Tangalooma Island Resort's baby dolphin

Tangalooma Island Resort's latest arrival is Eclipse, a baby dolphin which has joined the pod of wild dolphins that visit the Resort each night at sunset.

Born in June 2024 to Silhouette, one of the resort's resident dolphins, Eclipse has quickly become a favourite among guests and staff. The calf’s playful energy and close bond with its mother have made it a memorable part of the Tangalooma experience.

The name "Eclipse" was chosen with great care and consideration, with the Tangalooma team taking time to get to know the dolphin and its behaviours before choosing the appropriate name. Like an ‘eclipse’ the name evokes a sense of mystery and wonder (which also fits the inquisitive nature of the new calf), but it also pays homage to the name of its mother, Silhouette. Think of a stunning Tangalooma sunset, where light and shadow dance together – that's the beautiful connection between these two names, symbolising the unique bond between mother and calf.

Eclipse's arrival underscores the Tangalooma Eco Centre's unwavering dedication to eco-tourism and responsible wildlife interaction. The resort remains a global leader, setting the standard for sustainable dolphin research and care. For decades, Tangalooma has fostered a deep connection with this wild dolphin pod, offering guests a supervised feeding experience that prioritises education, research, and conservation. Individually guided by knowledgeable Eco Rangers, this profound experience creates a personal connection between visitor and dolphin, inspiring lifelong advocacy for marine conservation and ocean protection.

Tangalooma Island Resort has been hosting this same pod of wild dolphins every night since the 1980s. Guests of the Resort have the unique opportunity to interact responsibly with these magnificent creatures, participating in a supervised feeding experience that educates and inspires conservation awareness.

The Dolphin Care Team, consisting of Eco Rangers and dedicated staff, run the program which operates to strict guidelines to ensure the protection of the bottlenose dolphins. The dolphins come into feed, usually arriving just after sunset, and of their own accord. There are 10 dolphins in the pod. 

To ensure the dolphins maintain their natural instincts and independence, Tangalooma only feed each of the dolphins no more than 10 to 20 percent of their daily food requirement. This ensures they also hunt for themselves and can survive on their own.

Tangalooma Island Resort is located on the western side of Moreton Island, just a short 75 min boat ride from Brisbane. Known for its pristine beaches, clear waters, and unique wildlife experiences, Tangalooma offers a range of activities including dolphin feeding, snorkelling, and whale watching, making it a popular destination for families and nature enthusiasts alike.

Images and video courtesy of Tangalooma Island Resort.