Come on in, the water’s fine at Monkey Mia

The Monkey Mia dolphins are getting plenty of visitors. That’s according to Cath Roberts, the business manager at Monkey Mia Conservation Park. With borders shut, one of Australia’s — and the world’s — most unique attractions is proving a drawcard for West Australians. “It’s one of the few places in the State where people can get up close to the dolphins,” Cath Roberts said. “You’re in the water and they come in.” She said while other parts of WA offered dolphin experiences, the Monkey Mia version, where wild dolphins came in to shallow water to take food from people, was unique. “This is where they live, the beach here, they’re here pretty much every day,” she said. “They’re just all year round. “Being in a World Heritage Area, it’s pretty special.” She said the closed State and international borders were not making a difference. “You wouldn’t notice it here,” she said. “It’s like everyone has left Perth.” Three tours operate each day between 7.45am and midday, although the times can be subject to change. “They’re wild animals,” Cath Roberts said. According to the Parks and Wildlife Service, a fishing couple started feeding the local dolphins part of their catch in the 1960s, leading marine biologists to start the Monkey Mia Dolphin research project in 1982. Park rangers keep records of the feedings and make sure the dolphins’ natural hunting behaviours are not altered. The area has been featured in the BBC’s Blue Planet II production, and presenter Sir David Attenborough recently joined a call to prevent trophy killings of sharks there, saying it harmed the dolphin feeding. Entry fees to the conservation park for the day are $15 for adults, $10 for concession holders and $35 for families. For more, see Sharkbay.org.