The dolphin - more than “just” a marine mammal ?!
An inspiring guest contribution by Sandra Schuster-Böckler
Dolphins are spiritually highly developed beings who are connected with humans in an ancient friendship. Traditions from Greek and Roman mythology report intense "friendships" between humans and dolphins.
Dolphins used to be considered sacred; some Aboriginal tribes, as well as Polynesian and Indian peoples, saw good spirits and divine messengers in them. It is always positive characteristics that are attributed to dolphins: beauty, grace, joie de vivre, harmony, intelligence, loyalty and playfulness.
There are numerous studies that attest the dolphin in particular to have a high level of intelligence, personality and empathy. If these studies are to be believed, it is not
It is surprising that dolphins live in highly complex social groups, some of them use tools when hunting, they give each other individual names and even mourn their deceased family members. Even if one may be skeptical about these scientific results, in the last twenty years I have hardly seen a person who has left the encounter with a marine mammal indifferent.
My personal experience as a guide on excursion boats (e.g. Amazonia) and the conversations with a large number of guests have made me realize that whale and dolphin encounters basically convey a zest for life and can trigger something very special in us.
I often see guests on board crying during or after a sighting with marine mammals. Mostly the tears are emotional, intense joy and gratitude, as the guests always assure me. So these animals seem to touch or trigger something in us ...
No other wild animal species is as curious, trusting and friendly towards humans as the dolphin. Time and again there are impressive reports from skippers, divers, swimmers and researchers around the world who tell of more unique encounters with this species. I wrote a book FOR whales and dolphins with my colleague Peter Frey.
The aim of the book is to basically inform the reader about the world of the cetaceans ( whales and dolphins). One of the main approaches in this book is education about captive dolphins and the ongoing commercial whaling.
As authors, we want to convey meaningful impulses in order to sensitize readers to the protection of whales and dolphins. Show why gentle whale watching is a better alternative to visiting a dolphinarium.
La Gomera is one of those places where gentle or respectful whale watching is actually practiced. The few providers that exist here all have this type of whale and dolphin watching on their flags - and that is exemplary! Everyone can help protect whales and dolphins. Interested parties will find descriptions and contact details of various organizations in our book.
Author: Sandra Schuster-Böckler from heart-seeing
About the author
Sandra Schuster-Böckler
Sandra works as a hiking guide and as a guide for whale and dolphin tours on the Canary Island of La Gomera. She shares her experiences in and with nature in her books with a broad audience.
“The Atlantic Ocean here in front of La Gomera with its wonderful inhabitants is my personal cathedral. To be out there on the sea and to meet whales and dolphins is pure heart seeing for me. It makes me happy to share this miracle with others. "
Books by Sandra Schuster-Böckler
"BLAU" - A book for whales and dolphins
This book is unlike any book you have ever read about whales and dolphins. This book will sharpen your view of the situation of our oceans and their inhabitants even more! With the purchase of this book you are already making a contribution. Because you acquire knowledge, knowledge that you can in turn pass on and share.
"Stories from the Magic Forest"
Magic forests have always existed all over the world. But their very existence is threatened. People are gradually losing their gift of "seeing the heart". A girl named Sarah comes into the story and is supposed to save the threatened enchanted forest with the help of a gardener. Every single story of the eight enchanted forest inhabitants has an educational effect.