28.08.2021 – “My friend, the whale”

“My friend the whale,” said two-year-old Edda today. That made a deep impression on me. That is why I would like to write about love today, about a very special love, namely that for animals. I think it takes a special empathy to feel and live this love for animals by protecting them. They may not give you anything in return, and you do it anyway. But to be honest, standing up for the “weaker”, knowing that they are fine, makes you feel good, right ?! Ultimately, animals are sentient beings in a different form. Since we are able to protect them, it is our responsibility to do what is best for them.

There is a beautiful saying that I just read a few days ago. “No matter how rich, talented or intelligent you are … how you behave towards animals shows me everything I need to know about you.”

Today we were allowed to be caressed by a Tropical whale (Balaenoptera edeni) on both Ribeira Brava tours. This whale is probably something of a friend, because it is not the first time off Madeira’s coast. It is easily recognizable through its dorsal fin with the clear marks. Filipe, our captain, behaved gently, no big, hectic maneuvers and the whale seemed to like that. He eyed us, came close to the boat, turned sideways to look at us. Just imagine, a whale observed us, looked at us, saw us. Such a thought can make your heart feel very warm. And what do you think of them? “My friend, the whale,” one might think with humility, joy and a deep love for such a creation.

Personally, I was reminded greatly today that you can always be prepared for surprises in nature. When guests asked me on the morning tour whether Tropical whales show their fluke, I said no. But I added that I would like to be taught better. Said and done! In the afternoon, our whale friend showed his fluke. A wonderful surprise.

The Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) should of course also be mentioned here. In short: they were great again.

And now two small tasks for you. Take a good look at today’s photos and find the flying fish. On the photo of the tern, zoom in and look at the expression of the fish in the bird’s beak.

But at the very end, a little reminder of our petitions – a small gesture to give something back for what was given to us today. https://www.lobosonda.com/whale-watching/marine-protection/

by Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

10:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Tropical whale

15:00 Tropical whale

Stenella

09:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins

13:30 Tropical whale, Pilot whale, Bottlenose dolphins, Cuvier beaked whale

16:00 Tropical whale, Pilot whale, Bottlenose dolphins