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A fisherman has said that the famous Kerry’s dolphin, Fungie, followed his boat as it sailed into Dingle Bay yesterday, following concerns that the bottlenose dolphin was missing.
Paul Hand said, “I’m one hundred percent sure it was Fungie. I’ve been looking at him for the past 40 years. It was definitely him. He swam alongside my boat for a bit as I headed out to the bay.” .
Hand believes that increased dolphin activity in the bay may explain Fungie’s absence from her usual place in Dingle Harbor.
“There are a lot of other bottlenose dolphins in the bay right now because the place is full of sprat. I saw at least five or six of them yesterday.
“There is a lot of feeding and what is happening is that Fungie is following the fishing boats into the bay and is deciding to continue feeding with the other dolphins. He is enjoying the company.”
Concern for Fungie arose after the bottlenose dolphin was not seen since Wednesday.
Several boats have been involved in the search for the dolphin at the mouth of Dingle Harbor.
Local boatman Jimmy Flannery said yesterday: “We have a report that he was seen following a fishing boat at the mouth of the harbor early Wednesday morning, but has not been seen since,” he said.
“It’s unusual for him to go away, but I wouldn’t be too worried just yet. I hope he’s been in hiding for a while. But he’s not like him.”
Fungie first came to Dingle in 1983 and has been a constant attraction ever since.
Up to 12 boats make daily trips to the dolphin during an extended tourist season, with thousands of visitors looking to catch a glimpse of the friendly dolphin.
Experts say that some bottlenose dolphins can have a lifespan of up to 50 years. Fungie is believed to be at least 45 years old.
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