Posts by George Berry
Orca Nakai dies at SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld San Diego has announced the death of the orca Nakai. The 20-year-old male orca was born at the facility in 2001. According to the facility, Nakai died on August 4 of an infection, after “aggressive therapeutic and diagnostic efforts were unsuccessful.” Nakai was the first orca to be born as a result of artificial…
Read MoreLast captive Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin to be freed in South Korea
Bibongi, the last Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin held in captivity in South Korea, is to be returned to the wild after 17 years. The country’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced on August 3rd that it was to begin preparations for the male dolphin’s eventual release, which includes a period of training him for life back…
Read MoreFin whales return to old feeding grounds in Southern Ocean
An exciting discovery by researchers in the waters around Antarctica suggest that fin whales are starting to return to their former feeding grounds. During the first part of the 20th century, commercial whaling decimated whale numbers in the region as whalers reduced populations to a fraction of their original figure. By the time it become…
Read MoreHumpback whale rescued from shark net in Australia
A humpback whale and her calf have managed to escape after becoming entangled in a shark net off the coast of Queensland.. Humpback whales spend the austral summer in Antarctica before migrating north during the winter months to breed and give birth in warmer waters. Their migration route takes them along the east or west…
Read MoreRiver dolphins observed playing with anaconda
Researchers in Bolivia recorded an unusual interaction between local rivers dolphins and an anaconda snake last year in the Tijamuchi river. The two species would not normally interact but on this occasion a group of dolphins, some of which appeared to be juveniles, were seen carrying the snake through the water. At times the dolphins…
Read MoreDolphin pens identified at Russian naval base
Analysis of satellite imagery suggests that Russia may be using military dolphins at its naval base at Sevastopol in the Black Sea. Sea pens used to hold the dolphins have been identified near the entrance to the harbour. Tasks carried out by the dolphins may include searching for objects and patrolling local waters. The US…
Read MoreNew fossil gives insight into feeding habits of ancient orcas
New research by scientists suggests that orcas and false killer whales only evolved to feed on marine mammals within the last one million years. The two species are the only members of the 90 or so species of cetacean (whales, dolphins and porpoises) that are known to do this. Recent analysis of a 1.4 million…
Read MoreWaipapa Bay Wines signs up to the Climate Giant Project on World Whale Day
We’re delighted to announce that Waipapa Bay Wines are the latest partner to join the Climate Giant Project on World Whale Day! Following an amazing start to our partnership back in 2019 and becoming our first wine industry corporate sponsor, Waipapa Bay Wines are now focussing their support on a more sustainable future that’s better…
Read MoreAnother beluga whale dies at Mystic Aquarium
Just six months after the loss of a whale called Havok, another beluga has died at the Mystic Aquarium in the US. Both belugas had been transported to the US from Marineland in Ontario, Canada in May 2021, along with three other individuals. The facility reported on its Facebook page that the female beluga, who…
Read MoreFaroese Aquaculture Association calls for ban on dolphin hunts
The Faroese Aquaculture Association has joined calls for the country’s prime minister to ban dolphin hunting, following the terrible events last September when 1,423 Atlantic white-sided dolphins were killed in local waters. In a press release, the Association highlights the negative impact that criticism around the hunts has had on local businesses, which are very…
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