Birth Date: We're not quite sure when Freddy was born, arriving at the feed as a mature male. Due to the markings and scarrings covering his body, it's thought he was probably born in the 1960's or early 1970s.
Position in Pod: Fred was the oldest dolphin of the group, and before he passed away in 2007, fed alongside Tinkerbell in Lane 2. He was often thought of as the grandfather of the Tangalooma dolphins.
History: Fred first attended the feeding program in
February 1993, arriving around the same time as Bess. During his time we
knew him, Fred was attacked by sharks on three separate occasions..and
survived!
ID Features: Fred was a large male with a curved dorsal fin. Later in life, he was easily identifiable by his impressive collection of scars and markings, evidence of his old age.
Personality/traits: Fred was well known for his regular absence from the feeding program. At times, particularly in the summer, Fred would not be seen for weeks on end. Just as the staff were beginning to worry, Fred would reappear and station to feed just like he'd never left! He was very independent, but maintained a close bond with Bobo, and the pair would frequently be seen arriving and departing the feed area together. Fred was fantastic at babysitting the calves, Storm and Silhouette, and even though staff often referred to him as the grandfather of the group, we do not know if he was actually related to the other dolphins.