History and first interactions
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We first heard about this dolphin in July 2000. It seems she had been hanging around Doolin for several months, perhaps gradually ranging over a smaller area and becoming more faithful to this one site near ‘the jump’. Some reports say that she had been present in the same spot also at times during the previous summer, but we have no actual evidence for this.
It was lucky that the first people to be approached by the dolphin, both ‘jumpers’ and swimmers, were all particularly understanding and respectful individuals, who were neither frightened by the dolphin nor over-eager to grab hold of her. As a result, a mutual trust was built up. Word spread through the surfing community in nearby Lahinch and again these were people (nearly all young men) who were well used to the water and respectful towards its wildlife.
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During the early summer of 2000 the dolphin gradually became more trusting of human beings and by July she was swimming right up to people and allowing herself to be stroked.
Since at least the beginning of 2001, Dusty has been resident at Derreen / Fanore (see Pattern of Behaviour for more information). |
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Date
Posted: 14/07/2001
Date
Edited: 14/07/2001
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