Research on Tangalooma's Responsible Dolphin Feeding
Tangalooma is committed to research that will help to protect and conserve dolphins. The Resort's wild dolphin feeding program is one of the longest-running in the world, and it has provided valuable data on dolphin behavior, health, and ecology.
Since its inception, Tangalooma's Wild Dolphin Feeding program has engaged research teams from all over the world to assist us in developing best practice for the health and survival of dolphins, with many leading academics publishing numerous papers in scientific journals all over the world. Tangalooma is committed to using its research to make a positive difference for dolphins, and the resort is proud to be a leader in the field of dolphin conservation.
Below is just some of the multitude of academic papers that were based on studies of the Tangalooma dolphin feeding program and the qualities of its environmental educational messaging, to inspire all generations and cultures to care for the environments of these incredible creatures. There is also a research paper that explores the history of human and dolphin interactions at Moreton Island (Mulgumpin) and the unique cooperative relationship the traditional owners had with the dolphins of the region.
Survival of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops sp.) calves at a wild dolphin provisioning program, Tangalooma, Australia
Author: Neil, David T. (School of Geography, Planning and Architecture, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia) and Holmes, Bonnie J. (Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries, Brisbane, Australia) (2008)
Abstract: Mortality of calves born to provisioned mothers is identified in the literature as an issue of concern in dolphin provisioning programs. Wild dolphin provisioning at Tangalooma, Moreton Island, Australia has been occurring since 1992. At Tangalooma, the calf survival rate is 100%, including both orphaned and first-born calves, both of which are expected to have relatively low survival rates.
Wild Dolphin Provisioning at Tangalooma, Moreton Island: An Evaluation
Author: Neil, David T. (Department of Geographical Sciences and Planning, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia) and Brieze, Ilze. (School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia) (1998)
Abstract: Wild bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) have been provisioned at Tangalooma, Moreton Island since 1992. This paper provides a brief summary of the history of human -dolphin interactions in Moreton Bay and an overview of the management regime established by the Tangalooma Resort. The outcomes of the Tangalooma provisioning program are contrasted with those reported from other dolphin provisioning programs
The Effectiveness of Environmental Education: Can We Turn Tourists into ‘Greenies’?
Author: Orams, Mark B. (Department of Management Systems, Massey University — Albany, New Zealand) (1997)
Abstract: A study which tested the effectiveness of an education programme for managing tourists was conducted at Tangalooma, Australia. At this holiday resort tourists are able to handfeed a group of wild dolphins which visit the shallow waters adjacent to the resort’s beach. The education programme, which uses techniques derived from cognitive psychology and learning theory, attempted to prompt increased enjoyment, knowledge and improved environmental attitudes, intentions and behaviour in participants. The study, which compared a control group who were not exposed to the education with an experiment group who were, found that desirable changes did occur as a result of the programme. This research provides much needed evidence that education can be an effective means of managing tourists’ interaction with wildlife and the natural environment.
Cooperative fishing interactions between Aboriginal Australians and dolphins in eastern Australia
Author: Neil, David T. (Department of Geographical Sciences and Planning, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia) (2002)
Abstract: Published eyewitness accounts and stories from Aboriginal Australians are used to provide an overview of the geographical extent and characteristics of cooperative fishing between Aboriginal Australians and dolphins in eastern Australia. These sources indicate that cooperative fishing was geographically widespread in eastern Australia,involved both bottlenose dolphins and orcas,and had a significance (emotional and spiritual) to Aboriginal people beyond the acquisition of food. These fishing interactions represent both context and precedent for the economic and emotional objectives of contemporary human–dolphin interactions such as dolphin provisioning.
Other notable Academic research & journals on dolphin behaviours made possible with support from Tangalooma, and the study of dolphins in the Tangalooma program
Geographic variations in the whistles of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) along the east and west coasts of Australia.
Author: Elizabeth Hawkins (Southern Cross University) (2010)
Abstract: This study investigated whistle variations in four bottlenose dolphin populations across Australia's east and west coasts, and between two adjacent social groups. Differences in acoustic parameters between geographically separated populations were likely influenced by local environmental conditions. In contrast, few differences were found between adjacent social groups, suggesting vocal learning from intermixing. While a small number of whistle types were shared, most repertoires were unique to their population, a trait likely driven by the species' complex social organisation.
Observations on the Remarkable (and Mysterious) Wound-Healing Process of the Bottlenose Dolphin
Author: Dr Michael A Zasloff (Georgetown University) (2011)
Abstract: Observations of bottlenose dolphins reveal a remarkable capacity to heal from severe wounds with little evidence of pain or infection. This unique process involves the regeneration of tissue with minimal scarring, restoring the animal's original body shape. Researchers theorise this resilience may be due to the dolphin's blubber, which contains antimicrobial organohalogen compounds that help prevent infection..
"Gift Giving" by Wild Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops sp.) to Humans at a Wild Dolphin Provisioning Program, Tangalooma, Australia
Author: Bonnie J. Holmes (The University of Queensland) and David T. Neil (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry; & The University of Queensland) (2012)
Abstract: This paper investigates the phenomenon of "gift giving" by wild bottlenose dolphins to humans at the Tangalooma provisioning program. Biologists documented 23 instances between 1998 and 2011 where dolphins offered wild-caught prey to staff members. The study analyzes these events, exploring behavioral explanations such as play, prey sharing, and teaching. The research concludes this behavior is a manifestation of the unique relationship between the dolphins and humans, and has become an established, though infrequent, part of the local dolphin culture.
Flexible information within the communication signals of wild, provisioned Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins
Author: Barry McGovern (The University of Queensland) (2022)
Abstract: This thesis investigates how wild, provisioned dolphins at Tangalooma encode 'flexible' information related to their motivational state within their communication signals. The study examined signature whistles and burst-pulse sounds, finding that the production rate and acoustic structure of these signals changed depending on the dolphin's level of arousal (e.g., affiliative, aggressive, or sexual states). The results demonstrate that, similar to terrestrial mammals, these dolphins modify their vocalizations to convey information beyond simple identity, highlighting the vital role of these sounds in their complex social lives.
Balance between stability and variability in bottlenose dolphin signature whistles offers potential for additional information.
Author: Ekaterina Ovsyanikova (University of Queensland), Barry McGovern (Pacific Whale Foundation), Elizabeth Hawkins (Dolphin Research Australia), Léonie Huijser (University of Queensland), Rebecca Dunlop (University of Queensland), and Michael Noad (University of Queensland)(2025)
Abstract: This study assessed the long-term (15-year) stability and variability of signature whistles from the provisioned Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins at Moreton Island, using acoustic recordings from 2002 and 2017-2018. Results demonstrated that whistle contours remain highly stable over time, preserving individual identity. However, they also possess sufficient variation to potentially contain additional information related to social and behavioral context. Whistles with more complex frequency modulation showed greater variability, suggesting a balance between stability for identity and flexibility for richer communication.