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To Touch a Wild Dolphin: A Journey of Discovery with the Sea's Most Intelligent Creatures
In 1982, Rachel Smolker traveled to Monkey Mia, a remote spot in western Australia where she’d heard wild dolphins regularly interact with people. She had no intention of staying long; she simply wanted to see if the rumors were true. That initial trip changed Smolker’s life; it commenced a fifteen-year scientific obsession that has culminated in this fascinating scientific adventure story–the first-ever intimate account of dolphin life in the wild.
To Touch A Wild Dolphin is a seminal work that radically alters our fundamental understanding of these enigmatic creatures. Learning to identify scores of dolphins by their dorsal fin, Smolker and her team of scientists were able to conduct close and consistent studies that revealed the dolphin to be even more intelligent than we’d previously suspected. And while they were every bit as playful as we’ve known them to be, they also proved to have a dark and alarmingly violent side. But more than just a document on dolphins, this book is a touchingly personal look at the life of a scientist, at the rigors and sacrifices but also the wonders and joys of unending days in the field. Written with prose poetic and pristine, this book is nothing short of a landmark.
To Touch A Wild Dolphin is a seminal work that radically alters our fundamental understanding of these enigmatic creatures. Learning to identify scores of dolphins by their dorsal fin, Smolker and her team of scientists were able to conduct close and consistent studies that revealed the dolphin to be even more intelligent than we’d previously suspected. And while they were every bit as playful as we’ve known them to be, they also proved to have a dark and alarmingly violent side. But more than just a document on dolphins, this book is a touchingly personal look at the life of a scientist, at the rigors and sacrifices but also the wonders and joys of unending days in the field. Written with prose poetic and pristine, this book is nothing short of a landmark.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 4, 2019
The subtitle of this book is actually 'The lives and minds of the Dolphins of Monkey Mia' and I was excited to come across it. Having studied marine biology, a chance to read about the early days of research into Dolphins in general and Monkey Mia in particular was very enticing.
The story is mostly a personal journey, that of the author Rachel Smolker who, in the early 1980's started traveling from America to Australia to research the Dolphins at Monkey Mia. It is told in a clear, straightforward voice and the personality of the writer/author comes through very nicely. Her feeling of privilege and excitement to be interacting so closely with wild dolphins comes through charmingly in the text. This is reading the dream and the fantasy that so many of us had as undergraduates, only for this luck lady it came true.
This is a fascinating book, it is not really heavy on science so I would have no hesitation in recommending it to people who are not really 'popular science' readers. There is enough though, to validate the research they were doing for those of us who like reading about science. There are fascinating descriptions of the region as it was before it became the tourist attraction it is today; when the road to the area was unsealed, the only accommodation a remote and undeveloped camping ground right on the edge of the bay where dolphins came to land looking for handouts.
Beautifully and sensitively written, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, was immersed when I picked it up and looked forward to getting back to it when I had to put it down. While a few of the techniques and discoveries date the text a little bit, it was published in 2001 and has not dated much.
I came away from it knowing so much more about dolphins, their habits and their social interactions as well as having had a fascinating glimpse at the early research into their behaviour.
The story is mostly a personal journey, that of the author Rachel Smolker who, in the early 1980's started traveling from America to Australia to research the Dolphins at Monkey Mia. It is told in a clear, straightforward voice and the personality of the writer/author comes through very nicely. Her feeling of privilege and excitement to be interacting so closely with wild dolphins comes through charmingly in the text. This is reading the dream and the fantasy that so many of us had as undergraduates, only for this luck lady it came true.
This is a fascinating book, it is not really heavy on science so I would have no hesitation in recommending it to people who are not really 'popular science' readers. There is enough though, to validate the research they were doing for those of us who like reading about science. There are fascinating descriptions of the region as it was before it became the tourist attraction it is today; when the road to the area was unsealed, the only accommodation a remote and undeveloped camping ground right on the edge of the bay where dolphins came to land looking for handouts.
Beautifully and sensitively written, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, was immersed when I picked it up and looked forward to getting back to it when I had to put it down. While a few of the techniques and discoveries date the text a little bit, it was published in 2001 and has not dated much.
