Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary, Marine protected area in Port River and Barker Inlet, South Australia.
The Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary is a marine protected area in Port River and Barker Inlet near Port Adelaide. The waters contain mangroves, seagrass beds, saltmarsh, and tidal flats that support fish populations and dolphins.
The sanctuary was created in 2005 after marine researcher Mike Bossley studied the local dolphin populations since the 1990s. The establishment followed scientific findings and efforts to protect the animals and their habitat.
The sanctuary is home to a resident dolphin population that local people have watched for generations. These animals have become part of the region's identity and draw visitors interested in marine life.
You can observe dolphins from viewing areas at Garden Island, St Kilda, and North Haven marina, or join guided boat tours. Kayaking and organized trips allow you to explore the waters and see animals in their habitat.
A female dolphin named Billie developed an unusual behavior during rehabilitation, moving her tail in ways other dolphins then copied. This learned skill spread through the wild population in the area.
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