Pilot Whales Rise

Swimming above Pilot whales

http://youtu.be/6FLxGtM_yn4

Four impressive pilot whales traveling slowly below the surface seemed not to mind at all as three women swam above them.  They could have easily moved out from under us, but instead allowed our company as they glided between breaths for over five minutes before coming up for air just in front of us. The one to the left is definately a male, the one directly below a male as well and the third, to the right of me, a subadult or possibly female.  Another group was made up of several youngsters, with surely females nearby. 10 or more pilots in this pod.
Pilot whales are not considered endangered, although of course we want to preserve their numbers and protect every whale in our oceans.  We have no idea who they really are!  They are found regularly several miles off the Kona coast.

Pilot whales die in great numbers, beaching themselves and at human hands.  Although my friend, videographer Lee Tepley, filmed a pilot whale dragging a woman underwater with his teeth, in thousands of other encounters along the Kona coast pilot whales have not harmed people.  Cetaceans have great respect for us.  They deserve great respect given to them.

Much aloha,
Roberta Goodman
Wild Dolphin Swims Hawaii
Kailua Kona