One of the joys of non invasive longitudinal dolphin monitoring is being able to observe all nature of animals dealing with the difficulties they experience in their lives. The wonderful ways they adapt to these difficulties are absolutely inspiring and remind us of the very best of what life can offer. The similarities to the human condition with all its vagaries and differences is reflected on many levels in what happens with other species in nature.

This was illustrated perfectly on a number of surveys over many years with “Humpy” – a Bottlenose dolphin reappearing on a recent survey. First observed on our Citizen Science survey on Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures www.kimarineadventures.com.au in 2012, again in 2019 and again on Kangaroo Island Survey 244 in October 2024, as well as occasional sightings by Skipper Andrew Neighbour on KI Marine Adventures marine tours, Humpy has quite a pronounced hump in front of his/her dorsal fin.

Expert opinions, including our wonderful mentor Dr Mike Bossley AM suggest Humpy suffers from scoliosis – a spinal deformity which afflicts humans.  Together with other spinal issues including kyphosis, lordosis and similar conditions, the ability of dolphins to deal with such difficulties is admirable indeed, so much so that labelling as a “disability” seems unnecessary.

Long may amazing Humpy survive and thrive!

#dolphins #mammals #scoliosis #disabilities #adaptions #cetaceans #cetaceanrights #conservation #citizenscience #kangarooisland #missionblue #northcoast #hopespot