Get Closer to the Dolphins

Sefa holds a truly special place in our hearts. Identified as the first calf in our research project back in 2009, he initially stayed close to his mother, Somaya. Today, approximately 16 years later, Sefa has ventured onto his own path—distinctly different from most male dolphins.

Samih was first identified as a juvenile in 2019 when he was seen traveling with a group of young male dolphins. He is frequently spotted alongside Eno, Joja, and Balu. Whether these friendships will develop into lifelong «buddy teams» remains to be seen.

Didi was born as the third calf of Dodo in spring 2019. Even as a young calf, he was remarkably self-confident and enjoyed interacting with people. He was easily identifiable early on, thanks to a significant notch in the middle of his dorsal fin—a highly unusual trait for dolphins of his age, as young calves typically remain close to their mothers for protection and rarely venture far from their side.

Dandy is among the first females we've followed since the very start of our research project. When we first identified her in November 2009, she was still a playful, young dolphin girl. Today, she is an experienced mother, usually observed in the company of her friends Laura and Hessa—rarely is she seen alone with her calf.

Laura was first identified as a young female dolphin in January 2010, and has retained her playful and inquisitive nature ever since. Often seen near snorkelers and divers, she attentively observes her surroundings, always eager to explore and discover new things.

Hessa is among the first females identified by our research project. First sighted alongside Dandy in November 2009, she has since become a central member of the dolphin community in the northern Red Sea. Her life story is closely intertwined with that of the other females in her group.

Magic truly deserves her name—her life is marked by miracles, hope, and an unbreakable will to survive. Born in 2013 as Maha’s second calf, her early months seemed carefree. However, only a few months after her birth, she faced a life-threatening situation: her tail became entangled in a fishing line, and her survival hung by a thread.

Nour is a story of hope. First identified back in December 2009, she still carries the few fine spots on her belly that marked her as a juvenile. Today she is a mother of two – yet her first daughter, Narine, has been missing since 2024. While Nour raises her youngest calf, we have not given up hope of finding Narine again one day.

Eno is never alone for long. The first confirmed calf of Eva, he was identified in November 2010 and has been easy to recognize ever since by his distinctive dorsal fin. Today, at around 16 years old, he is one of the most sociable dolphins in our project – constantly surrounded by others, yet still searching for his steady buddy for life.