Between Species : Celebrating the Dolphin-human Bond

Dolphins and humans have always been curious about each other, and since ancient times the kinship between our species has been celebrated across cultures and continents in myth, art, literature and science.

Only recently, however, have we gone beyond our own view of this interspeices connection and begun to ask: What might this bond look like from the dolphins' perspective?This text brings together scientists and writers to help shed light on this intriguing question.

The selections range from tales of transforming dolphin encounters to views on how to protect cetaceans and their habitats, and from poems honouring dolphins to critiques of swim-with-the-dolphins programmes and acoustic pollution.

Pieces include Diane Ackerman's essay on "deep play" with a wild dolphin; Mark Bekoff's ethical questions concerning our intrusion in dolphins' lives; and the late Dr John Lilly's call for a "Cetacean Nation". The anthology explores the depths and beauty of the dolphin-human bond and encourages new generations to respect the complexities and responsibilities inherent in such interspecies kinship.