Dolphins - Symbols of the Clean Sea
The Cres-Lošinj group of islands is known for its mild climate, while the place Mali Lošinj on the island of Lošinj is widely known for its health resort. Should you decide to escape from the cold, something unforgettable awaits you! The bottle-nosed dolphins, magnificent animals of the sea, have made their homes in the clear and clean waters of the Cres-Lošinj group of islands! BOTTLE-NOSED DOLPHINS The bottle-nosed dolphins (Tursiops truncates) live in seas all over the world. They can be found near the coast and in the open sea thousands of kilometres away from the nearest land. In the relatively shallow-waters of the northern Adriatic, the bottle-nosed dolphin is the most common sea-mammal. It can easily be identified by characteristic markings on its dorsal fin, visible when it comes to the surface for air. THE LOŠINJ POPULATION OF BOTTLE-NOSED DOLPHINS The Cres-Lošinj group of islands is known for its population of bottle-nosed dolphins, numbering about 150 - an unmistakable sign that the sea is clean. Dolphin Day, an event dedicated to the protection of dolphins, takes place every year on the 5th of August. The event includes educational programs about these magnificent animals, an exhibition of children's artwork, and interesting video projections on the world of dolphins. THE ADRIATIC DOLPHIN PROJECT
In 1987, in order to do the best possible research on dolphins as well as to protect them, the Tethys Research Institute started long-term research on biological, ecological and social structures of the bottle-nosed dolphin population living in the sea surrounding the Cres-Lošinj group of islands. This was the beginning of the Adriatic Dolphin Project and because of this the Lošinj population of dolphins is one of the most studied in the entire Mediterranean. ADOPT-A-DOLPHIN Would you like to have your own dolphin? Do you think it is not possible? There is a way to make your wish come true! Join the "adopt-a-dolphin campaign" organized by "Plavi svijet" from Veli Lošinj part of the Adriatic Dolphin Protection Project for the Cres-Lošinj group of islands. The dolphins for adoption have been chosen from more than 140 that have been identified in the sea surrounding Cres and Lošinj. To find out more on the adoption procedure, call 00 385 51 23 62 56. To adopt a dolphin, make a yearly payment of 200 KN to the giro-account number 33870-678-46946, reference number 12 along with your citizen's identification number. By doing so, you will be supporting the project, and in return you will receive a T-shirt, an adoption certificate, a photograph and biography of the chosen dolphin, and the "Plavi svijet" newsletter - "Akvamarin". Every time you come to Croatia you will have the chance to visit your dolphin in its natural environment! RULES FOR THE ENCOUNTER WITH DOLPHINS If you are fortunate enough to see them, please follow the rules given by experts: - Approach them slowly parallel to their movements - Avoid sudden movements and approach them at a steady pace - It is advisable to allow them to approach you: turn off all engines and stay quiet - Do not approach dolphins with offspring - Do not stay longer than 30 minutes - For personal safety, avoid swimming with them, feeding or touching them MORE ABOUT THE ISLAND OF LOŠINJ The Kvarner island of Lošinj belongs to the Cres-Lošinj group of islands. It is known for its 115 years of tourist tradition and mild climate. This island, proclaimed to be a health resort in 1892, is famous for its kilometres of walkways through the pinewood and numerous types of animals and vegetation. Natural beauties are the bays of Čikat and Sunčana uvala and the small islands of Koludarac and Murtar. The nearby island of Susak, a phenomenon, is the only sand island in the Adriatic.
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