BEACH INTERACTION ZONEThe Interaction Zone allows dolphins to visit of their own accord. Dolphins are often unpredictable and a set time can not be given for when they will arrive. This makes experiencing a visit very special as the dolphins have decided to visit you, for however long they wish.
When the dolphins come to visit us in the Interaction Zone our volunteers (in red shirts) co-ordinate the interaction so that the dolphins feel comfortable and not threatened. We ask people to stand in a line up to about waist deep water and to stay still so the dolphins can swim around without concern. |  |
When do the Dolphins visit?
In general the dolphins visit the Interaction Zone in the mornings - anywhere between 8.00am and 12.00 noon. We rarely see them at the beach in the afternoons. Visits are also seasonal with very regular visits during the summer and irregular visits during the winter. Since 1990, 34 different dolphins have visited the Zone. Dorsal fins were used to identify each dolphin and a name was given if dolphins became regular visitors.
Each time a dolphin visits the Zone, a volunteer must provide:
- The dolphin's name and sex (if known)
- An estimate of the number of dolphins within the Bay and the number that visit the Interaction Zone.
- Information to people regarding the guidlelines that must be followed.
In order to protect both the dolphins and people who visit the Interaction Zone, a strict set of guidelines must be followed: - No touching allowed
- People must stay within the markers
- If a dolphin moves outside of the Interaction Zone then people are not to follow
- Do not try to attract a dolphin by clapping hands or splashing the surface of the water
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Do we feed the Dolphins?
Times have changed. Research now proves that unregulated and excessive feeding of wild dolphins alters their behaviour, leading to a “taming’” of wild animals.
Bunbury Dolphin Discovery conducts feeding under regulation from the Department of Environment and Conservation. This feeding regime is strictly controlled and limited to 350 grams of fish per day. This is a small amount given that, in order to survive, a dolphin in these waters needs approximately 8-14 kilograms of fish a day.
The fish offered to the dolphins is local to the Bay and therefore of the same type that the dolphins catch themselves. Fish are not used if they are deemed not fit for human consumption.
The dolphins within the Bay feed on various fish including whitebait, herring, flounder, garfish, mullet, cobbler, flat head, pilchards, skippy and tailor. They have also been known to catch octopus and cuttlefish. Where is the Interaction Zone?
The Interaction Zone is located at the beach directly in front of the Dolphin Discovery Centre. Access to the beach is via the Centre and is included in the admission price.
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