Man who refers to himself as ‘Dolphin Dave’ is cited for repeatedly harassing humpback whale and a pod of dolphins while snorkeling in Hawaii – tells authorities he won’t stop: ‘It’s magical’
- A man called ‘Dolphin Dave’ has been cited for harassing dolphins and whales
- Hawaii’s Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement received ‘numerous calls’ reporting alleged harassment involving the man
- David Jiménez, 65, posted video of himself pursuing a humpback whale and a pod of dolphins to Facebook, resulting in the citation
A man who calls himself ‘Dolphin Dave’ has been cited by police in Hawaii for allegedly harassing a humpback whale and dolphin pod during a snorkeling trip.
David Jiménez, 65, posted video of himself on social media last week showing the moments he pursued a humpback whale in the waters of the island state.
According to Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources, one conservation agency received ‘numerous calls reporting alleged wildlife harassment’ in regards to the video.
Hawaii officials said in a post Jiménez was ‘actively pursuing an adolescent humpback whale and dolphins inside Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park’ and has since been charged with two violations of state law.
In response to the allegations, the Hawaii resident reportedly told officials he will not stop swimming with the sea animals because ‘it’s magical and others do much worse things.’
A man who calls himself ‘Dolphin Dave’ has been cited by police in Hawaii for allegedly harassing a humpback whale and dolphin pod during a snorkeling trip
David Jiménez. 65, posted video of himself on social media last week showing the moments he pursued a humpback whale in the waters of the island state
Jiménez first posted video of himself swimming with the whales and dolphins Sunday on Facebook, calling his swim ‘life changing.’
‘Well my morning swims are sometimes life changing! That’s what friends can do,’ he wrote in a post, still active on the social media website.
In the nearly four-minute video, the man talks to the camera above water before spotting a whale and going back below the surface.
‘Oh, I’ve got a whale friend,’ the man says. ‘Let’s go say hi.’
That’s when the man puts his snorkel on and starts heading toward the whale.
At one point, Jiménez comes close to the whale and even reaches out in an attempt to ‘high five’ the whale, whose fin looks to be within an arms reach.
Another person is seen swimming nearby, as well, also with a video camera in tow.
Jiménez continues recording while repeatedly getting up close and personal with the whale, which on average are 39 to 52 feet, according to Britannica.
At one point, Jiménez comes within mere inches of the whale and even reaches out in an attempt to ‘high five’ the whale, whose fin is nearby
Jiménez first posted video of himself swimming with the whales and dolphins Sunday on Facebook, calling his swim ‘life changing’
Jiménez continues recording while repeatedly getting up close and personal with the whale
The video prompted immediate outrage and backlash on social media, with many calling in to local and state officials to report the incident.
The Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) were sent the video and are currently investigating.
‘DOCARE officers received a video recording of a man snorkeling close enough to the adolescent humpback whale to almost touch the whale’s fin,’ authorities said.
‘When a DOCARE officer arrived on shore early [Sunday], they recorded Jiménez actively pursuing a pod of spinner dolphins. They recorded a video, in which they say Jiménez … was leading a group chasing the dolphins.’
Jiménez has now been cited by officials for breaking federal and state laws that protect whales and dolphins from humans.
The man is facing charges of prohibited acts in regard to endangered whale species and harassing wildlife in a state park.
While the exact punishment for the citations against Jiménez, however, a violation of the Endangered Species Act can be fined up to $ 25,000 or imprisoned for not more than six months.
On average, humpback whales can be 39 to 52 feet, according to Britannica
Jiménez told officials he will continue to swim with dolphins and whales in violation of the law because ‘it’s magical and others do much worse things’
Despite the citations, he insists he did nothing wrong, according to the agency
Jiménez is slated to appear in the Kona District court on May 11
Despite the citations, he insists he did nothing wrong, according to the agency.
In a post on Monday, officials said Jiménez told them he will continue to swim with dolphins and whales in violation of the law because ‘it’s magical and others do much worse things.’
Jiménez will appear in the Kona District court on May 11.
Officials ask that anyone suspected of abusing wildlife or animals call the Department of Land and Natural Resources tip line at 808-643-DLNR.
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