In light of the recent incident with Sophie Brown and Moko the dolphin, Professor Mark Orams of AUT's New Zealand Tourism Institute says there is a need for people to know the dangers involved in interacting with a wild dolphin.

The case of 'Moko' the sociable bottlenose dolphin at Mahia stopping a swimmer returning to shore earlier this week is a timely reminder of the risks involved in interacting with wild dolphins says Professor Mark Orams from AUT University.

Professor Orams has conducted research on marine mammal tourism for over a decade and has published widely on the issue including a review of historical accounts of individual dolphins that actively seek out human contact.

"There are a number of cases of dolphins becoming interactive with people from around the world and, of course, some from within New Zealand such as Pelorus Jack, Opo, Maui and now Moko.

Unfortunately, there are significant risks involved for both the dolphin and for people in these circumstances and tragedy is often the result," says Professor Orams.

Professor Orams points out that bottlenose dolphins such as Moko normally live in complex social groups where dominance hierarchies are created, tested and reinforced through a variety of behaviour, including aggressive acts.

"When dolphins start to incorporate humans into their social group they tend to increasingly assert themselves as they become more confident. Aggression is part of their behavioural make-up and humans can be on the receiving end. Dolphins are powerful marine predators, we must always remember that they hunt and kill to survive. It is inaccurate to think of them as 'cuddly, playful and friendly animals that need our friendship', they are wild animals that deserve our respect."

"I think it really important that people considering 'playing' or interacting with Moko ask themselves the question 'what is in the best interests of Moko?'. My view is that it is in this dolphin's best interest to interact with its own kind, to develop the social skills it needs to hunt, breed, raise young and be a successful wild dolphin. While we might get a great deal of enjoyment out of 'befriending' this dolphin, the more it associates with people the less likely it is to seek out its own kind. If we truly care about dolphins and about Moko we will put its interests above our own desires."