The Bottlenose Dolphin


Book Description

The Bottlenose Dolphin presents for the first time a comprehensive, colorfully illustrated, and concise overview of a species that has fascinated humans for at least 3,000 years. After reviewing historical myths and legends of the dolphin back to the ancient Greeks and discussing current human attitudes and interactions, the author replaces myths with facts--up-to-date scientific assessment of dolphin evolution, behavior, ecology, morphology, reproduction, and genetics--while also tackling the difficult issues of dolphin conservation and management. Although comprehensive enough to be of great value to professionals, educators, and students, the book is written in a manner that all dolphin lovers will enjoy. Randall Wells’s anecdotes interspersed throughout the work offer a first-hand view of dolphin encounters and research based on three decades working with them. Color photographs and nearly 100 black and white illustrations, including many by National Geographic photographer Flip Nicklin, beautifully enhance the text.




The Dolphin In History


Book Description

Explore the captivating relationship between humans and dolphins in the insightful work, "The Dolphin in History" by B.T. Ashley Montagu and John C. Lilly. This thought-provoking book delves into the rich history of dolphins, examining their roles in mythology, culture, and science. As the authors guide you through the fascinating narratives surrounding these intelligent creatures, you’ll uncover the profound connections that have existed between dolphins and humanity across centuries. Montagu and Lilly highlight the significance of dolphins in various societies and their impact on human culture and beliefs. But here's the compelling question that will inspire your curiosity: How have dolphins shaped our understanding of intelligence and compassion in the animal kingdom? The authors challenge readers to reconsider the way we perceive these remarkable beings and the lessons they offer about empathy and coexistence. With a blend of historical anecdotes, scientific research, and philosophical insights, "The Dolphin in History" invites readers to reflect on the importance of protecting these extraordinary creatures and their habitats. This book is not just an exploration of the past; it’s a call to action for the future. Are you ready to dive deep into the history of dolphins and discover what they reveal about ourselves? This enlightening work is essential for anyone interested in marine life, animal behavior, and the connections between species. Montagu and Lilly's compelling narrative encourages a greater appreciation for the intelligence and beauty of dolphins. Don’t miss the chance to gain a deeper understanding of our aquatic companions. Purchase "The Dolphin in History by B.T. Ashley Montagu and John C. Lilly" today and embark on a journey of discovery and awareness.




Whales, Dolphins & Porpoises


Book Description

The eighty-nine cetacean species that swim our seas and rivers are as diverse as they are intelligent and elusive, from the hundred-foot-long, two-hundred-ton blue whale to the lesser-known tucuxi, ginkgo-toothed beaked whale, and diminutive, critically endangered vaquita. The huge distances these highly migratory creatures cover and the depths they dive mean we catch only the merest glimpses of their lives as they break the surface of the water. But thanks to the marriage of science and technology, we are now beginning to understand their anatomy, complex social structures, extraordinary communication abilities, and behavioral patterns. In this beautifully illustrated guide, renowned marine mammalogist Annalisa Berta draws on the contributions of a pod of fellow whale biologists to present the most comprehensive, authoritative overview ever published of these remarkable aquatic mammals. Opening with an accessible rundown of cetacean biology—including the most recent science on feeding, mating, and communication—Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises then presents species-specific natural history on a range of topics, from anatomy and diet to distribution and conservation status. Each entry also includes original drawings of the species and its key identifiers, such as fin shape and color, tooth shape, and characteristic markings as they would appear both above and below water—a feature unique to this book. Figures of myth and—as the debate over hunting rages on—figures of conflict since long before the days of Moby-Dick, whales, dolphins, and porpoises are also ecologically important and, in many cases, threatened. Written for general enthusiasts, emergent cetacean fans, and biologists alike, this stunning, urgently needed book will serve as the definitive guide for years to come.




