Homo Dolphinus

Dear Friends,

In the middle of the winter grip, here is something special I wanted to share with you for quite some time. A picture postcard from the warm sun & turquise waters of Egypt, Sharm-el-Sheikh, to be precise. For all of you who have visited the Red Sea before, the Apple Fanta may look familiar. It is a classic with European travellers - I wonder why?

A taxi brought us to a low structure, in front of which a large crowd was assembled, buzzing with excitement. The dolphins! We are going to see them! Finally!
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I have been waiting for this moment ever since my friend D. successfully dissuaded me in Cancun, Mexico, almost five years ago, claiming that I would this way only perpetuate the captivity of the proud species (at the same time, he had no problems with hogs being destined to become prosciuttos - apparently, this was their job- !?). Well, I must admit that this is a valid point. In fact, there are several sites, including The Humane Society that discuss the ethics of swimming with dolphins, either in captivity or in the wild, and their removal from their natural habitats. I had five years to think about this, and my bottom line is: I feel for all animals. As long as they are well cared for and are not treated cruelly, dolphin swimming is no different than keeping animals in the ZOO, or having domesticated horses or dogs. And the point of the ZOO, apart from helping some species to survive, is to educate people and promote greater understanding and appreciation of the animals and nature.

(According to Borderless M., maybe, just maybe, the dolphins want to be in captivity with us, so that they could teach us about them and about appreciating marine life in general. What with them being superior to us and all.)
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We entered the compound that hosted a medium-sized pool, on one side lined with seating. First of all, a local talent show team tried to stir us with some local vibes.

But we were waiting for the main course. During all the show, three dolphins were slowly doing laps in the pool behind the dancers. Effortless. Simple. Beautiful.

The music changed, the dancers packed their gear and we could see the Man who was already warming up his friends. A quick chat, a few pointers about the finer aspects of the upcoming show, and off they went!

And how! They flew like the wind! Through the hoops!

Over the bars! It was a display of swimming prowess, skill and best of all, it was all only a play for them.

Of course, we were also in for some show. Every now and then, they came to their human friend to check if he is all right. Cookie! Gimme gimme! A horse gets an apple treat, while dolphins are happy with a piece of fish.

And as the show came to an end, most of the audience left the scene. Only a few of us remained. We donned a neoprene suit, and were told the rules: don't touch dolphins' eyes, breathing hole, or genitals. That was it! Three persons were assigned per each dolphin, and - it was time to join these wonderful creatures in their medium.

I couldn't wait!

Next thing I know, I was rubbing the dolphin belly. Their skin is silky smooth, cold, but firm. And they are big. You can feel the power of their muscles and the efficiency with which they move through the water. All the stories and legends that we have heard about them, all the preconceptions - nothing mattered any more. I was standing in this shallow pool, holding a live, strong, healthy and intelligent animal that for a moment was happy to play with me. The only feeling that I can compare it to is the time spent with a horse. I felt exposed and vulnerable, for the dolphin could have easily hurt me, but also very peaceful, and very happy.

She just rolled over and splashed water with her fins, laughing!

And then she decided to spray me with water. Naughty little dolphin!

Then it was time to play tugboat. I swam across the pool, and the dolphin came after me. I was instructed to grab her back fin, and she then dragged me back to start. We repeated this game several times: if you grabbed her only with one hand, she would go much slower than when she felt a two-hand grip.

Every now and then, they went to check with their trainer, if everything is OK. He calmed them with a palm touching their snouts.

A photo-op with my new dolphin friend. She gave me a kiss! Oooooohhhhh....

And we were ready for a dance! I held her for the front fins, and she spun us slowly around. She didn't mind leading the dance, and I tried not to step on her toes.

Then we all joined a circle, where we tried to pass the ball to one another. With the dolphin in the middle, our mediocrity soon proved to be a dooming prospect. She dominated us easily: once she got the ball, it was impossible to take it away from her. And I tried!

Dolphin singing lessons were something special. By waving my hand in front of her snout (as instructed by her trainer), she would squeak - just like the Flipper on TV.

Still pouting... No pudding for you tonight, young lady!

After good twenty minutes, the show was over. For me, it was all like a dream.

Thank you, Borderless!