01/11/2026
RARE STRANDING OF AN INDO-PACIFIC HUMPBACK DOLPHIN AT WILDERNESS
On Friday, 30 October 2026, a rarely encountered marine mammal species stranded at Wilderness – an Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa plumbea), also known in Afrikaans as a Boggeldolfyn.
S.M.A.R.T volunteer Lily Rothman was the first Smart volunteer to respond after a call was made to our rescue number. The deceased animal measured approximately 2 metres in length and was clearly an adult.
With the assistance of SANParks personnel, Donovan Mc Keith and Andile Ngqola from Ebb-and-Flow Rest Camp, the carcass was carefully loaded onto a vehicle and transported to freezer storage at the PDSA (Peoples Dispensary for Sick Animals) in George.
Dr Greg Hofmeyr from Bayworld will conduct a full necropsy. This will provide valuable scientific information and an important learning opportunity for our volunteers.
We understand how important it was to recover this valuable specimen, and we are extremely grateful that we managed to do so with the assistance of SANParks and PDSA. A big thank you to everyone involved! 👍🏻
AN ENDANGERED SPECIES THAT NEEDS OUR PROTECTION
Fewer than 500 Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins are estimated to remain along South Africa's coastline, making every sighting and every piece of scientific information extremely valuable.
These dolphins are easily recognised by the distinctive fleshy hump beneath their relatively small dorsal fin.
They inhabit shallow, warm coastal waters, generally at depths of around 25–30 metres, ranging from False Bay along the southern coastline to the Mozambique border. They are occasionally spotted in Mossel Bay Harbour and around Santos Beach.
Major threats facing humpback dolphins include:
- Habitat destruction: Coastal development and harbour expansions threaten their natural habitat.
- Fishing gear entanglement: Both commercial and artisanal fishing activities pose a serious risk.
- Pollution: Chemical contaminants accumulate in their blubber, with potentially harmful effects on reproduction and overall health.
- Coastal tourism and watercraft: Boat traffic and human activities can interfere with their feeding behaviour and social communication.
A CALL TO BOAT OPERATORS AND THE PUBLIC
We appeal to all boat-based whale and dolphin-watching operators in and around Mossel Bay to please keep an eye out for Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins.
Should you encounter these dolphins, please record the exact GPS coordinates and, where possible, take photographs or videos.
Share your sightings with
S.M.A.R.T on 072 227 4715.
Every sighting counts. Every record contributes to our understanding of these remarkable marine mammals and helps protect a species that is increasingly vulnerable along our coastline.
Together, we can make a difference!
