Marianna Boorman
In 1995 at the age of 13 I began volunteering with the Port River Dolphins when Dr Mike Bossley and Melody Horrill started the Australian Dolphin Research Foundation. Through Mike and the Australian Dolphin Research Foundation I was able to learn a lot more about the dolphins that inhabit the Port River. I learnt how to identify the individual dolphins and how to observe and recognise their different behaviours and characteristics.
I am a volunteer for Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC).
Since 1995 I have been involved with helping monitor sick, injured or entangled dolphins and helping with some of their rescues. I feel that we are extremely lucky to have them here and I am incredibly lucky to have them in my life.
I hope that you enjoy viewing this website and enjoy getting to know and learn about our wonderful dolphins that spend time in the Port River and the Patawalonga.
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Best Wishes
Marianna Boorman
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I have grown up with and loved dolphins for as long as I can remember and first met many of the Port River Dolphins at a very young age on trips with my family out on my grandparent’s boat.
In 1998 I was very fortunate to be able to do my year 11 school work experience with Mike Bossley and the Dolphins. Sadly this was during the time when two of the Port River dolphins were found dead with pellet wounds from a shot gun. This was when I learnt how callous people can be and learnt more about many of the threats our dolphins face from people.
In 2005 I was out on the water with my parents and was very excited to see the Port River Dolphin Billie with a brand new calf. I was honoured when Mike Bossley named Billie’s calf after me in recognition of my volunteer work with the dolphins.
As a volunteer I have been involved with rescues of entangled, sick or injured dolphins. As well as providing education to schools and community groups. I spend the majority of my spare time observing and monitoring the Port River and Patawalonga dolphins.
I was very fortunate to regularly observe Billie Tail Walking and observed her passing this behaviour on to Wave and some of the other dolphins that live in the area.
Over the years I have been able to see many of the dolphins grow up. It is always exciting when one of the female dolphins has a new calf (see mum’s and calves) providing us with a new addition to our Pod.
I am now very lucky to be a mother myself and my three beautiful children are also getting to know and learn about the dolphins.