In a heartwarming and delightful display of generosity, a humpback dolphin named Mystique has captured the hearts of visitors at the Barnacles Café and Dolphin Feeding Centre on Queensland’s Cooloola Coast. Mystique, a 29-year-old male dolphin, has developed an adorable habit of bringing treasures from the ocean floor to humans—showing off his impressive collection of shells, coral, and even antique bottles.
Mystique’s Treasure Hunt
Mystique’s remarkable habit of gift-giving began naturally, without any training from the staff at the centre. Volunteers have observed him diligently retrieving various objects from the sea, bringing them up to the shore to present to visitors. Mystique is so dedicated that he sometimes brings up to 10 items in a single day, one after the other! These finds range from timber and wood to seashells, and he even manages to balance the objects skillfully on his beak.
A Generous Dolphin With a Hidden Collection
Mystique’s gifts seem to come from a secret stash he has somewhere in the depths of the ocean. According to volunteer feeder Lyn McPherson, Mystique will often retrieve an item and bring it to the humans. If he drops it too far out or doesn’t quite meet their expectations, the dolphin will dive underneath it and bring it closer, as if to perfect his presentation.
While Mystique has a unique passion for treasure hunting, he’s not entirely alone in his pursuits. His pod, which includes six other dolphins, sometimes accompanies him. However, Mystique is the only one known to bring gifts regularly, though he is occasionally joined by another male dolphin who hopes for some tasty fish treats in return.
The Impact of COVID-19
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the centre was closed for a period, and during that time, Mystique’s treasure hunting behavior increased. With fewer visitors and less human interaction, it seems that he turned to treasure-hunting as a way to stay engaged. When the centre finally reopened in May, 200 daily visitors once again witnessed the magic of Mystique’s oceanic offerings.
The History of Dolphin Interaction
The Barnacles Café and Dolphin Feeding Centre has a rich history, dating back to the early 1950s. The centre was founded after a local dolphin, injured and beached, was saved by the community. Once restored to health, the dolphin returned to the wild, but not before coming back with other dolphins to visit the bay. Mystique, along with his mother, began visiting in 1991, and since then, many dolphins have continued to interact with the community, enriching the lives of visitors.
A Joyful Experience
Visiting the centre has become a beloved tradition for many families. A video from the Tin Can Bay centre shows excited children hand-feeding the dolphins, who gently swim towards them before accepting their fish offerings. According to staff, the dolphins come not just for the food, but for the interaction with humans, reinforcing the bond between humans and these intelligent marine creatures.
Mystique’s gift-giving habits are a charming reminder of the deep connections that can form between humans and the animal world, as well as the joy of experiencing these extraordinary moments in nature.
