Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are intelligent, charismatic mammals found in tropical oceans and other warm waters around the globe. These sleek swimmers can reach speeds of over 18 miles an hour. They surface often to breathe, doing so two or three times a minute. Bottlenose dolphins travel in social groups and communicate with each other by a complex system of squeaks and whistles. Schools have been known to come to the aid of an injured dolphin and help it to the surface.
Bottlenose dolphins track their prey through the expert use of echolocation. They can make up to 1,000 clicking noises per second. These sounds travel underwater until they encounter objects, then bounce back to their dolphin senders, revealing the location, size, and shape of their target.
When dolphins are feeding, that target is often a bottom-dwelling fish, though they also eat shrimp and squid. These clever animals are also sometimes spotted following fishing boats in hopes of dining on leftovers.
Ponta do Ouro is located along the southernmost shores of Mozambique. The marine reserve is known for beautiful beaches with coral reefs, sea grass beds, estuaries, and stunning mangrove forests. In addition to dolphins, visitors may see whales and sea turtles.
- Ages: 7+
- 19.25" x 26.625"
