THE Dolphin Research Institute last week celebrated 33 years of its achievements and efforts to “improve outcomes for dolphins, whales, and our precious marine environment”.
Executive director Jeff Weir said the picture chosen to mark the institute’s one third of a century “shows something you don’t see every day — a dolphin riding on the head of a humpback whale”. The picture was taken in 2020 when the same humpback had spent a week feeding off Phillip Island, the first time such an event had been recorded.
“Our role in capturing knowledge and filling these knowledge gaps is integral to our work spanning four decades,” Weir said. “Our milestone anniversary reminds our supporters of the journey we have been on together, how far we have come and how the need for our work is greater than ever in these rapidly changing times.”
Weir said gifts from “trusting donors” were the lifeblood of the organisation. “They enable us to innovate, develop and maintain programs that otherwise won’t happen”, including the ’i sea, i care’ and research fellowships.” Weir said the institute was committed to “making the most out of every donation to achieve impacts for dolphins and whales, their environment and our community”.
First published in the Mornington News – 26th March 2024
