The marine mammal experts from Seaworld and NOAA who visited the Cayman Islands last week were able to confirm that “Stinky” the dolphin is older than suspected. He is estimated to be 20 years old. However, although thinner than he should be he is healthy.

“Stinky” has been attracting almost the world’s attention because of his aggressive and “sexual” behaviour towards swimmers. Youtube has shown much footage of the lonely dolphin trying to mate with swimmers, divers and even boats.

The experts said the public should not approach or attempt to swim with the marine mammal as it has the potential to cause harm.

Trevor Spradlin, a marine mammal biologist at NOAA’s Office of Protected Resources, Laura Engleby, a marine mammal branch chief with NOAA’s Protected Resources Division, and Chris Dold, Vice President of Veterinary Services at Seaworld Parks and Entertainment, all said everyone should resist the temptation to try get in the water and swim with, touch or try to feed the dolphin. This is the same warning our own Department of the Environment (DoE) has been preaching.

“It’s the public that need training more than the dolphin,” they said.

Chris Dold told people not to try and fend the dolphin off if it approaches because to the dolphin that appears to be some form of engagement.

“The best thing is not to give him reinforcement or engage him and if he’s staying around, end your dive as quickly but as safely as you can,” he said.

Whilst you think you are sending the message “Back off, dolphin!” to the dolphin it is encouragement…………

“Without knowing where he came from, it is not possible to just take him and put him with an existing pod,” Dold said. “Although it may be possible to put the dolphin in a captive facility, a lot of study would be required on his behaviour before that could happen.”

So, the future for “Stinky” is unpredictable and the vets noted that these circumstances rarely end well.

Tail slaps, opening his mouth, chuffing (a sharp exhalation of air through his blowhole), are the warning signs that ‘Stinky’ is not happy.

As the DoE said, there is no quick fix to the situation.

The experts said although they were unable to explain why the dolphin has gone rogue, their visit to Grand Cayman was fruitful, interesting and was not the end of the matter. They will be keeping in touch with DoE to help determine a long-term solution.

Armed with more information about Stink’s behaviour, DoE will convene a panel of international experts alongside the three US specialists to discuss the best way forward for the animal and the public.