Nov. 4, 2004
Dolphins prevent NZ shark attack
|
By Phil Mercer
BBC,
Sydney |
The dolphins swam in a tight, defensive
circle |
A group of
swimmers has told how a pod of dolphins protected them from a great white shark
off New Zealand's coast.
The lifeguards were training at a beach near Whangarei on the
North Island when they were menaced by a 3-metre shark, before the dolphins
raced in to help.
The swimmers were surrounded by the dolphins for 40 minutes
before they were able to make it safely back to the beach.
Marine biologists say such altruistic behaviour is not
uncommon in dolphins.
Lifeguard Rob Howes was in the water with two colleagues and
his teenage daughter.
It was an
uncomfortable experience, as they were circled by a great white shark, which
came within a couple of metres.
He said around half a dozen dolphins suddenly appeared and
herded the swimmers together. The mammals swam in tight circles to create a
defensive barrier as the great white lurked under the surface.
The swimmers said the dolphins were extremely agitated and
repeatedly slapped the water with their tails, presumably to try to deter the
predator as it cruised nearby.
The drama happened in New Zealand three weeks ago, but only
now are the lifeguards telling their story.
It is a day they will never forget, especially for one of the
swimmers, who was on her first day as a volunteer.
They have no doubt that the dolphins acted deliberately to
protect them.
Researchers have said they are not surprised. A marine
biologist insisted that dolphins, which are considered to be one of the most
intelligent mammals, "like to help the helpless".
