An extraordinary photo was taken earlier this week (Sunday) off the coast of Tel Aviv: three generations of dolphins—a well-known female named “Hawks,” her daughter, and a newborn calf.
25 Years of Research
According to researchers, this is the first documentation of its kind as part of the long-term study led by the Morris Kahn Marine Research Station at the University of Haifa and the nonprofit organization Delphis.
The images were collected during a routine marine survey conducted as part of a 25-year monitoring effort of Israel’s dolphin population. The photographs were identified by Kim Kobo, a researcher from the University of Haifa, who was thrilled to discover that alongside the veteran dolphin Hawks, her daughter—once a calf herself—was seen swimming with a new, smaller calf, apparently the third generation.
Kobo explained, “Few individuals can recognize when their offspring have separated from their mothers.” She added that Hawks had previously been seen with two calves, in 2018 and 2021.
The Common Bottlenose Dolphin – Not Endangered, But Rare
According to Dr. Mia Elasar of Delphis, the dolphins observed belong to the common bottlenose species—the most widespread of the two dolphin species found in Israel, with an estimated population of around 360 individuals. While not classified as endangered, sightings like these provide valuable insight into the status of marine wildlife along the Mediterranean coast.
A Collaboration of Science, Volunteers, and the Sea
The survey was conducted in cooperation with the “Derech HaYam” (Way of the Sea) club in Herzliya and Delphis volunteers who were specially trained as marine surveyors. The researchers emphasize the importance of public involvement in scientific research and in protecting biodiversity in the open sea.
Delphis stated: “If you encounter a marine mammal, keep your distance, guide curious bystanders away, take photographs, and report the sighting to Delphis or to the Israel Nature and Parks Authority.”