I came away from it knowing so much more about dolphins, their habits and their social interactions as well as having had a fascinating glimpse at the early research into their behaviour.
August 2, 2021
Interesting, but not particularly well-written & can put one to sleep easily. Smolker's scientific objectivity is a huge plus though, as so many books about dolphins and whales fall into a trap of New Age thinking. 3.25*
August 11, 2008
It's not very often that a nonfiction reads as smoothly as a fiction, but Smolker accomplishes this beautifully. I could read this over and over and never get tired of it. A great read for biologists and non-geeks alike.
August 8, 2017
For more reviews, or to check out my favourite quotes from this book, go to my blog at http://mlsparrow.wix.com/mlsparrow
3.5
This is the second time I've tried to read this book. The first time I didn't get more than a few chapters in. This time I finished it but I have to say there were times when I was forcing myself to read it. It seems to plod along. There are bits that are really interesting and I liked that this is a scientist who worked with wild dolphins rather than captive ones.
I enjoyed learning about the dolphins at Monkey Mia and their different personalities and, as I said, I also liked learning about wild dolphins rather than captive ones, since you can't say that the behaviour of captive dolphins in normal. Also, the pictures in the book are gorgeous!
I did have to keep reminding myself though that this book is relatively old. It was published in 2001 but most of the research is from the late 1900's, mostly before I was born. I love the idea of Monkey Mia, but was saddened to hear it was turned into a tourist resort and god knows what it's like now.
However, the thing for me was the pacing. Beginning and end it was so slow, though it was faster paced in the middle. Also, the layout confused me a little since in one chapter it would mention that a certain dolphin died, then in the next it would be talking as if it were alive. I understand that it's laid out that way for a reason and it does make sense, but at times it confused me.
Although relatively old, all in all this is a good book to learn about wild dolphins if you can persevere through the first few chapters.
3.5
This is the second time I've tried to read this book. The first time I didn't get more than a few chapters in. This time I finished it but I have to say there were times when I was forcing myself to read it. It seems to plod along. There are bits that are really interesting and I liked that this is a scientist who worked with wild dolphins rather than captive ones.
I enjoyed learning about the dolphins at Monkey Mia and their different personalities and, as I said, I also liked learning about wild dolphins rather than captive ones, since you can't say that the behaviour of captive dolphins in normal. Also, the pictures in the book are gorgeous!
I did have to keep reminding myself though that this book is relatively old. It was published in 2001 but most of the research is from the late 1900's, mostly before I was born. I love the idea of Monkey Mia, but was saddened to hear it was turned into a tourist resort and god knows what it's like now.
However, the thing for me was the pacing. Beginning and end it was so slow, though it was faster paced in the middle. Also, the layout confused me a little since in one chapter it would mention that a certain dolphin died, then in the next it would be talking as if it were alive. I understand that it's laid out that way for a reason and it does make sense, but at times it confused me.
Although relatively old, all in all this is a good book to learn about wild dolphins if you can persevere through the first few chapters.
November 22, 2015
To Touch A Wild Dolphin is an attention grabbing adventure story about a scientist named Rachel Smolker who traveled to a place in western Australia called Monkey Mia to observe dolphins. However, these dolphins were not just any dolphins. These dolphins were wild, and she heard some had gotten so comfortable with humans that they could be fed by hand. So, Rachel went to see if the rumors about this place and the dolphins that inhabit it were true. Little did she know that trip to Monkey Mia would change her whole life. After spending her first night at Monkey Mia, she said “The landscape was so beautifully strange, I felt as if I had woken up on another planet altogether.” (Smolker 24) This quote shows how amazingly different this world is from hers back home in Vermont.
Once Rachel arrived at Monkey Mia she immediately knew she made the right choice. The water was teeming with dolphins, and the people that regularly visited the campgrounds welcomed Rachel and the rest of her crew with open arms. She was drawn to this place -- there was something compelling her to stay with these dolphins, putting her life at home on pause. Thus began her fifteen-year long scientific obsession with these beautiful creatures and everything there is to know about them. (Especially in observing the life of Holeyfin, a dolphin every visitor at Monkey Mia came to love.)
