At the end of the 19th century, a gray dolphin led countless ships safely through dangerous waters in New Zealand’s Cook Strait. However, he was shot and almost killed by humans. In response, the New Zealand government passed a protection act for “Pelorus Jack,” possibly the first legal act created explicitly for a marine creature in the history of mankind.
In the capital city of Wellington, New Zealand, there stands a unique dolphin monument inscribed with “Genius Navigator Jack,” commemorating a touching tale. Named “Pelorus Jack,” this dolphin served as a pilot for over two decades, guiding numerous ships through treacherous and reef-strewn waters, ensuring the safety of thousands. Moved by the story of Pelorus Jack, a New Zealand food company registered its trademark as “Hi Dolphin Angel,” honoring the intelligent and kind dolphin. Since 1989, the inter-island ferry service from Wellington to Picton has used Jack the Dolphin as its official logo.
Jack the dolphin
The story of Jack the Dolphin is documented in The Encyclopedia of New Zealand and Alexander Turnbull Library, part of the National Library of New Zealand.
Pelorus Jack, a rare gray dolphin in New Zealand, would accompany ships sailing between Wellington and Nelson, so named after the Pelorus Sound near where he frequently met with the ships. “Pelorus” meaning “compass,” hence “Pelorus Jack” could poetically be translated as “Jack the Navigator.”
According to sources, Jack’s legendary status began in 1888 when the sailing ship Brignier passed through the Cook Strait. The strait is considered one of the world’s most dangerous due to constant rough waves, dense fog, and full of hidden reefs causing frequent shipwrecks. Even in good weather, experienced mariners steer their vessels through the strait with fear and trepidation. That day, due to a sudden change in weather, Brignier was trapped in the “Strait of Death” until Jack led Brignier out of a potentially deadly situation. Initially considered an anomaly, Jack fell in love with piloting and continued to navigate near the strait, voluntarily guiding passing ships.
Jack always stayed in an easily recognizable area. He accompanied ships entering from Pelorus Sound toward Nelson and stayed within specific boundaries, ensuring their safe arrival at French Pass without ever crossing beyond. On return voyages, he would accompany outgoing ships for about 8 kilometers before returning to his route. Jack enjoyed swimming in front of the ships, riding the waves at the bow, and often interacting amiably with crew and passengers.
Jack’s reputation grew with his successful escorting of ships, and his presence became a tourist attraction for the “Deadly Waters,” attracting notable visitors like American author Mark Twain. Jack piloted ships for over 20 years; during that period, there were no recorded incidents of shipwrecks in the area.
However, his fame also brought danger. In 1904, a man aboard SS Penguin shot Jack as he guided the ship through the strait. Although the man was arrested, he was released due to a lack of laws protecting dolphins. Following public outcry, Jack was granted legal protection by the 1904 parliament. The protection orders under the 1894 “Marine Fisheries Act” and the subsequent 1908 “Fisheries Act” were impractical as they did not cover marine mammals other than seals. Jack is said to have been the first marine creature legally protected worldwide.
Jack reappeared after going missing for a while. He was still guiding ships, but with a scarred body, avoiding the SS Penguin, which he no longer guided. Five years later, in 1909, the SS Penguin was wrecked, resulting in New Zealand’s worst maritime disaster of the 20th century, with 75 passengers perishing.
As years passed and Jack aged, ships would slow down for him. However, all banquets must end, and Jack eventually disappeared. The last sighting was in April 1912.
This narrative of Jack the dolphin, who continued to guide humans despite being hurt, highlights the intertwined nature of good and evil in human nature and the karmic retribution of celestial justice. Dolphins helped humans avoid many disasters, yet some, ungrateful, even attempted to kill them. The story also underscores the harsh realities faced by those who harm good beings, as seen with the fate of the SS Penguin, whose passengers suffered not for harming the dolphin, but for being associated with the ship that did. This teaches that actions have consequences, and we must be cautious.
Translated by Katy Liu and edited by Amanda
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