The Saga of Pelorus Jack Author:Ross E. Hutchins Thousands have thrilled to the antics of dolphins and porpoises in aquariums everywhere, and recently these amazing and amusing mammals have become popular movie and TV stars. But eighty years ago a dolphin named Pelorus Jack rode his own wave to fame, becoming even more renowned than his modern relatives. In fact, in 1904, he became so famous... more » that the New Zealand government passed a special law protecting him.
Pelorus Jack may have been rejected by other dolphins because he was an albino, but in any case he seemed to prefer the company of men and their ships. When Jack spotted a ship coming through the dangerous waters of Cook Strait in New Zealand, he would rapidly swim up to it, position himself just in front, and guide it through the reefs, using the delicate range-finding "sonar" that all dolphins possess. For over twenty years, every ship that Jack guided passed safely through the strait.
However, "The Saga of Pelorus Jack" is more than the dramatic story of a legendary dolphin. In following Jack's career from his birth to his disappearance from the strait, Dr. Hutchins clearly demonstrates why scientists consider the dolphin one of the earth's most intelligent creatures. And once again, Mr. Connolly proves his ability to capture in his illustrations the beauty and grace of animals in their natural surroundings.
All in all, the exciting, factual prose and the charmingly evocative illustrations provide a fitting memorial for the Pilot of Cook Strait, Pelorus Jack.« less