The whale and dolphin protection community is saddened at the flippant response of some people, to the death of Moko the dolphin.

Since the discovery of Moko’s body on Matakana Island, there has been an outpouring of grief from New Zealanders who had grown to love the fun-loving, friendly dolphin. Their pain has been exacerbated by the thoughtless attitude of some people who feel they are simply over reacting.

Whilst many Moko supporters have paid heartfelt tribute to the animal, their mourning has been mocked and questioned, suggesting that the death of this magnificent creature is in some way insignificant.

Speaking on behalf of Project Jonah, Kimberly Muncaster said, “Grief is grief; it’s hugely personal and individual. People react to loss in different ways and it can be painful to have your sense of bereavement questioned.”

It’s obvious that this solitary dolphin has had a profound impact on many lives. Facebook hosts a Moko Memorial Wall, where comments and tributes to Moko are moving and poignant and show the immense depth of feeling towards this much loved dolphin.

Registered Clinical Psychologist Dr Sally Davis says, “Grief is a personal process and is no less significant because it’s related to the death of an animal. We all grieve differently and there’s certainly no right or wrong way to grieve. People may feel a range of emotions, such as sadness, anger or guilt or experience a loss of appetite, lack of energy or find it difficult to sleep. These are all normal and healthy responses. Through the experience of grief people are able to adjust to loss over time.”

For those that are feeling a sense of grief for the loss of Moko, Project Jonah suggests that they seek the support of family, friends and fellow Moko supporters. The Facebook Moko Memorial Wall is a good place to connect to the shared grief of other people and find comfort. Mourners may also feel a sense of empowerment and unity in joining a group like Project Jonah, so that their sadness becomes a turning point to take positive action to protect whales and dolphins first hand.

Moko was the fourteenth solitary dolphin to have been recorded in New Zealand’s history, with only 90 or so cases ever being documented worldwide. His presence in local areas is something that has been thoroughly celebrated and since his arrival in Mahia in 2007, he has brought joy to many people. Moko was an extremely rare phenomenon, so his death is extremely sad and particularly significant.

“All we’re asking is that people respect our sense of loss, even if they’re not feeling it themselves,” says Kimberly. “We live in a world that should embrace individual differences, rather than narrowing its view of human emotion. Some people may not be moved by the loss of an animal, but others are.”

For more information and support visit www.projectjonah.org.nz