16.05.2022 – Born to be free

Published by Fatima Kutzschbach on May 22, 2022

Today, the small Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) flew towards us at trubo speed. What a joy to see the small, chubby bodies flying through the air. Atlantic spotted dolphins arrive off Madeira’s waters mostly in May.

In the afternoon, there were absolute surprise guests on the sea. ORCAS!!!

It was quite a wave ride at turbo speed with the Stenella to get to the sighting area in time. And suddenly there they were! They also traveled through the ocean in two groups at turbo speed. Powerful, energetic, fantastic!

Orcas (Orcinus orca) are very fascinating animals. It is assumed that there are around ten different eco types that differ somewhat in their appearance. An important difference, however, is the preferred prey. These ten ecotypes can be further divided into three categories: marine mammal-eating orcas – coastal fish eaters – oceanic and neritic orcas (offshore variant). Orcas are intelligent and successful hunters, real apex predators. Their diet includes fish, seals, seabirds, sea turtles, dolphins and even whales.

The animals have a complex population structure. The smallest basic unit is the maternal line, consisting of an old female with her daughters and their offspring. The bond here is very tight. The next higher level is the school, which consists of closely related maternal lines. The next level is a clan. This is characterized by a similar sound repertoire. Different clans form a community.

Since we saw as well Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) on all trips today, we encountered two species of marine mammals that have acquired their high level of “fame” through captivity. However, such active, dynamic animals belong in the sea. Marine mammals develop close relationships. To tear them out of their group is torture. Who goes to an orcanarium or dolphinarium, supports an unworthy life for these animals. Personal entertainment for a human becomes permanent imprisonment for these animals, born to roam the seas free. Therefore, the best way to protect dolphins is never to attend such an animal-contemptuous show.