The Leaf Game
Uploaded: May 29, 2006
The Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins love to play. The leaf game consists of the dolphin catching the leaf on some part of their body and then shaking it off their body about 5-10 ft from a person or other dolphin. When there are multiple dolphins playing with a person, the second dolphin will wait til the person almost reaches the leaf and then he swims in and takes it away while laughing at you. It is so much fun to play. It becomes a game of tease the human or keep-a-way. It teaches people to 'lighten-up' and have fun in the moment. The morning these photos were taken this dolphin was playing with me. We were taking turns diving down and grabbing the leaf then swimming with it prior to releasing it for the next catch. During one of 'my turns' to get the leaf, I didn't swim fast enough before he spun around and re-caught the leaf. I laughed so hard that morning participating with the antics of this baby Spinner that I am surprised I didn't drown myself by swallow
Kathy Reeves July 19, 2006
Beautiful images of a fantastic animals!! Lovely story that went with it! It made my day! Where to you go or do that you get to play with dolphins!!!!! #487191Michele Jarvis July 20, 2006
Mahalo Kathy for your kind comments. There are many places around the Big Island of Hawaii where the wild Spinner Dolphins come in to play and rest after a night of feeding. They are usually playful early in the morning before they settle down to rest especially the babies. This particular dolphin was playing with me off Hookena beach. The main thing for humans to remember is to always be respectful of the dolphin's mood and please do not chase them or try to touch them. If they are sleepy then do not disturb for they need their rest. This youngster brought the leaf to me and started the game. It was his/her choice to interact. When that happens, it feels like a magical gift and blessing. #3054479Sign up for an interactive online photography course to get critiques on your photos.
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