When visitors see dolphins swimming gracefully through the Mandurah Estuary, it’s natural to feel the urge to get closer — and for some, that includes wanting to feed them. But while it may seem like a kind gesture, feeding wild dolphins can actually do more harm than good.
Mandurah’s dolphins are thriving because they remain wild, independent, and self-sufficient. And that’s exactly how it should stay.
Dolphins Are Expert Hunters
Dolphins in the Peel-Harvey Estuary are highly skilled at finding their own food. They hunt fish, squid and crustaceans using teamwork, intelligence and echolocation — a natural sonar system that helps them locate prey even in murky water.
When dolphins are fed by humans, they begin to rely on handouts instead of using these natural instincts. Over time, this can weaken their ability to hunt and reduce their chances of survival in the wild.
Feeding Changes Their Behaviour
One of the biggest dangers of feeding dolphins is how it alters their behaviour around boats and people.
Dolphins that associate humans with food may:
- Swim dangerously close to boats
- Approach propellers and hulls
- Become aggressive when food isn’t given
- Spend less time hunting naturally
This increases the risk of injury — not just to dolphins, but to people as well.
Keeping dolphins wild means keeping both them and visitors safe.
Human Food Isn’t Dolphin Food
Even when people offer fish, it’s rarely suitable for dolphins. The wrong type of fish, poor quality, or food handled by humans can introduce bacteria and diseases into dolphin populations.
What feels like a harmless snack can lead to:
- Digestive issues
- Illness
- Long-term health problems
Wild dolphins have a perfectly balanced diet already — they don’t need ours.
Why Mandurah’s Dolphins Are So Special
Mandurah is lucky to have a resident pod of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins that choose to stay in the estuary year-round. This is because the waterways provide:
- Abundant natural food
- Safe resting areas
- Clean tidal flows
- A balanced ecosystem
By not feeding them, we help preserve this delicate environment and ensure future generations can enjoy seeing dolphins in their natural state — free, healthy and wild.
The Best Way to Enjoy Dolphins
The most rewarding dolphin encounters happen when we observe respectfully.
Here’s how you can help protect Mandurah’s dolphins:
- Watch from a safe distance
- Never feed or attempt to touch dolphins
- Keep noise levels low on the water
- Follow skipper and tour guide instructions
- Share the message with others
When dolphins approach naturally — without expecting food — you get to witness real, authentic wildlife behaviour.
Keeping Mandurah’s Dolphins Wild
Mandurah Estuary Dolphin Cruises plays an important role in protecting local marine life by promoting responsible wildlife viewing and educating visitors on best practices.
Every time someone chooses not to feed a dolphin, they’re helping preserve:
- Natural behaviours
- Strong dolphin populations
- Safer waterways
- A healthier estuary ecosystem
And that’s something we can all feel good about.