Batam, Nov 2002

Dolphin.

On the southern side of Batam, Indonesia, is a small island which is home to 10 or so dolphins that live at Dolphin Lagoon.

I have mixed feelings about animals in captivity, but I went with an open mind. I came away knowing that the dolphins were well treated and were no longer under threat of drowning in a fishermans net (20,000 drown around the world every year).

Asia still has a long way to go protect all its amazing marine environments. If the people who visit this place are inspired and thereby inspire others to to be more careful in their actions (e.g. eating fish only caught in approved areas or better still - farmed) then I believe Dolphin Lagoon is playing a positive part in achieving change.

Maz being greeted by 3 dolphins.

Angela and Maz with a new friend.

Whilst it is a bit questionnable to project human emotions onto the dolphins and say they seem "happy", I can say for certain that everyone in the water that day was touched by the presence of these beautiful creatures.

Fish breath kiss.

The trainers have bribed the dolphins into performing tricks (such as kissing) with the reward of fish to eat.

The funny result of this is that sometimes the dolphins will perform a trick without being asked and then look for their well earned fish. You could say the dolphins were training us to perform a trick such as shaking hands / fins to get a snack. I don't think we learned as quick as the dolphins though.

Les stroking a dolphin.

Roy stroking the belly of a dolphin.

If you stroke them on their belly near the base of their pectoral fins, they would often jiggle around a little, as if they were a bit ticklish.

Dolphin teeth.

Respect is due.

Me with a couple of new friends.

Dugong

In asia, the home of shark fin soup, it should not be too shocking to learn that this dugong was bought by Dolphin Lagoon from a restaurant!

The trainers are nursing the creature back to health.