Dolphin Tales: Nursery pod
On a recent charter to Boca Grande, we spotted a bottlenose dolphin nursery pod consisting of about 12 moms and calves. The calves looked to be about 55-65 pounds and their color was much darker than their mothers’. It appeared that the moms were teaching the calves to forage for fish. Calves will rely almost entirely on their mother’s milk for the first 3 years but mom will introduce them to fish early on. They may just play with the fish but they are learning.
Adult females form these nursery pods for protection and to learn from other moms. They maintain these close associations with other females of similar reproductive age. This provides a larger defense against predation and allows the dolphins to learn from more experienced moms.
Both male and female dolphins between 3 and 13 years of age swim together in juvenile pods. Young dolphins associate most often with other individuals their own age. Most of their time is spent socializing. Juvenile males and females engage in mating behavior but relationships between males and females are short-lived. Once the young female becomes pregnant she joins the nursery pod of other females. Female dolphins that have bonded with each other swim together in these nursery pods to help care for and protect their young.
Adult male dolphins are rarely seen near nursery pods. The males will form a pair bond with another male. These relationships are very close and cooperative and can last for decades. However, adult males are still the most transient of dolphins, frequently moving from one pod to another.
Capt. Cathy Eagle has spent over 40 years boating in our local waters. As a professional charter captain she specializes in dolphin and nature tours. Visit CaptainCathy.com or call 239 994-2572.