Dolphins Playing with Leaves

Dolphins enjoy playing with leaves that people bring for them.

Dolphins play with various leaves throughout the world.  Seaweed, coconut fronds, lauhala, and here in Hawaii an almond trees large colorful leaves.  After sonaring the leaves closely, the dolphins pick up chosen ones with their fins,  The leaves may be draped on the dolphin's rostrum, dorsal, pectoral, or tail fins.

Dolphins may carry the leaves for miles.  Or they will shrug the leaves from one fin to another. If they drop off a leaf another dolphin may come behind and pick it up.

 

 

The dolphins also drop off leaves in front of people in the water. They wait to see what the person may do. Sometimes, if the person dives to take the leaf, the dolphin flies in first in a game of 'keep away'.

 

 

 

Dolphins will also pick up plastic bags, fishing line, rope, and other garbage that doesnt belong floating in the sea.