01.04.2023 – A smile?

Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), as we encountered them on all tours today, are not uncommon off Madeira’s coast. Nevertheless, it is a special experience to meet these animals in their natural element. Today I was asked on board whether marine mammals can change their facial expressions. Yes and no. Belugas are the only species of marine mammals that are actually able to grimace and form their lips. The smiling facial expression of Bottlenose dolphins, on the other hand, is determined not by mood but by anatomy. This “smile” is fatal to captive Bottlenose dolphins. It seems as if they are satisfied with their inadequate conditions. How a dolphin feels when it is not out and about in its habitat but is trapped in a concrete tank cannot be seen from the outside. However, here we have the privilege of being able to accompany these wonderful animals a little in their everyday life and in their blue water world.

On Stenellas morning trip we observed as well Short-beaked Common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), a Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) and a monk seal (Monachus monachus).

In the afternoon Stenella had a chance to see as well Common dolphins and two Fin Whales (Balaenoptera physalus) far away and in the wind. Unfortunately, it was not possible for our Ribeira Brava to get there.

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

09.30: Common dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, monk seal

13.30: Bottlnose dolphins, Loggerhead turtle

Stenella

09.30: Common dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, Loggerhead turtle, monk seal

13.30: Bottlenose dolphins, Common dolphins, Fin whales