Human-Humping Dolphin A Threat To Divers
If you were hoping to get lucky on your next vacation, it wasn't like this.
Visitors to Grand Cayman Island are being warned about a solitary wild male dolphin, nicknamed Stinky or (more appropriately) Humpy, who trolls the waters near the island. Likely expelled from his pod when he was young, Humpy has recently reached sexual maturity—and without any flirtatious lady dolphins nearby, he's turned to human divers to release his...frustrations. While it might sound funny to have your leg (or rather, your whole body) humped by the sugar daddy of the sea, the reality is that this is one dangerous dolphin.
Last week, videographer Michael Maes, his wife and their friend were diving at Hepps Wall off of West Bay when they were approached and "courted" by the randy young adult. Both Maes and their friend, marine biologist Alex Mustard, took the brunt of—what is, in actuality—an attack from the seven-foot creature. Maes was physically held down at what was, luckily, only a depth of 30 feet.
As a result, the Cayman Islands Department of Environment has stepped up their investigation of the loner dolphin, and both Maes and Island officials offer similar warnings. Maes writes:
- So if you encounter a lonely Dolphin like "Stinky," do not get into the water.
- If you are in the water, leave as soon and safe as possible.
- If the Dolphin prevents you from getting out of the water (or ascending as a diver) and you are with a group: stay close together—that will leave the Dolphin fewer options.
And the stark warning:
- If the Dolphin decides to use you as a (sex) toy, you don't stand a chance. These are animals with 500 pound of pure muscle!
The Department of Environment also urges visitors to resist feeding any wild dolphin, as it will likely discourage Humpy from joining other passing wild pods and could give him even more reason to be turned on by tourists.