Dolphins are using coral as a skin treatment
New research suggests that dolphins rub up against coral for more reasons than scratching a hard-to-reach itch. The cetaceans, which are known to rub against the rough surfaces of coral, take naps in coral beds, and enjoy soaking on sponges along the reef may actually be using the coral to treat Read More...
Scientists discover prehistoric dolphin species in landlocked Switzerland
Paleontologists have recently made an extraordinary discovery in landlocked Switzerland: two new species of dolphin dating back to 20 million years ago. Ancient dolphin species Located in the heart of Europe, Switzerland is entirely landlocked. Millions of years ago, however, the area used to Read More...
Biodiversity means respecting animals' agency
Depending on where you live, there can be a great deal of concern about the local animals, wandering into the road or eating your garbage. For conservationists, there’s a concern for the animals themselves. Conservationists and wildlife managers these days are looking for new ways to protect wild Read More...
What tiny water samples teach us about huge creatures
Environmental DNA (eDNA) has been a recent gold mine in research. We recently reported on how eDNA was captured from the air in a world first and how scientists were able to use this technique to distinguish zoo animals from it. This incredible tool can help ecologists study animal behavior and Read More...
Travel company discontinues bookings with captive whale or dolphin shows
Marine biologists and activists are increasingly calling for the end to dolphins and whales held in captivity, especially for entertainment purposes, as these environments do not give them the space, social connection, and mental stimulation their complex brains need to thrive. Captive sea Read More...
New Yorkers delighted by rare sight of dolphins swimming in the East River
New Yorkers gazing at the East River last week were treated with a surprising and delightful sight: a group of dolphins swimming through the water. Captured on camera by a sightseer near WNYC Transmitter Park in Brooklyn, the dolphins can be see seen swimming in New York’s once famously polluted Read More...
After decades, this rare dolphin is back in the Adriatic Sea
It was largely believed that the Delphinus delphis, a rare dolphin species, was regionally extinct from the Adriatic Sea. But according to recent research by marine scientists at the University of St Andrews, the rare dolphin has been observed multiple times off the coasts of Italy and Read More...
Scientists team up with trained dolphins to create data-collecting drone
Over the last decades, whale and dolphin populations around the world have dwindled significantly as a result of human activities. And while conservationists are working hard to help these animals recover, collecting data about their health in a non-invasive way can be extremely difficult. To Read More...
Virgin set to cut ties with attractions that hold whales and dolphins captive
Removing dolphins and whales from their natural environment and confining them in cramped water tanks at amusement parks can seriously affect the physical and psychological well-being of these mammals. In a bid to discourage people from visiting such amusement parks, Virgin Holidays, one of the Read More...
Canada just banned the captivity and breeding of dolphins and whales
When you see whales or dolphins swimming through the vast ocean, you come to realize that these magnificent creatures should never be held in captivity. It’s flat out inhumane to keep them cramped in small pools, and the government of Canada seems to agree. On Monday, Canadian lawmakers passed Read More...