DISCOVERING DOLPHINS
by Graeme Olsen
There aren't many places in the
world where you can interact with wild dolphins
that show a genuine interest in you. The south west
is one such place, through the Dolphin Discovery
Centre at Koombana Bay in Bunbury.
| The centre offers a unique
experience that many would argue is not available
anywhere else in the world. Because of the
centre's strict ecological standards and it's
focus on minimising disruption to the dolphin's
natural environment, it has ensured that the
wild dolphin experience at Bunbury is one
of the most natural and rewarding you'll find
anywhere.
One example of this is the centre's approach
to feeding the dolphins. Responsible restrictions
have been placed on feeding the dolphins,
which has resulted in dolphins now showing
up because they want to, unlike other places
where they show up simply to get a feed.
This contributes to a more interactive experience
with the dolphins.
The start of your journey at the centre
is a comprehensive Interpretive Centre,
which boasts big screen video footage, displays,
and other information that you won't find
anywhere else. Here you can learn more about
these wonderful creatures and their environment,
plus a history of the centre.
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For those of you who want to get out
into the dolphin's environment in the bay, the centre
offers two types of boat tours. The first type,
where you stay onboard and view the dolphins from
your dry seat, is available all year. For the more
adventurous, the second type of boat tour takes
10 people out at a time to swim with the dolphins
(wetsuits and snorkels provided). This is available
from December to May.
And then there's the free Interaction
Zone. This is a section of water in the bay where
wild dolphins often come in close to shore to visit.
If a dolphin is present you can enter the water
for an experience you'll never forget. You aren't
supposed to touch them, but you are allowed to float
about while the dolphins swim around you. Goggles,
snorkles, and cameras are welcome. If going for
a swim isn't your preference, then simply standing
in the water around waist deep will usually encourage
the dolphins to come and check you out, sometimes
swimming in tight circles around you to get a good
look.
Although everyone at the centre is
quick to point out that dolphin visits in the Interaction
Zone can't be guaranteed, they do come on most days
during the summer months. I got down to the zone
myself one Saturday morning recently around 9:00am.
I had barely sat down when I noticed people pointing
out over the bay and volunteers moving into the
water. Then, as if from nowhere, came the unmistakable
sound and sight of a dolphin surfacing for air just
meters from the shore.
I thought that all the people entering
the water would scare the dolphin away, but instead
he seemed very interested and proceeded to weave
in and out of everyone, saying hello to adults and
kids alike. Sometimes he got so close to the shore
I thought he was going to beach himself.
One of the volunteers then told me
this was Iruka, a dolphin who visits regularly.
Sometimes he brings his girlfriend and baby, but
not this morning.
Iruka proceeded to swim around all
the people, seemingly enjoying all of the attention
he was getting. He came very close to everyone,
and soon sought me out. As his dorsal fin sliced
through the water towards me, I swear I could almost
hear "Jaws" music in my head, but then
as he reached me he turned on his side to get a
good look at me and glided past - with his cheeky
dolphin "grin".
The Dolphin Discovery Centre is a
non profit association, it's main goals being conservation,
education, and research. It relies heavily on volunteers,
whose duties range from working in the Interpretive
Centre, assisting with the boat tours and Interaction
Zone, and general maintenance and upkeep.
The centre itself also offers a cafe,
souvenir shop, toilets, showers, and more. It's
open every day from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
To find out more about the centre,
or how you can support it, check out their new web
site at www.dolphindiscovery.com.au or email questions@dolphindiscovery.com.au.
December 2001
