Tue, 08 Dec 2009 2:39p.m.
Moko the dolphin
The eyes of the whole world are on Gisborne and Moko right now - if anything silly is done to him, Gisborne will not look good, says international dolphin expert Wade Doak.
Over the years humans have done "stupid things" to solo dolphins, such as tipping a beer can down a blowhole or putting a lighted cigarette in it.
"Moko is at the mercy of any thoughtless action, of selfish, self-centred behaviours, show-offs, smart-alecs, yobbos etc.
"Or even women who get a bit too enthusiastic about stroking a silky smooth-skinned young male in erogenous zones, then complain when the dolphin is aroused.
"If I were to tote up both sides, solo dolphins would come out way ahead."
Of all the Moko commentators in the media, the Department of Conservation's Jamie Quirk made the most sense, Mr Doak said.
"Rather than advise people to avoid Moko, which will not work -and Moko will cause more and more problems if neglected - Jamie tells people the best ways to behave in his presence.
"Since Jamie is on the spot, he is able to adapt his advice to the ongoing situation, which is most necessary, rather than calling on advice from experts at a distance who can just say 'keep away, he is a wild animal'."
Many solo dolphins eventually tired of humans and withdrew, Mr Doak said.
"While Moko is with us, we have a chance to justify the name we have given ourselves - the wise ape Homo sapiens - and see how much we can learn about the capacities of our nearest brain rival."
Implications by some commentators that it was only a matter of time before there is a "deadly accident" with Moko were unfounded, he said.
Mr Doak said there was only one example of someone dying while interacting with a solo dolphin.
"It was in Brazil and he was drunk and drowned."
NZPA
