Moko No Let Go

Moko, a lone dolphin, took up residence at Mahia Beach two years ago and has become quite the tourist attraction. Moko even made international news recently, when he guided a confused whale and her pup back to the sea. Many tourists and residents like to swim and play with Moko, but one woman nearly drowned when Moko wouldn't let her quit and go home!

The woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, said she went swimming alone, later than one should (and admitted it was "probably... not the wisest thing to do"), and enjoyed playing with Moko for a while. However, when she began to head for the beach, Moko was not done playing! Patrons of a cafe nearby finally heard her screams and rescued her from the buoy she'd been hugging. She said Moko meant no harm.

Scientists, however, are worried about the three-year old bottlenose dolphin (nature's rapist), as he has been scarred by boats and fishing hooks. They note that, of the 30 "lone" dolphins catalogued worldwide, almost half have been killed due to their interaction with humans.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009