Around the world, increasing numbers of whales and dolphins appear to be living solitary lives, and it remains unclear why these individuals leave their family pods. The reasons may vary, but they may include being displaced from their natal group after becoming mature, the loss of a parent or mate, or differences in individual behaviour. Being solitary isn’t a problem, becoming habituated through prolonged human contact is.
Marine Connection has monitored solitary sociable dolphins and whales for over twenty years. The UK has the largest number of solitary bottlenose dolphins, over 15 to date, the majority are male. Although the bottlenose dolphin is most frequently observed, in several countries around the world including France, Germany, Japan and New Zealand, other cetacean species including common dolphins and beluga whales have also become habituated over a matter of months due to interacting with water users including swimmers. Some individuals remain in an area for many years, whilst others move on after a short period.
Why we need to keep solitary dolphins wild
In the Summer of 2018, a male bottlenose appeared in Portland, Dorset, he became known as Danny. Often following boats and interacting with divers, sadly in October 2020 he was accidentally killed by a vessel and estimated to be around 10 years of age at the time of his death.
Danny became a familiar sight along the coast, capturing the hearts of all who had the good fortune to encounter him. In 2021 Marine Connection with the support of the local community and businesses, had a permanent stone memorial put in place at Portland Marina. Although this is a lasting tribute to Danny, it also reinforces the message that when a solitary dolphin appears in an area, they need to be given the space to keep them truly wild, to retain their natural behaviour.
Danny’s story can be found in our Lone Rangers report.
We understand the love the public has for these majestic marine mammals, however, people should consider how their actions may impact on the individual dolphin or whale. The fate of a solitary sociable dolphin off Padre Island, Texas resulted in her being taken into captivity, this was solely due to humans and their unwillingness to leave her alone in the wild. Read Izzy’s story here
Watching a solitary sociable dolphin or whale in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience, but just as humans need our personal space, so do they.
First produced in 2008, the 3rd edition of our LONE RANGERS report (2024), continues to examine the phenomenon of solitary cetaceans in detail. Investigating some of the theories behind their existence, considers the process of habituation and threats to both the cetacean and humans. By reviewing all known cases to date and the current protective legislation the report makes recommendations for their protection in both the short and long term.
Our Approach
Interactions with solitary sociable cetaceans can impact their welfare and safety. We work to afford them greater protection, and do this through:
- Working with local authorities, providing guidance and support when a solitary cetacean appears in their area, and providing a tailored action plan when required
- Public/media outreach to increase awareness of what constitutes good behaviour around the individual marine mammal to ensure its safety and welfare
- Monitoring solitary, sociable cetaceans and encouraging reporting of sightings to our organisation
- Publishing reports on our findings and updates on research
Help us protect solitary, sociable dolphins and whales
Share our poster on how to safely, and respectfully handle an encounter with these majestic marine mammals.
Get in touch if you see a solitary dolphin or whale in your area with details, and when possible photos, of the sighting as these are important to the ongoing work of updating our records.