To Free a Dolphin


Book Description

In this memorable first book, Behind the Dolphin Smile, Richard O'Barry told the inspiring story of his personal transformation from world-famous dolphin trainer (Flipper was his pupil) to dolphin liberator. Now, in To Free a Dolphin, he passionately recounts the dramatic story of his heart-breaking campaign to release captive dolphins back into the wild. With wit and insight he chronicles the extreme opposition he has faced from bureaucrats, major players in the captive-dolphin industry, rival wildlife groups, and well-meaning sentimentalists. He introduces readers to famous show animals he has helped, including Bogie and Bacall of Key Largo. And, most fascinating, he describes his struggles to deprogram and rehabilitate dolphins emotionally scarred from years of captivity--struggles that become battles for the animals' souls.




Island of the Blue Dolphins


Book Description

Far off the coast of California looms a harsh rock known as the island of San Nicholas. Dolphins flash in the blue waters around it, sea otter play in the vast kep beds, and sea elephants loll on the stony beaches. Here, in the early 1800s, according to history, an Indian girl spent eighteen years alone, and this beautifully written novel is her story. It is a romantic adventure filled with drama and heartache, for not only was mere subsistence on so desolate a spot a near miracle, but Karana had to contend with the ferocious pack of wild dogs that had killed her younger brother, constantly guard against the Aleutian sea otter hunters, and maintain a precarious food supply. More than this, it is an adventure of the spirit that will haunt the reader long after the book has been put down. Karana's quiet courage, her Indian self-reliance and acceptance of fate, transform what to many would have been a devastating ordeal into an uplifting experience. From loneliness and terror come strength and serenity in this Newbery Medal-winning classic.




The Dolphin in History


Book Description

In "The Dolphin in History," readers are invited into a fascinating realm where the intersection of human and cetacean worlds reveals a tapestry of complex interactions and mutual influence. This anthology, through a diverse range of literary styles including scientific treatises, historical narratives, and philosophical musings, explores the multifaceted relationship between humans and dolphins. The collection stands out for its scholarly rigor and its commitment to showcasing the breadth of human thought and feeling about dolphins across epochs. The inclusion of historically significant pieces offers a unique lens through which to understand our changing perspectives on these intelligent marine mammals. The works within, though varied in style and scope, share a common thread in their exploration of the intellectual and emotional connections between humans and dolphins, making a compelling case for the cultural and scientific significance of these relationships. The editors, Ashley Montagu and John Cunningham Lilly, are both esteemed in their fields, bringing a wealth of knowledge to this collection. Montagu, a renowned anthropologist, and Lilly, a pioneer in the study of dolphin communication, utilize their interdisciplinary expertise to curate a volume that traverses historical, cultural, and scientific landscapes. Their backgrounds contribute significantly to the anthology's exploration of the human-dolphin relationship, situated within broader discourse on animal intelligence, empathy, and the environment. This volume appeals to scholars and lay readers alike, providing a gateway to understanding the profound interactions between two intelligent life forms. "The Dolphin in History" is more than an anthology; it is an invitation to journey through the ages, rediscovering our enduring fascination with dolphins. Readers are encouraged to delve into this collection for its educational value, the richness of its insights, and the dialogue it initiates among the myriad voices it contains. This anthology is a testament to the diverse ways in which dolphins have been perceived and understood across time and culture, offering a unique opportunity to engage with the comprehensive and multidimensional history of human-dolphin interactions.




The Dolphin In History


Book Description

The Dolphin in History by John C. Lilly and Ashley Montagu is a captivating exploration of the historical and cultural significance of dolphins throughout human civilization. The book traces the multifaceted relationship between humans and dolphins, examining their roles in mythology, art, science, and our evolving understanding of intelligence and interspecies communication. Key Points: Lilly and Montagu delve into ancient myths, folklore, and archaeological evidence to uncover the enduring fascination and reverence humans have had for dolphins. They explore how dolphins have been depicted in art, literature, and religious beliefs, shedding light on the symbolic and spiritual significance attributed to these intelligent creatures. The book also explores the scientific study of dolphins, including their remarkable cognitive abilities, social behaviors, and their role as subjects of research in fields such as communication, psychology, and neuroscience. It examines the ongoing efforts to understand dolphin intelligence and the ethical considerations surrounding their conservation and welfare. The Dolphin in History provides readers with a captivating blend of cultural history, scientific inquiry, and philosophical reflection. It invites us to reconsider our relationship with the natural world and the significance of non-human beings in our collective human story, inspiring a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the animal kingdom.




