In Reply to: dolphins posted by prescott on Friday, 29. September 2006 at 07:57 Bali Time:
& is not quite the same as those in captivity in a hotel swimming pool in Bali.
"dolphins seem to thrive in captivity and form a bond with the people around them"
Research & expert findings would seem to disagree with that?
-----------
"Question: CAN YOU SWIM WITH THE DOLPHINS?
Answer: The dolphins visit the beach at Monkey Mia on average three times a day to feed. They also hunt along the beach and should you be in the water swimming at that time there is a good possibility of you being able to enjoy and encounter with a dolphin. They are wild animals so there are certain things the CALM rangers advise people to do to ensure the best experience - this is, if a dolphin should swim up to you, don't reach out and try and touch or pat them as they will just swim away, but simply stay still, that way they could swim around you to investigate and stay with you for some time.
There are no tours to swim with the dolphins and if they come up to you whilst in the water, it is a free experience.
Question: DO YOU HAVE TO PAY TO GET INTO MONKEY MIA?
Answer: A charge is made by CALM (The Department of Conservation and Land Management) for entry into the Monkey Mia Reserve, where the Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort is located.
This fee is not paid to the Resort but paid direct to CALM for the continual care, welfare, management and research of the Monkey Mia dolphins and is not included in any accommodation costs. This fee goes towards sustaining the valuable wildlife at Monkey Mia."
http://www.monkeymia.com.au/faq.htm
----------------------
Dolphins of Monkey Mia
"....When there are large crowds in the water, the dolphins tend to swim up and down the shoreline, just out of arms reach of the people, coming in only to accept fish then move off quickly. The public are asked constantly, to watch for signs of stress and obey the rangers instructions at all times. You can get a better interaction from the dolphins, by not attempting to touch them at all.
Introduce yourself to the dolphins and treat them as though they were people. Don't pat the blowhole - that is where dolphins breathe. Never put anything in or over the blowhole, and don't pat the head, it is a very sensitive area. Do not cause or make noises in the water to frighten the dolphins. Use sensible speed while boating. Be gentle with them and they will be gentle with you.
Visitors shouldn't expect to feed the dolphins when visiting Monkey Mia as we are very privileged just to see them. To enable this unique phenomenon to continue, some rules and regulations are necessary.
The dolphins may be fed only "fresh fish" provided by the rangers and under ranger's supervision. ..."
http://www.totaltravel.com.au/travel/wa/gascoyne/sharkbay/guide/dolpins-monkey-mia