A pilot flying near Kaikōura, New Zealand, spotted a huge pod of dolphins on Sunday.
Chris Lierheimer, a pilot and founder of aerial survey company Upsite, saw the group of nearly 500 dolphins after taking off from a fuel stop. He described the sight as an incredible moment, comparing the dolphins to a “massive swarm of fish” as they moved through the water.
Lierheimer had his camera with him and captured clear photos of the dolphins leaping and swimming together. Flying at about 2000 feet, he said he enjoyed the unique view, which allowed him to see the entire pod at once. Having been on whale-watching trips before, he noted that seeing the dolphins from the air added to the excitement and wonder of the experience.
Experts believe the dolphins were likely dusky dolphins, a species commonly found in the area. Dave Lundquist, a senior science advisor from the Department of Conservation, explained that Kaikōura often has large groups of dusky dolphins, with pods of over 1000 spotted every year. Some scientific reports even mention offshore groups of several thousand at once.
Kaikōura is well known for its marine wildlife, attracting tourists and researchers from around the world.
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