06.11.2019 – Celebrate life
November 13, 2019
The dark dolphins – when climate change surfaces in the ocean
November 15, 2019
Ladies first, First Lady! Today, ocean women’s power dominated. A wonderful, rich day. Incredible sightings with closely related Pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) and impressive Sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) and other species impressed our guests.
Matriarchy (motherhood, rule of the females) is a form of society in which women are the decision-makers. Even in the animal kingdom, the company form of the “First Lady” is represented. Here are some examples in which females have the say: Spotted hyena, bonobos, nudibranch, lemurs, elephants … even the bees have the First lady. Orcas, Pilot whales, and Sperm whales live in the ocean according to this social principle! And it is clear here, as well known among the elephants, that these animals live in a close social structure and well-organized association. This “First Lady” principle seems to have great advantages;)
In the morning we went from Sperm whales to Pilot whales to Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). We found these dolphins in the company of a Sperm whale calf. Did the little whale enjoy the company of the dolphins or did he feel so alone on the surface waiting for his mother that to felt pressed by them? When we reached the observation area, the dolphins hurried their way but the young whale rushed towards us, made a turn, and turned on its back just meters from our side. Curious and trusting, he rounded our Ribeira Brava. What a wonderful encounter with this little giant. Everywhere there were Sperm whales, who prepared themselves extensively for their dive, then slowly lift their tails and dive in the elegant swing in depths.
In the afternoon Pilot whales moved through an opal shimmering sea. A few Bottlenose dolphins explored our boat and disappeared into the blue, where the reflection of the sun conjured up a few stars. Some Atlantic Spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) showed their best side. One could almost think that this little dolphin species can fly. See for yourself in our photo gallery today. Also in the afternoon there were Pilot whales and Sperm whales, everywhere, lifting wonderful tails. On this trip as well, we experiencing a curious, very close approach of a Sperm whale with goosebumps effect. Also, this animal dared an active approach to us, turned aside beside Stenella, so that we could capture the complete size of this young animal.
Today we were richly gifted!
By Fatima Kutzschbach
Sightings of the day
Ribeira Brava
10:00 Sperm whales, Pilot whales, Bottlenose dolphins
Stenella
15:00 Sperm whales, Pilot whales, Bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic Spotted dolphins
