green star

Maria S.

6:24AM PDT on Aug 30, 2011

Dolphins are amazing creatures. Thanks for sharing.

August 30
send a green star

Jaqualine R.

3:00PM PDT on Aug 28, 2011

Conservation officer my foot. Why was he going to shoot them....does he know what his title means?

August 28
send a green star

Lidia F.

2:35PM PDT on Aug 28, 2011

That conservation officer was a piss anty for wanting to kill the whales.Why is that always their first,and last resort?.Dolphins are so loving,and intelligent.Plan on swimming with them before I pass on.

Melinda K.

3:01AM PDT on Aug 24, 2011

what a joy to watch the playfulness!