The story follows Rachel taking tests, notes, and collecting enough data to fill a book she takes back home to Vermont. She learned the only way to observe dolphins is in their home, where they belong. No scientist had gotten the opportunity to experience what it’s like to live with these dolphins. That was something that I could definitely tell that she was thankful for throughout the course of this book.
If there was one person who I’d recommend this book to, it would be my dad. Ever since I was little, he has told me how amazing dolphins are, and why we should do our best to protect them. Also, as soon as he picked this book up, he was intrigued. Though the book eventually grabbed my attention, it was slow to get into because it’s a nonfiction science book -- there’s not a lot of action and conflict. However, as the uniqueness of the story sinks in, the book opens up and allows the reader to experience a world that they never even knew existed.
Once Rachel arrived at Monkey Mia she immediately knew she made the right choice. The water was teeming with dolphins, and the people that regularly visited the campgrounds welcomed Rachel and the rest of her crew with open arms. She was drawn to this place -- there was something compelling her to stay with these dolphins, putting her life at home on pause. Thus began her fifteen-year long scientific obsession with these beautiful creatures and everything there is to know about them. (Especially in observing the life of Holeyfin, a dolphin every visitor at Monkey Mia came to love.)
The story follows Rachel taking tests, notes, and collecting enough data to fill a book she takes back home to Vermont. She learned the only way to observe dolphins is in their home, where they belong. No scientist had gotten the opportunity to experience what it’s like to live with these dolphins. That was something that I could definitely tell that she was thankful for throughout the course of this book.
If there was one person who I’d recommend this book to, it would be my dad. Ever since I was little, he has told me how amazing dolphins are, and why we should do our best to protect them. Also, as soon as he picked this book up, he was intrigued. Though the book eventually grabbed my attention, it was slow to get into because it’s a nonfiction science book -- there’s not a lot of action and conflict. However, as the uniqueness of the story sinks in, the book opens up and allows the reader to experience a world that they never even knew existed.
February 7, 2017
Cons:
The book was a little slow in most parts and not in the style I was expecting. It's more a personal narrative that almost reads like a journal. Maybe I should have been expecting that? It's been said previously by other reviewers that the book is supposed to be for those without scientific background, which is fine. But for me it was almost too basic.
Pros:
That being said, I like the fact that the author highlights how much uncertainty there is in their observations, as any science is imperfect (especially animal behavior).
Also, I was pleasantly surprised at how wrong my conceptions had been about dolphins and their community interactions. I always envisioned one big happy pod of dolphins swimming and coexisting in harmony. The book clearly paints a different picture.
I believe her observations were performed in the correct manner, but I would have been interested to hear a lot more about the methods they chose, why they chose them, etc.
The book was a little slow in most parts and not in the style I was expecting. It's more a personal narrative that almost reads like a journal. Maybe I should have been expecting that? It's been said previously by other reviewers that the book is supposed to be for those without scientific background, which is fine. But for me it was almost too basic.
Pros:
That being said, I like the fact that the author highlights how much uncertainty there is in their observations, as any science is imperfect (especially animal behavior).
Also, I was pleasantly surprised at how wrong my conceptions had been about dolphins and their community interactions. I always envisioned one big happy pod of dolphins swimming and coexisting in harmony. The book clearly paints a different picture.
I believe her observations were performed in the correct manner, but I would have been interested to hear a lot more about the methods they chose, why they chose them, etc.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2021
3.5 stars. Sometimes my eyes glazed over with the minutiae of the dolphin names and activities but I really appreciated a deeper understanding of the dolphin and their “society”. Smolker reveals some astonishing facts but for all her time and experiences at Monkey Mia I wish she had divulged an even greater punch for all the work she did.
Fun fact unbeknownst to me: Smolker is married to nature writer Bernd Heinrich.
Fun fact unbeknownst to me: Smolker is married to nature writer Bernd Heinrich.
