Doolin Bay in Ireland: watch out for the dolphin Dusty!

Gwen Rouviere
by Gwen Le Cointre
1 August 2013, 11:40
Doolin Bay in Ireland: watch out for the dolphin Dusty!
Dusty - doubichlou - cc

Dolphins aren’t all as gentle and kind as you might think: they’re also, above all, wild animals… The proof is in Dusty, the female dolphin that roams the waters of Doolin Bay in Ireland. It is said to have attacked no fewer than 4 people in less than 3 months, including a swimmer last Sunday, who was bathing on the Irish west coast. Attacks that have sometimes resulted in hospitalization, some of them in intensive care!

This aggressive behavior on the part of the dolphin attracted the full attention of the Irish authorities. The IWDG, the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, an organization specializing in dolphin and whale monitoring, then embarked on an awareness campaign, insisting that a dolphin is first and foremost a wild animal. They advise swimmers not to attempt to approach any dolphin, as they can act unpredictably.

To reduce the risk of further Dusty attacks, County Clare has also asked local beach lifeguards to raise red flags in areas where Dusty has been spotted… Prevention and respect for the animal are therefore essential: Dusty is a protected species. So it’s best to remain cautious and adopt a responsible attitude, bearing in mind that dolphins can be dangerous to humans.

Also, avoid approaching it: its size and muscularity could put you at unsuspected risk!


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