Dolphin Watch Alliance - Dolphin Sponsorships

Sefa — The Protector

From 100.00 CHF

Sefa holds a truly special place in our hearts. Identified as the first calf in our research project back in 2009, he initially stayed close to his mother, Somaya. Today, approximately 16 years later, Sefa has ventured onto his own path—distinctly different from most male dolphins.

Typically, male dolphins establish lifelong bonds with a close companion or «buddy» between the ages of 10 and 15. Sefa, however, spent many years exploring independently. Recently, we've observed a delightful change: Sefa seems to have found a loyal companion. Yet, the identity of this mysterious friend remains unknown.

Sefa shares a unique connection with our founder, Angela. He recognizes her immediately, actively seeks eye contact, and frequently accompanies her underwater—seemingly ensuring her safety. He matches her swimming speed, stays by her side, and exhibits protective behavior.

But Angela isn't the only one touched by Sefa’s remarkable personality. Divers and snorkelers regularly describe him as open-hearted, curious, and serene. Sefa approaches people and his environment fearlessly, radiating calmness and curiosity that is palpable.

Sponsor Sefa today and become an integral part of his inspiring journey! Less

Samih — The Resilient

From 100.00 CHF

Samih was first identified as a juvenile in 2019 when he was seen traveling with a group of young male dolphins. He is frequently spotted alongside Eno, Joja, and Balu. Whether these friendships will develop into lifelong «buddy teams» remains to be seen.

His lively and trusting personality makes Samih a favorite among divers and snorkelers. He is usually among the first dolphins to curiously and openly approach visitors, exploring his environment with enthusiasm.

In May 2024, life challenged him severely: presumably due to a shark attack, and possibly an additional collision with a boat, he suffered injuries to his back and dorsal fin. After months of meticulous investigative work, the DWA research team was finally able to re-identify Samih, relying on distinctive markings on other parts of his body—his dorsal fin had changed dramatically due to the incident. Visible scars still remain, but fortunately, Samih has made a full recovery. His adventurous spirit remains stronger than ever.

Become Samih’s sponsor and join this resilient dolphin on his fascinating journeys with his friends!
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Didi — The Daredevil

From 100.00 CHF

Didi was born as the third calf of Dodo in spring 2019. Even as a young calf, he was remarkably self-confident and enjoyed interacting with people. He was easily identifiable early on, thanks to a significant notch in the middle of his dorsal fin—a highly unusual trait for dolphins of his age, as young calves typically remain close to their mothers for protection and rarely venture far from their side.

As early as 2022, when he was barely three years old, Didi was frequently observed alongside older, but still juvenile males. However, he regularly returned to his mother, Dodo, until he definitively parted ways with her in 2024. Nowadays, he roams the waters of the Red Sea with other young males, waiting for the moment he finds his own lifelong «buddy».

His playful and daring nature has occasionally gotten him into trouble—like in 2024, when he became entangled in a fishing line. But true to his adventurous spirit, Didi managed to free himself from this predicament on his own.

Become a sponsor of Didi and help us protect his precious habitat in the Red Sea!
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Dandy — The Gentle One

From 100.00 CHF

Dandy is among the first females we've followed since the very start of our research project. When we first identified her in November 2009, she was still a playful, young dolphin girl. Today, she is an experienced mother, usually observed in the company of her friends Laura and Hessa—rarely is she seen alone with her calf.

Dandy has given birth to three sons: Daniel (2016), Dave (2020), and Dougie (2023). Her calm and trusting personality seems to pass naturally to her offspring—especially Dougie, who already displays the same curiosity and interest in humans as his mother.

Divers and snorkelers experience Dandy as gentle, kind-hearted, and approachable, yet never intrusive. Her presence radiates calmness and maternal warmth—those fortunate enough to encounter her can immediately sense her special aura.

Sponsor Dandy and follow her and her growing family on their remarkable journey!
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Laura — The Curious One

From 100.00 CHF

Laura was first identified as a young female dolphin in January 2010, and has retained her playful and inquisitive nature ever since. Often seen near snorkelers and divers, she attentively observes her surroundings, always eager to explore and discover new things.

In August 2021, she became a mother for the first time, giving birth to her daughter Lia—just two months after Farida, Ferdinand’s second daughter. Since then, Laura’s focus has shifted noticeably: once primarily curious about human visitors at the reef, her attention is now fully dedicated to her daughter Lia. Yet Lia already demonstrates great interest in her surroundings—a wonderful indication that Laura has passed on her adventurous spirit.

Easily recognizable by the distinctive dark mark on her belly, Laura consistently attracts attention—not through noise or dominance, but rather through her alert and confident presence.

Sponsor Laura and join her and Lia on their exciting journey!
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Hessa — The Experienced One

From 100.00 CHF

Hessa is among the first females identified by our research project. First sighted alongside Dandy in November 2009, she has since become a central member of the dolphin community in the northern Red Sea. Her life story is closely intertwined with that of the other females in her group.

As an experienced mother, Hessa has already given birth to five calves—her youngest son, Hutton, was born in spring 2020. Around the age of three, he was weaned and had to learn to stand on his own fins, as is customary among dolphins. But Hessa isn't only a nurturing mother; she's also become a proud grandmother: Her oldest known daughter, Hala, welcomed her first calf, Hana, in late summer 2021.

Hessa is frequently seen alongside Dandy—the two appear to share a special bond. With her calm demeanor, extensive experience, and deep commitment to family and friendships, Hessa embodies the wisdom and stability of the dolphin community.

Become a sponsor for Hessa and be a part of her remarkable family story!
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Magic — The Survivor

From 100.00 CHF

Magic truly deserves her name—her life is marked by miracles, hope, and an unbreakable will to survive. Born in 2013 as Maha’s second calf, her early months seemed carefree. However, only a few months after her birth, she faced a life-threatening situation: her tail became entangled in a fishing line, and her survival hung by a thread.

Yet Magic demonstrated extraordinary resilience—miraculously freeing herself after several weeks. A scar above her tail fin remains as a visible reminder of this dramatic event, but it healed well and never stopped her from living a healthy, free life.

Between 2014 and 2022, Magic and her mother Maha vanished from our sightings, seemingly swallowed by the sea—until one day in June 2022, they suddenly reappeared. But they weren’t alone: Maha returned with a new calf, and Magic proudly swam alongside her own first-born son, Monty.

When Monty was only a few days old, the DWA research team was fortunate to observe him up close—it almost seemed as though Magic proudly presented her offspring. But tragically, their happiness was short-lived: at slightly over one year old, Monty suffered the same fate as his mother once did. Sadly, he did not manage to free himself from the fishing line. Since 2024, he has not been seen again at Magic's side, leading us to the heartbreaking conclusion that he likely did not survive.

Magic’s story illustrates vividly how fragile yet incredibly strong dolphins' lives can be. Her scar symbolizes past struggles, but her return, motherhood, and unwavering vitality truly embody her remarkable resilience.

Become a sponsor of Magic and support the protection of these fascinating marine mammals! Less

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