August 1, 2018
Bought this at an airport gift shop on a whim. Could not put it down. Fascinating, and as a person who works with animals daily, rings very true.
June 28, 2020
It was interesting to learn more about how dolphins communicate with eachother and humans.
Worth a read
Worth a read
January 1, 2012
I really loved this book and was sad when it ended - Definitely like saying goodbye to a friend. "To Touch a Wild Dolphin" chronicles the first-ever intimate account of dolphin life in the wild. The author, Rachel Smolker, spent 15 years studying wild dolphins in western Australia, and this gem of a book distills her many experiences into an easy read that straps you into her boat and whisks you alongside the swimming herds of dolphins. This book is so well-written, especially considering that it's rendered from a scientific perspective. It's beauty lies not in numbers and measurements, but in the keen insight Ms. Smolker provides from being up close and personal with one of the sea's most magnificent creatures, and highlights how similar they are to human beings... how their strong & complicated social bonds are formed, how they forage for food, compete for sexual dominance, raise their young and navigate dangerous waters just to stay alive for another day.
One of my favorite quotes from this book: "So what is it that we see when we look into the eye of a dolphin and are struck immediately and powerfully with a sense that theirs is an intelligence of extraordinary measure? We see an eye that appraises, reserves judgment, watches intently, weighs and considers, infers and understands".
This book made me want to quit my day job and camp on the shores of Shark Bay just for the chance to interact with the dolphins there and observe them with my own eyes. But, the reality of the work Ms. Smolker has done must surely have been fraught with many struggles... camping your life away, never having roots, sitting in the hot sun for hours on end with not much to show for it, never knowing where your next source of funding will come from, having to live in close quarters with other researchers who you may or may not enjoy, and essentially living the life of a vagabond. Ms. Smolker has paid a high price for being one of the first researchers to document the extraordinary lives of dolphins. Her reward has been immense, yet I have to believe that, so too has been her sacrifice. In this book, she concentrates on the former, sharing the shining rewards of her quest, and we are all the better for it. Thank you, Ms. Smolker, for such a richly written book.
One of my favorite quotes from this book: "So what is it that we see when we look into the eye of a dolphin and are struck immediately and powerfully with a sense that theirs is an intelligence of extraordinary measure? We see an eye that appraises, reserves judgment, watches intently, weighs and considers, infers and understands".
This book made me want to quit my day job and camp on the shores of Shark Bay just for the chance to interact with the dolphins there and observe them with my own eyes. But, the reality of the work Ms. Smolker has done must surely have been fraught with many struggles... camping your life away, never having roots, sitting in the hot sun for hours on end with not much to show for it, never knowing where your next source of funding will come from, having to live in close quarters with other researchers who you may or may not enjoy, and essentially living the life of a vagabond. Ms. Smolker has paid a high price for being one of the first researchers to document the extraordinary lives of dolphins. Her reward has been immense, yet I have to believe that, so too has been her sacrifice. In this book, she concentrates on the former, sharing the shining rewards of her quest, and we are all the better for it. Thank you, Ms. Smolker, for such a richly written book.
September 3, 2011
As a dolphin, whale, and everything-in-the-ocean enthusiast, I loved most of this book. It was very informative and - at times - it was a really emotional and provocative read. There was one anecdote in particular about a blind woman interacting with a wild dolphin for the first time, and it was absolutely heart-breaking and I may have cried (a little).
I wish she had followed the dolphins a bit more closely. Readers are familiar with some names and personalities but the chapters follow language, mother/daughter relations, male alliances, etc. more so than individual dolphins. As an avid reader and aspiring writer, I would have loved to see the dolphins characterized a bit more. It would have been fascinating to see individual dolphins more central to the overall scheme of things.
All in all, I'd recommend it to anyone who genuinely wants to learn more about dolphins. They're spell-binding, beautiful, intelligent creatures!
I wish she had followed the dolphins a bit more closely. Readers are familiar with some names and personalities but the chapters follow language, mother/daughter relations, male alliances, etc. more so than individual dolphins. As an avid reader and aspiring writer, I would have loved to see the dolphins characterized a bit more. It would have been fascinating to see individual dolphins more central to the overall scheme of things.
