Nadine Cremer (Volunteer firmm)

On my first trip with firmm I saw three different marine mammals in the Strait of Gibraltar. The day started with sunshine and a good mood on board. Every one was very excited to see the animals in the wild. First we saw a school of Pilot Whales with two calves, soon joined by the big Bottlenose Dolphins. We were very lucky to see them jumping, spyhopping and tailslapping. It felt very good to see their stunts in freedom, not in a delfinarium where the animals are living under very bad conditions.
I will never forget this feeling of seeing the dolphins really wild and free.
On our way back some Striped Dolphins joined us, too.
I think I am very lucky that I can do something for these wonderful animals with my work here with firmm.

Text and photos: Katharina Heyer, firmm

We saw Lolly the first time 4 years ago, in April 2004. She was sighted and remembered because of a fungal infection on her dorsal fin which was diagnosed by Prof. David Senn. Lolly is a Bottlenose female, mother of a little calf which is also showing a white fungal infection. The fungal infection on the fin of Lolly did not grow much, but the one on Lolly’s back got worse during the last 4 years.