Four dolphins in Bunbury’s Koombana Bay were reported with injured or partially severed dorsal fins in February and March 2025. The Dolphin Discovery Centre suspected human involvement, potentially a watercraft strike, but the April 2025 reports did not establish the cause. The Centre and Parks and Wildlife Service WA were analysing the injuries and asked water users to slow down, watch for dolphins and give them space.
What happened in Koombana Bay?
The Dolphin Discovery Centre reported four dolphins with dorsal-fin injuries over February and March 2025. Three were identified in PerthNow’s 6 April account as Tipex, Marrahsbuddy and Fakey; the fourth was unidentified. The reports described injuries ranging from damaged fins to fins that were completely severed, so it would be inaccurate to say all four dolphins had lost their entire dorsal fins.
The Centre said the injuries had similar patterns and that damaged fins would not grow back. Marrahsbuddy was reported to have given birth to her second calf of the season in early March.
The Centre said such injuries were usually seen about once a year in the region. It described four cases in this two-month period as a fourfold increase over that yearly average; this was the Centre’s comparison for the reported cluster, not an independently established long-term population statistic. ABC News reported the figure on 7 April 2025.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- Huggable animal measures approximately 8 inches.
- Biggie Higgy Plush Stuffed Animal Dolphin
What caused the dolphin injuries?
The precise cause was not confirmed in the April 2025 coverage. The Dolphin Discovery Centre suspected human impact. Its media and marketing manager, Axel Grossmann, said the injuries looked consistent with a blunt strike from a metal object and said he believed a watercraft or propeller was responsible.
ABC also reported that some injuries were suspected to have been caused by sharks. Grossmann said shark-bite wounds looked different. These were competing interpretations, not a published forensic conclusion: the accounts available at the time did not establish whether the original four injuries came from a boat, a shark or another cause.
Rank #2
- 5-In-1 Dolphin Stuffed Animals: This plush set features a lovingly detailed mother dolphin and her cute 4 babies. Capturing the special bond between them. More than just a toy, it’s a heartwarming symbol of love, family, and protection, making it a perfect gift for birthdays, holidays, or as a special surprise for any dolphin lover.
- Ultra-Soft & Huggable: Made from premium plush fabric, these dolphin stuffed animals are incredibly soft, cuddly, and safe for kids. The mother dolphin is designed for big hugs, while the baby dolphin is perfectly sized for little hands. A comforting companion for children and collectors alike!
- Exquisite & Realistic: Our dolphin plush set boasts beautifully realistic details that bring the magic of the ocean to life. Each dolphin features carefully stitched fins,shiny eyes and blue body. Its lifelike design sparks imaginative play and helps educate children about these magnificent marine animals.
- Educational and Imaginative Play: Inspire a love for ocean life! This set encourages nurturing role-play and teaches kids about ocean animals, family bonds, and the importance of protecting dolphins and their habitat.
- Unique Gifts: Beautifully designed and full of charm, this dolphin toy makes a heartwarming gift for kids, collectors, and anyone who adores dolphins. It’s a wonderful keepsake that celebrates the beauty of the ocean and the love between parent and child.
How were authorities responding?
The Dolphin Discovery Centre was working with Parks and Wildlife Service WA to analyse injury patterns. It also planned to increase monitoring with drones, vessels and observers on land, and asked the public to report dolphin sightings or injuries. The Centre said the cluster was concerning; Grossmann told ABC, “Having four within a two or three month period is just not a coincidence anymore, sadly.”
That investigation should not be confused with later reports. On 26 February 2026, ABC reported that the Centre had received reports of a cut to the back and tail of a dolphin identified as Fence, while the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) monitored reports and the dolphins’ health. ABC said the Centre had recorded five injuries in 2025 and three so far in 2026 as of that date. Those later cumulative figures and cases do not establish the outcome or cause of the original four injuries.
Rank #3
- Package Dimensions: 10.998 cms (L) x 16.205 cms (W) x 29.387 cms (H)
- Product Type: Toy Figure
- Package Quantity: 1
- Country Of Origin: India
- You definitely won’t want to miss out on grabbing one of these adorable plushies for your loved one
What should people do if they see dolphins in the bay?
The Centre’s practical message was to slow down, stay alert and give dolphins space. Grossmann described it as “an educational campaign just to ask every water user to slow down and give the animal space.” PerthNow also quoted the Centre’s request: “Please slow down speed significantly when dolphins are present or moving through.”
- Reduce speed when dolphins are nearby. This gives you more time to notice animals and respond safely.
- Keep your distance and avoid pursuing or crowding them. The Centre’s advice was to give dolphins space.
- Stay alert from any kind of vessel. ABC’s 7 April 2025 article stated that vessel users, including people in kayaks and on sailboards, must remain at least 100 metres from dolphins. Check current official local rules before relying on that figure as legal advice.
- Report an injured dolphin or a concerning sighting. The Centre asked the public to share observations to assist monitoring and analysis. Use the Dolphin Discovery Centre’s current contact information or DBCA’s current reporting channels; the 2025 reports did not specify a single reporting phone number or link.
What remains unknown?
The April 2025 accounts did not publish a final forensic determination for the four dolphins, a named official investigation report or a measured assessment of whether the requested precautions reduced injuries. The later reporting on additional cases likewise does not resolve the cause of the original cluster. Any claim that a particular mechanism was proved, or that a prevention measure was shown to work, would go beyond the published information cited here.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The dolphin plush is made of high quality plush material, soft and stretch, filled with elastic PP cotton, with good comfort, bring you funny
- People can play with the stuffed dolphin, use it as a pillow or just embrace it when go to sleep, will offer a sense of security, this dolphin pillow is a loyal companion of people
- You can squeeze the dolphin plush as a way to release pressure after working hard all day, also as a sleeping pillow for a sweet sleep. You will fall in love with this irresistible feeling of touching it
- This dolphin plush pillow can be placed in the bedroom, sofa, living room, office, and car as decorations. It can be held in your hands when resting at noon and sleeping at night, which can bring warmth and happiness
- These stuffed animals dolphin plush make great toys on Christmas, birthday or any other festival occasions, suitable for people
Rank #4
- You can flip for joy with this adorable little dolphin stuffed animal hugger as it comes with you wherever the waves may take you.
- This kids toy is approximately 8" Tall and when arms are fully extended, the Width is 12 inches.
- Adorable plush toys that are easy to clean and surface washable.
- No matter the adventure, this stuffed toy made of high quality fabric can withstand the toughest journeys.
- The best part about giving a hug is that it boosts self-esteem, help boost someone's with a hugger toy plush.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
