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Media Release - December 2006
Images to accompany release

2007 is the Year of the Dolphin so why not visit the South Australian Maritime Museum to celebrate these much-loved marine mammals. Dolphins are amongst the smartest animals on the planet and connect to humans in a special way.  

Dr Mike Bossley of the Whale & Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) emphasised the significance of the Year of the Dolphin. “The fact that the United Nations Environment Program has declared 2007 as the Year of the Dolphin is indicative of the many threats facing these animals world wide. WDCS is proud to be an official party with UNEP in this important year long event. In our local area I commend the SA Maritime Museum for its important educational initiatives in helping educate people about our local dolphins and their environmental needs.”

The 30 Bottlenose Dolphins that live in the Port River as well as the 300 that visit the area each year are one of the environmental icons of this State and comprise the largest community of dolphins living in a major urban environment in Australia. Visitors to the Museum and its Dolphins! The Port River Pod exhibition can gain a fascinating insight into the world of the Port River’s Bottlenose Dolphin colony through film, electronic media, interactive displays, graphics and objects including a complete dolphin skeleton.  

The Museum also offers Dolphin Seeking Cruises where the public can climb on board the historic police launch Archie Badenoch for a tour of the Port River to see the working port, the natural environment and to spot the resident pod of dolphins. As well as seeing the dolphins, the vessel’s hydrophone enables them to hear the dolphin’s clicks and whistles as they navigate the river. Cruises run each school holidays with the next scheduled from 2 -19 January 2007 (cruises can also be arranged for an individual group booking).

If you’re lucky you might even spot some dolphins in the river as you take in the amazing view from the top of the Museum’s iconic lighthouse.