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Adopt a dolphin

V-Nick

V-Nick is one of Port Phillip’s first common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), having first been seen in 2005. In fact she is dolphin #1 in our catalogue of over 150 common dolphins.

She is easily identifiable by a “V” shaped nick at the top of her dorsal fin and has been seen most years since 2005. Whilst many of the common dolphins in Port Phillip will mingle with each other, V-Nick can more often than not be seen with  Tall Fin, Esther, Poke and Ragged Fin.

She is a champion mother, having her first known calf in 2008. We know V-Nick is a mother by finding her repeatedly in photographs with a little calf, like this one here taken in February 2020. When calves are first born, they have light stripes on their bodies called foetal folds, which are left from creases in their skin as a result of being curled up before birth. The lack of folds and the size of V-Nick’s calf in this photo tells us it is likely over a year old.

Read an update on V-Nick here.

Adopt-A-Dolphin is a wonderful gift for a loved one, yourself and of course, our dolphins and bays.

DRI gives dolphins a voice - our family a voice - and a positive way to support marine life and conservation.

Loyal donor.

Adopt-A-Dolphin membership is a wonderful gift for a loved one, yourself and of course, our dolphins and bays.

Members receive a certificate with a glorious image of Poke on the front (as above) with more information about V-Nick and our other resident dolphins on the back. Packs also include our most recent Snapshots, whale and dolphin information and a Dolphin Distancing sticker. Child packs include a dolphin moneybox and a sun hat.

Membership is for 12 months and is comprised of a $10 membership and a $88 tax-deductible gift. On the anniversary of joining, we send an invitation to renew support, which can be sent to you or the recipient of your gift, depending on your choice. (Postage is additional, if you chose to have a package delivered).

Adopt-A-Dolphin supporters become Associate Members of the Dolphin Research Institute and receive news, updates and VIP invitations to Institute events and more!

Collage items not to scale. UV-safe hats SM/Med or L/XL.

Watch DRI rescue an entangled calf in Port Phillip.