24.05.2022 – Hello

What a tour! The Short-finned Pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) were resting! This is very important, because when they go on a deep dive of 600-700 meters they need to be rested. Marine mammals sleep differently than we do. We humans and other mammals have a breathing reflex. While marine mammals can exhale underwater, they must ensure their blowhole is clear before inhaling. Therefore, nature has arranged for all marine mammals to be conscious breathers. In order to still come to rest, nature found a great solution in such a way that one half of the brain is at rest while the other side is active. Very convenient.

Our Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) were extremely active today. They were in absolute joy of flying. Their small, shapely bodies flew through the air. They were wide awake. We were also able to observe various love stories. A real macho apparently not only wanted to impress the chic female, but also us. It definitely worked well. The cool guy quickly said “hello” to us while jumping.

Drumond showed us where to touch the Portuguese man-o-war, namely by the “sail”, but better you keep your hands off the tentacles with their stinging cells. Incidentally, there are about 1000 nettle cells on one centimeter of tentacles.

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Stenella

15:00 Pilot whales, Atlantic spotted dolphins