JoJo the Dolphin
Providenciales
JoJo the Dolphin is a wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops Truncatus) that freely interacts with humans. In 1989, this dolphin was declared a National Treasure by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government.
JoJo is a male dolphin weighing about 880 pounds (400 kg) and measuring approximately 10 feet (3 m) in length. JoJo is different from many other dolphins, in that he voluntarily interacts with humans.
Dean Bernal, a wildlife advocate from the United States, visited the Turks and Caicos in 1981 and settled in the islands in 1986. It was during this time that he struck a friendship with the dolphin during his daily swims, and his work has greatly promoted the conservation of JoJo, other wild dolphins, and general marine conservation in the Turks and Caicos.
In recent years, another wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphin—Dreamer the Dolphin—has shown similar behavior to JoJo, and will often interact with snorkelers, swimmers, and boats. This juvenile dolphin was likely born in the Turks and Caicos, and may be related to JoJo. Like JoJo, Dreamer can be seen in the waters off the Caicos Cays and in the Caicos Banks off Providenciales and North Caicos.
Where to See JoJo
As JoJo is a wild animal, there isn't any guaranteed location or time to see him. He is often spotted swimming in the waters off Grace Bay Beach and near the cays off the eastern end of Providenciales.
JoJo is easy to identify because of the many unfortunate boat propeller scars on his back (dorsal side). There is a good chance of seeing him if you spend some time boating in the Grace Bay area.
Conservation Symbol
JoJo has become a symbol of marine conservation in the Turks and Caicos, especially regarding the proposed captive dolphin facilities in Grand Turk and Providenciales. Bumper stickers with ‘JoJo says NO to captive dolphins’ were widely circulated in opposition to the proposed dolphinariums, and can still be seen on vehicles today.
More information about JoJo and Dean Bernal can be found on the Dean and JoJo Story site.
JoJo is a friendly dolphin and swims up to people. However, do not attempt to touch him or feed him. Dolphins are wild animals, and may attack if provoked. Additional guidelines include:
- Avoid splashing your arms or legs excessively.
- Do not chase or harass dolphins, either when swimming or with vessels. They’ll often approach on their own if they’re interested.
- Do not freedive into the dolphin's space.
- Do not litter in their environment.
- If a marine mammal charges towards you, get out of the water immediately.