Whales and Dolphins of the World


Book Description

This is a new, redesigned and reformatted edition of a popular title. Whales and dolphins, or cetaceans, have captivated and intrigued humankind for centuries. They are incredibly diverse and have evolved a fascinating range of specializations to allow them, despite being air-breathing mammals, to exploit habitats ranging from the surface waters to the abyssal depths. Whales and Dolphins of the World is a stunningly illustrated celebration of their variety - there are over 80 species - behaviour and natural history. It describes what we know of their lives such as feeding, reproduction, communication and social structures, and outlines the factors that affect them, from hunting to pollution. The strong relationship between humans and cetaceans is also considered, with a look at dolphin therapy, as are the pros and cons of whale- and dolphin-watching and what makes a good trip. A map of the world highlights the waters in which these mammals are found.




Primates and Cetaceans


Book Description

In this book, the editors present a view of the socioecology of primates and cetaceans in a comparative perspective to elucidate the social evolution of highly intellectual mammals in terrestrial and aquatic environments. Despite obvious differences in morphology and eco-physiology, there are many cases of comparable, sometimes strikingly similar patterns of sociobehavioral complexity. A number of long-term field studies have accumulated a substantial amount of data on the life history of various taxa, foraging ecology, social and sexual relationships, demography, and various patterns of behavior: from dynamic fission–fusion to long-term stable societies; from male-bonded to bisexually bonded to matrilineal groups. Primatologists and cetologists have come together to provide four evolutionary themes: (1) social complexity and behavioral plasticity, (2) life history strategies and social evolution, (3) the interface between behavior, demography, and conservation, and (4) selected topics in comparative behavior. These comparisons of taxa that are evolutionarily distant but live in comparable complex sociocognitive environments boost our appreciation of their sophisticated mammalian societies and can advance our understanding of the ecological factors that have shaped their social evolution. This knowledge also facilitates a better understanding of the day-to-day challenges these animals face in the human-dominated world and may improve the capacity and effectiveness of our conservation efforts.




Our Dolphin Ancestors


Book Description

Reveals the shared ancestry behind our affinity with dolphins and our shared destiny • Explains how we are both descendants of the aquatic ape and still share many physiological features with dolphins that set us apart from other primates • Explores dolphins’ communication with other species and how dolphin therapy has miraculous effects on people with autism, cancer, stroke, and depression • Explores the connections between dolphins and Atlantis and Lemuria Wild animals avoid contact with humans, but wild dolphins seek us out to play and socialize, even going so far as to voluntarily rescue people from drowning. What explains this remarkable natural affinity? Revealing the evolutionary basis for our special relationship with dolphins, Frank Joseph explains how we are both descendants of the same ancient branch of human-ity. Building upon the aquatic ape theory, he details how we both began on land but devastating floods forced our distant ancestors into the seas, where humanity developed many of the traits that set us apart from other primates, such as our instinctive diving reflex and our newborns’ ability to swim. But while some of the aquatic apes returned to land, later evolving into modern humans, some remained in the cradle of Mother Ocean and became our dolphin cousins. Integrating scientific research on dolphin intelligence, communication, and physiology with enduring myths from some of the world’s oldest cultures, such as the Aborigines, Norse, Greeks, and Celts, the author examines our physical commonalities with dolphins, including their vestigial thumbs and legs, birth processes, and body temperature. He explores dolphins’ uncanny ability to diagnose disease such as cancer in humans and how dolphin therapy has had miraculous effects on children with autism, victims of stroke, and those suffering from depression. He provides evidence for dolphins’ different attitudes toward men, women, and children, their natural affinity with cats and dogs, and their telepathic communication with other species, including ours. He explores dolphins’ mysterious role in the birth of early civilization and their connections with the Dog Star, Sirius, and Atlantis and Lemuria--a bond still commemorated by annual gatherings of millions of dolphins. As Frank Joseph shows, if we can learn to fully communicate with dolphins, accessing their millennia-old oral tradition, we may learn the truth about humanity’s origins and our shared future, when humankind may yet again quit the land for a final return to the sea.