Incredible photos taken off Aussie coast capture dolphin's 'spectacular' feat: 'Never seen that'
Regarded as one of the most intelligent animals on the planet, dolphins launch themselves from the water for a whole range of reasons, an expert tells Yahoo.
Spectacular shots of a dolphin springing metres into the air out of the water off the Australian east coast have impressed people all over the country. The "superb" photos, taken near Terrigal, on the NSW Central Coast, show the dolphin launch an astonishing two and a half metres out of the water.
Describing the mammal as "flying" through the air at the time, the photographer said the sight took place roughly two kilometres from the shore. Animal enthusiasts were quick to respond, with many applauding the man's timing for capturing such an impressive picture.
"Never seen dolphins jump so high before," one said. "Absolutely awesome," said another. Meanwhile, some questioned whether dolphins can really spring so far into the air from the water.
Yahoo News Australia spoke with South Australian-based dolphin expert Mike Bossley, who confirmed the animals can absolutely make the jump. "Yes, it's no problem for a dolphin to jump 2.5 metres in the air," he told Yahoo.
Bossley explained dolphins, which are warm-blooded and like humans breathe through lungs not through gills like fish, likely exhibit the behaviour for "several different reasons". "To look around, to make a big splash as a communication or just for fun," he said.
Dolphins are regarded as some of the most intelligent animals on the planet, distinguished by unique cognitive abilities. Researchers often define intelligence as a blend of perception, communication skills, and problem-solving capabilities, all of which dolphins exhibit in remarkable ways.
Dolphins and their antics impress all over Australia
Last month, a German family who travelled the world for two-and-a-half years — 12 months of which has been spent in Australia — said the most exciting part of their journey was witnessing a pod of dolphins' incredible display in Western Australia.
The family spotted the dolphins after driving their van to the southern tip of Western Australia and making the choice to settle in the town of Albany. For Stefanie Kremser, the experience confirmed they had chosen "the right place" to finally put down roots.
"It was like they were having a party welcoming us here," she said.
"We don’t have anything like it back home… When you see them everything feels light and free. It’s like you don’t have to think about anything when you see dolphins."
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