Fungie was first spotted off the coast of County Kerry, Ireland in 1983 and has lived in and around Dingle Bay ever since, however, the male dolphin hasn’t been sighted for some days which is highly unusual and the question is – where is Fungie?
Locals and boat operators have been scouring the area and coastline to no avail, as it’s the first time that the dolphin has not been sighted for such a length of time, this is causing concern around the Kerry Coast and beyond.
Since his arrival in the Dingle area, Fungie has become much loved with people flocking to the area from around the world, just to catch a glimpse of this majestic marine mammal so if he has gone, he will be very sorely missed. Fungie is often seen by visitors around Dingle Harbour on boat trips and is a huge tourist attraction in the area and his absence is concerning.
Marine Connection’s Margaux Dodds comments, “I have a special place in my heart for Fungie as it was he who started me on the road to cetacean conservation and protection. Having seen him in his natural habitat for the first time over a quarter of a century ago, made me realise the intelligence of these beautiful marine mammals and their need to live in freedom, not confined to tanks for public entertainment. Working in the field of cetacean protection I of course appreciate that no dolphin lives forever but I am hoping that in this instance Fungie has simply taken himself further afield – we know we will lose him one day – but we hope not just yet. No matter where Fungie is or what the outcome of this absence is, there is much comfort in the fact that he was one of the fortunate ones to live wild and free for his entire lifetime – which is something that I believe is the right of all cetaceans.”
In September 2019 Fungie became the longest-living solitary dolphin in the world and was a recipient of a Guinness World Record!
We will of course update as further news becomes available however if Fungie doesn’t return, Dingle will be ever the sadder for his absence and will certainly never be the same again.
