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From: Dave Head
_: 5
Date: 13-03-10
Time: 11:40
A Moko protection team has been mobilised with a NZ$5000- inflatable rigid boat dedicated to looking after the dolphin as well as the crowds of people who take to the water to play with him.
The ‘Moko Mobile’ bought by the Whakatane Community Board will be used by Moko’s official minders - Peter Cavanagh, Kirsty Carrington and Jackie Jacks.
Cavanagh - who is Whakatane harbour superintendent - says the boat will have a guard on the propeller to protect Moko and swimmers.
Moko has been seen stealing fish from nets in the Whakatane river so the community board is also looking at a fishing net restriction to protect Moko and swimmers, Cavanagh said.
Moko minder Kirsty Carrington, a Whakatane solo mother says she is thrilled with her new job as a Moko minder. She had been looking for work as a teacher but now spends hours a day protecting the dolphin and his admirers.
Carrington wears a bright gold cap that picks her out in the water as the person to speak to about inter-acting with Moko.
DOC says that the best advice for people wanting to have a safe up-close-and-personal experience with Moko is to go out with one of Whakatane’s three marine mammal swimming and viewing permit holders.
Field centre supervisor Fiona Hennessey said Diveworks, Whales & Dolphin Watch, and White Island Tours all had permits, and would ensure the safety of both Moko and their swimmers.
Moko on the web:
Moko in Whakatane blog Moko on YouTube Moko on Facebook Moko on Twitter MORE SEE:http://www.newzealand.com/travel/media/press-releases/2010/3/nature_moko-stars-in-whakatane_press-release.cfm
Last changed: 23-Jul-2011