IMPORTANT MOMENT IN CONSERVATION HISTORY

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In the late 1800s, a worldwide conservation movement started to gain momentum. One question people asked was this: How can we save the wild animals? A mysterious fish, in a remote waterway, swam into history and helped answer this question. Meet Pelorus Jack, the New Zealand dolphin who won the hearts of travelers and inspired a nation to protect him with legislation in 1904.

FISH, WHALE, SHARK, OR DOLPHIN?  

When the New Zealand government decided to protect Pelorus Jack, they first had to figure out his species. Photos and film were blurry because the creature swam so fast. Experts disagreed. What kind of marine creature was this?

INSPIRING CONSERVATION STORY

Pelorus Jack lived near French Pass, a notorious waterway in the South Island of New Zealand. With gorgeous, lifelike illustrations, this story transports readers to New Zealand’s rugged shores where Pelorus Jack befriends sailors and locals in his role as guardian of the steam ships. As his fame grew, though, so did the danger from collectors, hunters, and adventurers. How could people protect this amazing dolphin?

RELATABLE THEMES

The story focuses on the challenges and joys of conservation, of making ways to protect wild animals.

This story of a mysterious sea creature features dazzling illustrations by debut illustrator Eva Dooley. It’s an inspiring story for anyone who wants to help protect wild animals.

Extraordinary Animal Books for Kids Series

Bird. Mammal. Marine Mammal. Spider. Amphibian. Reptile.

The series is much more than just an introduction to the animal kingdom. It chronicles the story of how humans interact with animals in various ways: how we enjoy, challenge, admire, endanger, and save them. It's a fabulous series for kids to learn about the amazing complexity of animals.

Science worksheets and lesson plans are available below.