Pelorus Jack was a Risso’s dolphin that became a legend in New Zealand for his unusual behavior of escorting ships through treacherous waters. He first appeared in 1888 and spent the next 24 years accompanying ships traveling between Wellington and Nelson, near the entrance to Pelorus Sound in the Marlborough Sounds.
Pelorus Jack always stayed within a well-defined area and never ventured beyond French Pass, where the water surges through at up to 8 knots. He enjoyed swimming up against the boats and riding their bow waves, and over time he became a tourist attraction, drawing famous figures like American writer Mark Twain and English author Frank T. Bullen.
However, Pelorus Jack’s fame also attracted negative attention. In the early 1900s, someone fired at him from a steamer. This incident led to demands that Pelorus Jack be protected by law, and in 1904, an order in council was issued under the Sea-fisheries Act 1894 and the subsequent Fisheries Act 1908. However, these protection orders were invalid, as neither act covered marine mammals other than seals.
Mystery surrounds Pelorus Jack’s death. Many believed that he was harpooned by Norwegian whalers who anchored off the entrance to Pelorus Sound in late April 1912. However, there is also an account of an anonymous deathbed confession by a man who said he helped his father kill a dolphin stranded after a storm and later realized it had been Pelorus Jack.
Despite his death, the legend of Pelorus Jack lived on. A chocolate bar was even named after him, and he is the subject of many songs. Today, Pelorus Sound is a popular spot for dolphin watching, and Pelorus Jack’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting marine life.
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