All in all, I'd recommend it to anyone who genuinely wants to learn more about dolphins. They're spell-binding, beautiful, intelligent creatures!
September 7, 2013
This was such an amazing read! Smolker presented the results of years of research in an informative and surprisingly refreshing way. Her story was so creative and interesting that even those who were not previously interested in dolphins can enjoy it. To be honest, before reading this book I myself liked dolphins but didn't know much about them. Now, I feel I can appreciate them for everything good and not-so-good about them. Anyone who is interested in dolphins, marine life, animals, or biology will love this interesting story. It really opened my eyes to the lives of our animal counterparts. There are some things about a life in the field, researching these magnificent animals, that are not all that rewarding. But then there are moments like those expressed in this read that simply take your breath away. This book reminded me what it feels like to work with animals in a way that was eye-opening, informing, and creative.
June 4, 2010
Kind of everywhere. There are a few random completely awesome tidbits, like the dolphins using lionfish as weapons (I'm stealing this for my blog.) Not scientific AT ALL. (What do you expect with a title like this though?) When she discusses conservation, she doesn't mention anything one can do to help (like purchasing only sustainable seafood), but I'm glad she brought it up. For 15 years worth of research, I definitely expected more. Mildly entertaining for animal-loving folk and an easy read for anyone interested. Dolphins are definitely waiting for climate change to raise the sea level so they can take over the world. I did not realize how few dolphins survive to adulthood.
BTW, for some shameless self-promotion, if you like reading about animals, check out my blog on wildlife at http://backyardzoologist.wordpress.com/
BTW, for some shameless self-promotion, if you like reading about animals, check out my blog on wildlife at http://backyardzoologist.wordpress.com/
March 20, 2012
An interesting read, and one of the better of several books I've read recently on cetaceans (dolphins, porpoises, and whales). Rachel Smolker writes about studying dolphins as a graduate student, and what sets her apart is that she maintains enthusiasm while taking a much more scientific approach than the other popular authors in this area. Many of the "studies" out there have a definite romantic, not-so-scientific bent regarding dolphins. Smolker is cautious of assumptions about dolphin behavior, and discusses her research in a matter-of-fact way. The writing is decent, the research method is decent, and the subject is fascinating.
October 18, 2024
I found this account of the wild dolphins at Shark Bay in western Australia quite interesting. I've always loved dolphins - they bring a smile to my face any time I see them. She spent 15 years studying them, in what was then a remote, sparsely populated backwater. Apparently it is now a resort that caters to the many tourists who come to see and swim with the dolphins. I learned a lot about the life of dolphins, and found much of it surprising and fascinating. The book was well written, but could have flowed a bit better with less repetitive detail, such as listing the names of all the dolphins for each encounter.
August 20, 2008
unfocused but enjoyable. not nearly as scientific as i would have expected from a woman who dedicated much of her professional life to the study of wild dolphins. her answer to everything is, "we could study dolphins for hundreds of years and never know the answer to that question!" so, not that satisfying for someone who likes answers. a nice thing to read on board a cruise with my new elderly friends.
October 12, 2016
I enjoyed this book. I found it very interesting. I was only slightly bored a couple of times when her writing was more science-y. I'll admit i teared up at one point when she painted an adorable picture of an elderly man leading his eager, blind wife to touch a dolphin. It has its happy moments, its sad moments, its frustrating moments... It's quite good.
I got it from my library for, like, 10 cents and i'd say it was definitely worth the dime. Haha.
I got it from my library for, like, 10 cents and i'd say it was definitely worth the dime. Haha.
February 8, 2016
I love dolphins and I especially love books about them created by skilled writers. Rachel Smolker has written a truly beautiful book filled with fascinating dolphin stories and vivid, evocative descriptions of Shark Bay, Australia. She has also helped me understand, respect, and love dolphins all the more.
January 17, 2016
This book is the personal experience of a biologist. It's not a new age spirituality kind of book (yay!). I enjoyed it. It wasn't exceptional, but I enjoyed it. The reading level is about high school, so it's accessible for most readers.
