Dolphins: The Wild Side

I know Flipper was cute and harmless, but it turns out that dolphins can be every bit as nasty as human beings. Gangs of strong males pick on younger or smaller dolphins, bottlenose dolphins are known to kill for reasons other than hunger, and killer whales (really dolphins) even hunt members of their own species. Their courting rituals aren't all that civilized either: females try to mate with as many males as possible while pairs of males try their best to prevent them from doing so. Another Hollywood construct of a lovable, playful animal is dispelled in this gorgeously photographed National Geographic special exploring the wild side of dolphin life, which also underscores the intelligence of these aquatic animals. They're certainly cunning, anyway, as they devise intricate strategies for rounding up anchovy schools and for driving fish into the shallows where they can dine at their pleasure. Kinda makes you glad you don't have gills. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud. I, J, H, C, P. (S. Fisher)