Amazing Animals: Bottlenose Dolphins

Amazing Animals: Bottlenose Dolphins

Bible Blast: Read Psalm 125:1-5

You hem me in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Psalm 139:5 (NIV)

Most people love dolphins! I think every girl has dreamed of petting dolphins, riding dolphins, or training dolphins. A few years ago our family was vacationing when a pod of dolphins came up to our boat. We actually jumped in the water with them, and one of the dolphins stayed and played with us for about thirty minutes.

There are several stories of bottlenose dolphins actually saving people’s lives. On October 30, 2004, four New Zealand lifeguards were swimming when a group of dolphins came to them and started “herding” them like a sheepdog herds sheep. When one of the swimmers tried to swim away from the dolphins, two of the larger ones herded him back into their circle. That’s when the lifeguards saw a great white shark circling nearby. The pod of dolphins surrounded the swimmers and slapped their tails in the water for over half an hour to confuse the shark and keep him from attacking the four men.

And on August 28, 2007, Todd Endris was surfing with some friends off the coast of California when a great white shark attacked him. Todd was losing a lot of blood. Just then a group of bottlenose dolphins that had been playing in the waves went into action. They placed themselves between the shark and Todd so that Todd could catch a wave back to the shore. A friend of Todd who was with him that day was able to help him stay calm until they were able to get him to the hospital. Today, apart from an amazing scar on his torso and some muscle damage, Todd is fine and still surfing.

Aren’t those stories just amazing? I love thinking of those men being surrounded on all sides by “dolphin bodyguards!”

In the psalms of David, he regularly praises his Creator for his love, care, and protection. Today’s focus verse says that God hems him in on all sides. David knew that he was surrounded by God’s goodness, strength, and love.

I wonder if any of those swimmers thought of Psalm 139:5 when they were surrounded by the bottlenose dolphins?

Girl Gab: A group of dolphins is called a “pod.” What’s a group of butterflies called? How about a group of porcupines? Make up a name for a group of preteen girls! Have your mom make up a name for a group of moms!