12.06.2025 – Great responsibility

Our work is something special. However, it also involves a great deal of responsibility. In general, working with wild animals requires experience, sensitivity and, of course, respect for the special situation we are given out there. You have to take into account that animals do not want to come into contact with us. There are species that are generally reserved towards boats. A rapid approach only achieves one thing: the animals are put off. Contact can then be forgotten. Especially with the enormous increase in the number of whale watchers, especially with the increasing number of observation boats, especially with the increasing number of whale watching companies, respectful interaction with the friends in the blue office is absolutely and without question or discussion of the highest priority. Today, unfortunately, our guests had to observe how things should definitely not be done. I felt sorry for our guests, but much more so for the Risso dolphins (Grampus griseus), who were certainly feeling stressed in their native habitat, the ocean. I thought it was nice that some guests clearly appreciated the fact that we were not racing after the shy dolphins. Ultimately, we are and will remain short-term visitors in a habitat that must be treated with the utmost respect.

Fortunately, our guests were able to take another good experience with them. At the end of our tour, we encountered Blainville’s beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris). A mother with her little calf had confidence in us. We were able to observe them closely. What a wonderful experience. And voluntary. With the privilege of having such a special experience with wild animals comes great responsibility.

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

09:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins

13:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Blainville’s beaked whales

Stenella

09:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins

13:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Blainville’s beaked whales

16:00 Blainville’s beaked whales