I checked it out from the library. I'm glad I did since it was such a quick read.
Enjoy!
I checked it out from the library. I'm glad I did since it was such a quick read.
Enjoy!
April 17, 2012
A really good book following the lives of many dolphins in Monkey Mia, on the coast of Australia. This is an amazing book if you are in love with dolphins! It is a really good book and I highly recommend it.
July 20, 2007
Really great book about a woman and her science partner that spent years in Australia studying and "living" with the dolphins of Monkey Mia.
January 23, 2008
Light on science but highly entertaining and super hard to put down if you are into dolphins!
August 10, 2008
Had to read this book to do a report on it.Its fun to learned about them.
May 28, 2011
Rilettura: 16/27 agosto 2006
April 17, 2017
Un détail revient toujours dans les récits sur le monde animalier. C'est que même si on a découvert beaucoup de choses sur les espèces, que ce soit au niveau du comportement, du mode de reproduction, de l'alimentation ou de leurs techniques de chasse, les découvertes n'arrêtent jamais et il reste encore tant à apprendre sur eux. C'est peut-être en partie pourquoi les animaux me fascinent autant ; cette pensée qu'il restera toujours une part de mystère.
L'auteure nous partage le fruit de ses recherches qui ont débuté dans les années 80 et ont duré plus d'une décennie, les expériences qu'elle a vécues avec les dauphins, les informations qu'elle a récoltées au fils des ans, tout en nous faisant un portrait détaillé de ces mammifères marins mais aussi des lieux (paysages et villes) qui ont souvent été le théâtre de ses expériences. Dans les romans, je perd vite intérêt pour les passages descriptifs alors que c'est tout le contraire quand je lis sur la faune et la flore.
J'ai toujours une pensée, un léger malaise de penser que si j'ai la chance de lire sur ces captivantes espèces et d'avoir des renseignements sur leur évolution, c'est parce que pour apprendre certaines choses, des gens, qu'ils soient chercheurs ou non, ont du (parfois intentionnellement mais parfois sans le vouloir) leur nuire ou leur faire du mal.
J'ai été surprise par plusieurs révélations et même choquée de savoir que les dauphins sont, à certains égards, beaucoup plus proche des humains que l'on croit ( et ce ne sont pas les bons côtés de la nature humaine dont on parle). Si vous voulez garder vos illusions et continuer de croire que ces cétacés sont doux, gentils et dociles, je ne peux que vous suggérer une autre lecture, mais si vous êtes curieux et avez envie d'en connaître d'avantage sur les dauphins, vous ne serez pas déçus avec ce livre.
L'auteure nous partage le fruit de ses recherches qui ont débuté dans les années 80 et ont duré plus d'une décennie, les expériences qu'elle a vécues avec les dauphins, les informations qu'elle a récoltées au fils des ans, tout en nous faisant un portrait détaillé de ces mammifères marins mais aussi des lieux (paysages et villes) qui ont souvent été le théâtre de ses expériences. Dans les romans, je perd vite intérêt pour les passages descriptifs alors que c'est tout le contraire quand je lis sur la faune et la flore.
J'ai toujours une pensée, un léger malaise de penser que si j'ai la chance de lire sur ces captivantes espèces et d'avoir des renseignements sur leur évolution, c'est parce que pour apprendre certaines choses, des gens, qu'ils soient chercheurs ou non, ont du (parfois intentionnellement mais parfois sans le vouloir) leur nuire ou leur faire du mal.
J'ai été surprise par plusieurs révélations et même choquée de savoir que les dauphins sont, à certains égards, beaucoup plus proche des humains que l'on croit ( et ce ne sont pas les bons côtés de la nature humaine dont on parle). Si vous voulez garder vos illusions et continuer de croire que ces cétacés sont doux, gentils et dociles, je ne peux que vous suggérer une autre lecture, mais si vous êtes curieux et avez envie d'en connaître d'avantage sur les dauphins, vous ne serez pas déçus avec ce livre.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews