Whale watchers in California were delighted by a rare display known as ‘tail walking’ by a northern right whale dolphin.
In the footage, which Monterey Bay Whale Watch shared on Instagram, a black and white dolphin holds itself upright and skips across the water as if it was using its tail like feet.
The tail walking dolphin was spotted in Monterey Bay, California. Credit: Evan Brodsky
Like other dolphin species, these animals are known for their playful nature. “They often do repetitive leaps for fun or communication within the dolphin herd,” says Nancy Black, a marine biologist and owner of Monterey Bay Whale Watch.
“We see them often in Monterey Bay, California as a deep submarine canyon occurs very close to shore allowing deep water species of whales and dolphins to be found closer to shore here.”
But this particular behaviour is not often seen. “I can’t express to you how uncommonly rare this behaviour is,” the wildlife guide tells the guests on the boat.
Tail walking is rarely seen, let alone filmed. Credit: Evan Brodsky
Image and video credit: Evan Brodsky | @monterey_bay_whale_watch
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