Solitary, social, friendly or habituated cetaceans

Dolphins and whales are extremely social creatures, living in close knit groups. Why is it then that some appear to be solitary for some of part of their lives?

There are many different theories behind the existence of the solitary cetacean, including food availability, predator disturbance, and reproductive strategies. It may be as a consequence of the loss of a mate or companion. In Australia’s Shark Bay, males are usually found in coalitions, though if one member of the pair dies the other will often remain alone. The solitary state may have been through environmental conditions, such as when rough seas or bad weather forces group separation – individuals may be lost to the group and may become solitary as a consequence. It may also be a consequence of life history and dispersal of individuals. In bottlenose dolphins, at least those belonging to large populations, both sexes leave their natal group as subadults between 4 and 10 years old. Finally, another theory is that of the social outcast, those with behavioural problems, or some physical handicap.

A number of species have been recorded worldwide to possess solitary individuals, including the bottlenose dolphin, orca, beluga whales, common dolphins, risso’s dolphins, spotted dolphins, dusky dolphins, tucuxi and narwhal. Whilst on the surface it appears that interacting with these animals causes no harm, unfortunately for many solitary animals interacting with humans can and have resulted in injury, or even death.

The Marine Connection have been investigating the phenomenon of solitary dolphins for many years and have first-hand experience of what can happen in instances where the public do not take due care or retain respect for the dolphins' wild nature. We feel this is due, in part, to the way in which dolphins and some whales are portrayed by marine parks, as willing participants in shows to 'entertain' the audience or to fulfill people's dreams of swimming with dolphins, in reality none of these behaviours are either natural or carried out willingly. Captive animals are trained to perform, allow people to hold onto their dorsal fins or 'kiss' them - a wild dolphin would not tolerate this treatment and this is where the danger lies as the only previous experience people encountering a solitary wild dolphin may have had is with captive animals in marine parks, which are very different.

The case of each solitary animal has to be treated on a 'case by case' basis as the situation can differ greatly depending upon the individual animal, location, public attitudes and accessibility.

The Marine Connection does not stand in judgement of those who interact with these solitary animals which hold a deep fascination for many however as a charity concerned with dolphin and whale protection and welfare we feel it is vital to highlight issues surrounding the welfare of these animals and humans who interact with them to ensure their safety.