Keep our wildlife safe

This summer, visitors to Phillip Island have been treated to some very special close-up encounters.

Fur seals have been seen dozing on the jetties around the island, and a curious bottlenose dolphin has approached swimmers playfully in Cowes.

Australian fur seals feed and rest all around Westernport, often finding rocky outcrops or jetties a comfortable place to have a nap between feeds. Bottlenose dolphins usually move around in small pods, but occassionaly a young dolphin may find swimming humans interesting playmates!

Whilst seeing these inquistive marine mammals interact with people is exciting, it is also a good reminder to respect our wildlife. For the animal’s and people’s safety please refrain from trying to touch the animal, and please do not feed them any fish. Approaching too closely can cause seals to prematurely return to the water from their much needed rest, which is exhausting. Dolphins may become disoriented or stressed.

Getting too close also increases the risk of injury, as seals can bite and dolphins may react defensively. Seals particularly can get used to approaching humans for food and can sadly get injured with hooks and fishing lines (as pictured below).

In Australia, seals and dolphins are protected by laws that ensure they are not disturbed, especially when on land. Close encounters disrupt the animals’ natural rest, feeding, or breeding habits, which can negatively affect their health and population numbers. Disturbing or touching the animals can also spread diseases.

Please remember to observe these amazing animals responsibly;

• Stay back: Keep at least 40 meters from seals and 50 meters from dolphins.
• Use binoculars: Observe from a distance using binoculars or a zoom lens.
• Stay quiet: Avoid loud noises or sudden movements that might stress the animals.

When you visit Phillip Island, you may be lucky to see seals and dolphins up close! Please help protect them by enjoying a safe, respectful experience.