A captivating moment between a boy, Noah Plant, and a dolphin has been documented off the coast of northern Perth, resulting in stunning photographs. This extraordinary experience unfolded while Noah and his father, Ricky, were fishing approximately five kilometres from Two Rocks during a school holiday outing last Sunday afternoon. Both father and son were left astonished by the encounter.
Ricky, who has spent a lifetime at sea, expressed his amazement, stating, “I was blown away; I’ve never seen anything like that before.” Their unexpected visitor was not just a solitary dolphin; a whole pod nearby caught their attention. Noah recounted how the dolphin showcased its playful side, diving in and out of the water, seemingly fascinated by the pair.
The dolphin displayed unusual behaviour for a wild creature, following Ricky and Noah as they moved their little boat, or ‘tinny’. Ricky noted, “We actually left the fishing spot and went a couple of kilometres away, and it showed up again. We turned around and it was almost inside the boat again.” Such curiosity is characteristic of bottlenose dolphins but is often associated with those raised in captivity.
Interestingly, the region has a historical connection to these dolphins. About 35 years prior, dolphins at Atlantis Marine Park in Two Rocks were released into the wild when the facility closed. This particular pod of dolphins was described as exceptionally friendly, with Ricky observing up to 20 dolphins frolicking around their fishing boat, creating lasting memories.
Reflecting on the experience, Ricky proclaimed, “I’ll never forget that moment,” highlighting the profound impact of their encounter with nature. The playful pod of dolphins undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the father-son duo, showcasing the enchanting experiences that the ocean can offer.