There are very few experiences that can leave you truly blown away.
Taking part in this Queensland resort’s wild dolphin feeding was one of those “wow” moments.
Nestled just an hour off the coast of south-eastern Queensland lies Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Bay Island.
In among the resorts expansive list of sustainable and eco-conscious activities is it’s wild dolphin feeding, and it’s truly one to add to the bucket list.
The wild dolphin feeding program operates each and every evening at sunset.
As the sun goes down over Moreton Bay’s glistening clear water, one-by-one the dolphins begin to enter the shallow water.
The pack come into the bay each night on their own accord, and every dolphin has a distinct personality that is undeniable.
We got to meet Echo, who first came to Tangalooma at 10 months of age. He was extremely vulnerable with no mother to care for him and was promptly adopted by the other Tangalooma dolphins.
ECO-CONSCIOUS
What makes this experience even more magical is that the eco-conscious resort has the dolphins best interest at the centre of everything offered in the feeding program.
The program enlists strict guidelines to protect these incredible creatures.
To ensure the dolphins maintain their natural instincts and independence, the resort only feeds allows each dolphin to consume 10 to 20 percent of their daily food requirement. This ensures they hunt for themselves and can survive without depending on the resort.
“We are entirely focused on environmental protection and after guests have had such a personal experience feeding the dolphins, they leave with a deeper understanding of our conservation goals,” one of the resorts eco-rangers says.
The experience has become world famous, boasting many celebrity guests who have tried their hand at the unique encounter.
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
Tangalooma’s wild dolphin feeding is a completely unique experience, and it’s origin story is no different.
Brian Osborne, Tangalooma’s owner and director, visited the island as a guest several times between the years of 1977 and 1980.
Just like everyone else, Osborne was blown away by the dolphins that would visit the jetty every night.
During the 80s, the staff at the resort continued to visit the jetty every night to look for the dolphins.
Slowly, many guests and staff began feeding the dolphins their reject fish and bait, which became cause of concern for the eco-rangers.
Eventually, resort staff began to monitor each dolphin and their eating – giving a strict diet to each one so they would not depend on the island for their daily food intake.
It didn’t take long for the dolphins to learn the routine, and thus began what is one of Australia’s most unique experience.
For more visit www.tangalooma.com.
This article originally appeared on WHO.
