TAME DOLPHIN INJURED

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27858, 5 January 1956, Page 10

TAME DOLPHIN INJURED

GAMBOLS OFF BEACH AT OPONONI

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, January 4.

Opo George, -dolphin playmate of holidaymakers at Opononi, on the Hokianga Harbour, has a sore head after the New Year.

He swam too close to a launch propeller yesterday, and suffered two gashes on the side of his jaw. But he is all right again and is back rubbing.himself against boats, scratching his head on oars and appearing swiftly as a surprise participant in games played by swimming children. If anything happens to George, there will be a near-riot at Opononi. “There will be trouble for somebody if he hurls George, who is everybody’s pet.” said Mr A. S. Andrews, the Opononi storekeeper, today. George, though he loves the companionship of swimmers and‘boats, turns up his nose at food offered him, and looks after himself.

George has frequented Opononi waters for two years, but only in the last six months has he made close social contact. Now he cannot be kept out of any fun in the watei*. Negotiations to have him protected are proceeding between the Hokianga County Council and the Marine Department.