[image: The story of Pelorus Jack]
Pelorus Jack, a Risso’s dolphin (uncommon in New Zealand) that accompanied
ships travelling between Wellington and Nelson, was the first dolphin in
the world to be protected by law. He was so named because he would meet
boats at the entrance to Pelorus Sound, in the Marlborough Sounds. First
noticed in 1888 when he joined a steamer bound for Nelson, Pelorus Jack
spent the next 24 years escorting boats from Pelorus Sound to treacherous
French Pass, a narrow stretch of water between D’Urville Island and the
mainland, where the water surges through at up to 8 knots.
Pelorus Jack always remained within a well-defined area. He joined boats
heading for Nelson at the entrance to Pelorus Sound and swam to, but never
through, French Pass. On the reverse journey, he met ships as they came out
of the pass, staying with them for the 8 kilometres to Pelorus Sound before
going his own way. He enjoyed swimming up against the boats and riding
their bow waves.
Over the years, his fame grew. However, his celebrity attracted not only
well wishers; in the early 1900s someone fired at him from a steamer.
People demanded that Pelorus Jack be protected by law, which led to a 1904
order in council (renewed twice before he died). Pelorus Jack had become a
tourist attraction, drawing such well-known figures as American writer Mark
Twain and English author Frank T. Bullen.
In 1904, someone aboard the SS Penguin tried to shoot Pelorus Jack with a
rifle. Despite the attempt at his life, Pelorus Jack continued to help
ships. According to folklore, however, Pelorus Jack no longer helped the
*Penguin*, which shipwrecked in Cook Strait in 1909.
*Following the shooting incident, a law was proposed to protect Pelorus
Jack. He became protected by Order in Council under the Sea Fisheries Act
on 26 September 1904. Pelorus Jack remained protected by that law until his
disappearance in 1912. It is believed that Pelorus Jack was the first
individual sea creature protected by law in any country.*
Mystery surrounds Pelorus Jack’s death. Many believed that he was harpooned
by Norwegian whalers, anchored off the entrance to Pelorus Sound in late
April 1912. There is an account of an anonymous deathbed confession by a
man who said he helped his father kill a dolphin stranded after a storm.
They later realised it had been Pelorus Jack. Although there had been no
alternative, the man was haunted by his action for the rest of this life.
Charlie Moeller, who maintained the marine light at French Pass, claims
Pelorus Jack was washed up on a beach, where his carcass rotted. This
latter account is likely; the dolphin was at least 24 years old, and
probably died of old age.
The legend of Pelorus Jack lived on after his death. A chocolate bar was
named after him and he is the subject of a number of songs.
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