Divers warned against amorous dolphin

Norma Connolly -

The Cayman Islands Department of Environment is stepping up its appeal to the public to avoid feeding or interacting with an amorous solitary dolphin that has been approaching snorkellers, swimmers and scuba divers in the waters off Grand Cayman.

The dolphin, who was recently filmed bothering a group of divers on a dive site in West Bay, has become bolder in recent months, acting sexually aggressively toward humans and snapping its jaws at them.

Director of the Department of Environment Gina Ebanks-Petrie said: “Reports to the Department of Environment suggest that the dolphin is becoming increasingly persistent in seeking out interaction with swimmers and divers.

Continued human interaction, especially feeding, will worsen this problem and discourage the dolphin from reintegrating with the wild dolphins that occasionally pass through our waters.

“As the dolphin could inadvertently injure a swimmer or diver during an interaction, the DoE is continuing to advise the public to avoid entering the water to swim with the animal,” she said.

“Anyone who is approached by the dolphin while diving, snorkelling, or swimming should leave the water as soon as possible.”

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